2016+ Genuine Honda Civic Accessory Install - Interior Ambient Lighting

This video is about installing a Genuine Honda Interior Ambient lighting kit in a 2016+ Honda Civic. The procedure to do this install is the same for the 10th gen civic hatch and the only difference from this specific install is the colour of the LED. Type R interior lighting is red while the standard light is blue.
The car shown in this video is a 2017 Honda Civic Type R hatchback.

[@spresc2180]

Seems like one hell of a lot of work to have dim lighting in the front feet area. I give you credit for the labor involved. You must have really wanted that lighting effect.

[@piercedasian]

Oh man it was honestly a pain in the ass to run those wires. In the end I am happy with the results but geez there was so much stuff to take apart. I felt like my entire dash was ripped apart to just out in a little single led. But it is all stock so it is integrated perfectly and you’d never know that I ripped into the car. I am anal about how Kong’s are installed and look so that is partly why it took me forever to do this job. I am sure if did it again that it would not be as bad.

[@DGNG-dd3to]

He'll of s lot of work? I guess if you don't know anything about cars. It's honestly not that bad at all. All you have to do is really follow along. It's really easy.

[@MichaelRodriguez-zo8om]

I work in a body shop so taking things apart ain’t nothing new but watching this video does make it easier thank you

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked it!

[@felipepan71]

This video portrays my life. So much effort. Not the outcome you expected.

[@piercedasian]

lol, so true... it was a LOT of work for two tiny little LED lights... BUT... it is at least genuine honda product :) LOL.

[@OnwardGaming]

Thanks for the video. This is definitely the best install video for the ambient lighting that I have seen.

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked the video. Admitted it was a bit of a nuisance to try to get this video created b/c it was getting late, cold and honestly it was exhausting trying to film and install things all at the same time.

[@K20Elite23]

Just installed these today... very good video - made the install much easier for me. Thanks

[@piercedasian]

Glad you found it useful!

[@leatherneck75]

Thank you! Your video helped a lot removing all the plastic covers to partially remove the Radio to access and remove the silver trims around the dashboard to vinyl wrap them in matte red. My 2019 Civic Si now looks awesome with that red trim the Type R has.

[@piercedasian]

Glad my video was useful to you. You should do a video showing how you did the dash wrap! That would've been so useful!

[@ArrowsFlight]

“So I think it looks pretty darn cool” What a way to end a 27:00 minute video. 😂 Thanks for making this, I’ll be watching it a few times to install led kit as well 😄

[@piercedasian]

lol, sorry I don't have much flair do I ? lol Good luck with your install.

[@ArrowsFlight]

piercedasian No I think it’s unique and made it more hilarious. Thanks again :)

[@sul33t8]

Very detailed and will definitely use this as a guide to install my own someday.

[@piercedasian]

good luck when you decide to do the install.

[@been2damoon660]

Damn this video was amazing man. I wasn't even going to get this mod but your video was so concise. I'm pondering now...

[@piercedasian]

Do it! The part itself is a tad bit pricey and I would ONLY install it because of the huge labor savings.

[@been2damoon660]

@@piercedasian Yeah its about $95 usd here. It's not too bad considering its an OEM part. I'm going to do window visors first. Love your vids.

[@piercedasian]

Glad you like my vids! Hard to produce new content these days b/c life with a family takes priority. I try to do some interesting uploads but the car work has been slim pickings. Good luck with your install if you haven't done it already.

[@shuvang]

I didn’t think it would look like that. Looks unique compared to led strips. I probably will install this once I fix the ambient short in my cluster.

[@piercedasian]

It's a lot of work to put this little ambient light system in the car. I personally didn't want to buy it but it was given to me as part of my car purchase deal so I figured that Honda enthusiasts would like to see the ridiculous amount of work needed to put 2 tiny LEDs into this car.

[@shuvang]

@@piercedasian I think it’s more doable than dealing with engine and transmission issues for most. Lol

[@jesedelgadillo8290]

Looks great. Even better in person. I’d rather have these than those tacky ones you see everywhere on Amazon and other sites.

[@piercedasian]

Yeah the factory ones are always nice albeit expensive and at times a pain to put in BUT it is all consistent and pro looking just like the factory assembled the car.

[@planetfabulous5833]

Nice video! I'm picking up my '19 CW Type R from the dealer tomorrow and I am having them install the footwell and console illumination as well as the illuminated door sills. I think it will give the interior just that little bit of luxury without being way over the top.

[@piercedasian]

sweet! Congrats on the new Type-R. You'll love driving that thing.... it ALWAYS puts a huge smile on my face every time I drive it.

[@planetfabulous5833]

I'm an adult who will be getting braces soon and I now drive a Type R - I swear I must be your doppelganger! :)

[@piercedasian]

lol, I've had braces so many times as an adult (3 times in 15 years) that I told my orthodontist that I should just keep them on for life since my teeth are always perfectly straight that way :)

[@peterjones7658]

Excellent explanations and procedures! Well do one

[@NoWayNick]

anyone without drill bits, I used my Dremel tool with the bits it came with. the drill bit then the small grinding cones the smallest one then the bigger one. gave me perfect holes

[@piercedasian]

This is great advice. I actually was looking for a hole reamer for my drill to clean up the hole but alas my holes are a tiny bit jagged b/c of my less than ideal drill bit size (12mm was what I needed if I remember correctly)

[@superhulkful]

Great job, bud! Keep up the good work!! Very professional and detailed instructions. Hope to see more content in the near future :)

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching. What would you like me to do to the Type R? I'm not keen on doing any mechanic upgrades since I'm trying to keep the car as stock as possible and I've already installed my oil catch can.

[@compamac]

I had all of the interior illumination upgrades in my new Civic hatchback, now I can understand why they took so long to install everything. They did nick my interior in 3 spots in the process though. At least you were careful!

[@piercedasian]

ah you splurged on the OEM lighting systems ? Yes it is a LOT of work for what it is and its no wonder why the stealership charges what they do. No nicks on my panels but that's because I was being super careful with everything. Dealerships don't have the same luxury for time. How do you like the look? I kinda wanted the door sill lights but they were expensive!

[@ghandi1616]

Thanks for the walk through. I reviewed the video as I installed this kit and the center console lighting kit ... made my work a little easier. Also very true that you have to remove a lot of the dash and console for a couple of simple LED lights. Looks great when the job is complete though

[@piercedasian]

that's awesome you got it installed. Yes it is a LOT of removal for something that should've taken maybe 30 minutes to complete. Suffice to say that Honda should've made this STANDARD equipment in their cars. Glad you like the lighting effect, subtle looking and it just looks great!

[@fantonio234]

Bro..... all of that work for a very dim LED? I give you props for it but you could’ve gone with after market lights so it could look better

[@piercedasian]

I am all about having factory/ORM everything so the effort wasn’t a waste. I admit that the LED is a bit dim but that was what I was given so I don’t have much of a choice at this point.

[@7vSam7]

@@piercedasian lol, like D101 said... AFTER MARKET. that's a good choice, u won't even see the LED strip, so what if it wasn't made by Honda? In this case, after market is better.

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian You can always splice in another light kit...👍🏻😎..might take you 20min for both sides..ask me how i know..

[@typebeat.mp3]

just did this install today and very happy with how it came out. thanks for the guide, especially with the wire routing. but damn, it was SUCH a pain in the ass getting those kick panels back on correctly!! any tips on how you get those back on? i swear i spent about 30 mins alone trying to put the passenger kick panel back on -_-

[@piercedasian]

congrats on getting it done! Its an awful lotta work for an awful little tiny bit of light. That being said it is OEM and its a clean clean looking install that didn't involve cutting of any of the wires. The kick panels are a bit tricky. If you look at the pop rivets on the kick panel you just gotta line up the holes (duh) and finagle it in. Once you figure it out once that in the future taking them out is super super easy. Try getting it in on an angle. Honda's are actually super easy to put back together. If you're struggling with it, don't get flustered and angry, walk away - seriously... walk away, have a coffee or a beer and then go back it to afterwards. You'd be amazed at how easy it is after taking a break from things.

[@xLu7VaTiiCx]

Is that wire for a valentine one radar detector? If so I got a rear view mirror v-one mount for my 9the gen civic si sedan and I tapped a fuse and concealed the wire perfectly. It turns on when I start the car and turns off when it's off. The mount makes all the difference aswell and I even got a wire concealer for the little bit where I started putting in the headliner. Looks really clean and works great👍

[@piercedasian]

Yes I have a valentine 1. Good eyes :). I actually use a blendmount for my car and the wire was installed all the way to the fuse block. I considered using the mirror breakout cable but in Canada they’re super expensive for what they are and since the valentine 1 includes a hardwire kit that it made the most financial sense to use what I already had.

[@Bbc418]

Dealer already did this on my brand new Si, when I ordered it!

[@piercedasian]

hopefully they didn't gouge you on the install cost. It is very time consuming to put in 2 little LED lights.

[@mohamadalamenhijazi4510]

Great work to be done by yourself .

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked the video! I don't trust ANYONE working on my cars ever. I worked at a Honda dealership and the things that mechanics do or don't do leaves MUCH to be desired. No thanks.

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian Can you elaborate??

[@The_Scott_Bots]

I have been researching all of the after mods you can add to the type r and not many people have videos in good detail. Do you have a contact to where I could ask you some questions? I'd like to know about the phone charger and other add-ons. The dealers around me are making their profit by jacking the install price way up on everything. I can buy everything I want for under $2k online but installed at the dealer is over $3700. The dealer will not sell me the parts and told me they have to do the install. Sorry I'm not paying for them for something I'm more than capable of doing.

[@piercedasian]

Derek this is why they're called the stealership. What a crock of BS! They won't even sell you the parts? Screw them! Yes you're more than welcome to reach out to me and I'll GLADY help you out. e-mail me at [e-mail]

[@SuperKyle89]

Great video man, how did you get the cluster display to me red? From blue?

[@piercedasian]

my car comes from factory in red because my car is a Civic Type R.

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian The hatchback sport touring is also red.

[@RawKiller]

Soo cool man Can you adjust the brightness? I have the Same in blue and for me they do not have enough intensity

[@piercedasian]

it's pretty dim as it is but it IS tied to how bright the cluster is set so yes it is adjustable but not any brighter as what you'd want.

[@harrisnaim8490]

could you put a Honda Civic Sport ambient lighting package (RED) in a Honda Civic touring instead of the (blue)???

[@piercedasian]

Absolutely you can. Only difference is the color. All parts are otherwise identical.

[@joshuanato08]

Hey do you mind me asking how much did it cost for the whole thing with shipping and duties from collegehills Honda. Canadian Civic Si owner here ✌🏻

[@piercedasian]

ah, I didn't actually buy from College Hills Honda. I just got the instructions from them. I purchased the ambient light kit from my local canadian dealership and paid about $90 for it.

[@vleal1212]

Great video as always :)

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@zmohp.2060]

Do you have a tutorial on how to remove interior trim? I'd like to paint my interior rim with glossy red like yours...

[@piercedasian]

How to remove interior trim? The only trim removed are the ones shown in the video for the ambient light install, door panel removal and amp install. I didn't have the need to remove the other trim pieces in my car since it came from factory like that and taking things apart can risk breaking them. Sorry I don't have more content at this moment to share :(

[@dalehall2993]

Just buy the type r dash trim panels..i have part#s,or see your local honda dealer,then order them at hondapartsnow or another online dealer..

[@danpieters8920]

Can I order just the harness? I would like to use my own LEDs.

[@juniorcruz469]

How I miss my 97 prelude :?

[@piercedasian]

it isn't too bad actually. I would agree the older Honda's were pretty simple and somewhat less complicated than the new cars. I loved the 97 Prelude. My brother owned one and I was fun to drive with that torquey 2.2 liter engine :)

[@Juan1985g]

Awesome video... you know these cars well. are you in California by any chance?

[@piercedasian]

I WISH I was in Cali. I'm up on nice cool Canada. Why do you ask?'

[@Juan1985g]

@@piercedasian I wanted to see if you were local so you can install my accessories 😄. I'd pay ya ofcorse

[@tacokiller5638]

Have you taken the glove box apart? the latch just broke on my 2020 civic

[@piercedasian]

I have only taken the glove box out but not actually tearing into it to replace the latch. I would presume that it shouldn't be too difficult to get at.

[@mendenos]

Do you happen to know where the glove box light is? I took out the box can't seem to locate it. Mine burnt out need to change it. :/

[@piercedasian]

Yikes, I'm not sure. I'll have to take a look myself. My car is currently in storage for the winter.

[@BenjiZiggy]

I just bought 2016 civic, lx coupe and previous owner cut all srs impact sensor wires. Both wires have identical color. How can I reconnect those wires back? Thanks

[@piercedasian]

whoa, that's messed up! Why would they cut all the SRS impact sensor wires? The impact sensors if they have the same exact coloured wires then I'd closely look at the angle of how the wires were cut. Are you sure they aren't the same color but one wire has grey dots on it? If they're truly identical wires then the circuit is likely non polarized. They are after all, impact sensors so polarity shouldn't matter.

[@mushtaqmalik5881]

How can I get it?

[@spider84310]

Hello really nice installation! Or had you buy this kit thank you

[@piercedasian]

It comes as a kit directly from Honda. If you look up Honds civic ambient lighting kit you will see it for both the type R and non type R vehicles.

[@spider84310]

@@piercedasian thanks

[@piercedasian]

You're welcome.

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian Type r parts can be used on any 10gen civic..

[@paulusreynard4877]

Hello.. So the footwell kit light will turn bright, if u unlock the door/open the door? And the light will fade if you close the door while the engine is running? Is that how it works? Can u turn the footwell light off? Thank you in advance 🙏

[@piercedasian]

The sad part about this kit and the effort needed to install this is that it is dimmable with the dimmer on the dash and it comes on with the headlights. I do not believe it comes on with the door (i honestly would have to check). It doesn't get brighter or dimmer when you open the door.

[@paulusreynard4877]

@@piercedasian oh.. i installed it in my HRV, but when i open the door, the light gets brighter, and when i close the door, the light dimmed. However, the light can't be turned off.

[@willmiller6803]

Great video! Do I have an install video of that head unit

[@piercedasian]

I do not have a video of me installing an aftermarket head unit as I wouldn't even know if there is a viable replacement for the factory head unit since there is factory navi/security integration with the honda one. The only head unit replacement you'll see is the removal and reinstallation of mine.

[@elephantmoney]

Wow man. Too much work for me. Great job though! It's a shame Honda didn't have it roughed in for us already where we could simply install the lights if we wanted

[@piercedasian]

It WAS a huge amount of work and in hindsight it is SO not worth doing this. Why the hell honda made it so complicated goes beyond me BUT the reason why I did this video was for my channel and viewers b/c when I saw the install instructions I said "I gotta do this for my viewers b/c its is redonk!". Honda totally could've simplified the install but nope... why would they??

[@anthonyaceves3475]

I wanted to buy this kit but I want to be able to chang the color of the bulb. Can the bulb be changed to a different color or can a rgb bulb be put in place of the blue one ?

[@piercedasian]

no the bulb is not interchangeable unless you fabricate and build a customer light controller.

[@mendenos]

Is the cubby light directly behind the climate control there? Looks like it. I gotta change that too

[@piercedasian]

The ambient interior light is only for the footwell areas. Only two LED lights come in the kit with no additional lighting for the cubby/center console area.

[@FranzNaitsab]

did you spray paint your red lining?. because i got mine from amazon and its light red. not like yours maroon red.

[@piercedasian]

nope, no spray paint jobs on my baby. Everything you see is stock as-is from factory sans the upgrades I'm installing on my car which are also all genuine Honda pieces.

[@aandrewbrown]

Hey man where did you get that carbon fiber and red for your dash!?

[@piercedasian]

that came as standard trim in the Civic Type R.

[@catastr0fcm616]

Have you installed the armrest illumination kit? I bought and took mine to a dealer to install it and they don't know what they're doing. The light only comes on if the door is open. Any thoughts?

[@piercedasian]

I haven't installed the illumination kit for the armrest as I believe it is only for the sport touring and not the type R (I haven't looked lately if its even available for the Type R). If you follow my dash/center console installation video it is basically the same procedure to get at the lighting wiring harness. The armrest I believe does follow the doors and only turns on when the door is open. Don't quote me on it but it's pretty hard to screw up the wiring since everything is plug and play with no cutting or soldering of any sorts if they used the factory honda kit.

[@catastr0fcm616]

@@piercedasian no.. I called Honda Customer Care and I have the manual, and it's supposed to go on when the door opens and when the headlights go on, just like the console :( thanks though

[@piercedasian]

Hmm, that is interesting. I was always interested in installing the arm rest console into my car but that's good to know that its supposed to come on when you open the door. I learned something new today :). So to be clear though, when the headlights are on the console light stays on but if the headlights are off then they come on only when the door opens?

[@ROLS733]

Is the ambientlight always on, or can it be switched off anyhow?

[@piercedasian]

It is on with the headlamps if I recall correctly. I haven't driven the car much at night so I can't recall how they behave but I'm 99% certain it is linked to the headlights.

[@KakashiKyle9]

Doesn't it already have one? My EX-T is blue and it came with a blue floor light

[@piercedasian]

Nope none of the civics in Canada come with ambient lighting as standard equipment. If yours had it then it was the previous owner or the dealership that installed it

[@KakashiKyle9]

@@piercedasian how odd.

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian True that!

[@For_Cruyff_Sake]

Yo....great job bruh

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@tommydukes1979]

With the amount of money paid for these cars, all the accessories should come with it. You shouldn't have to rip apart a $35k car unless it's adding performance parts.

[@piercedasian]

10000% agree with you. I thought it was ridiculous to NOT have that included (among many other things) and to add insult to injury the cost of this kit is crazy too. Obviously I spared no expense to do this video but if I wasn’t doing a KZbin video to show people how to install this kit that I personally would not have purchased this. Crazy what these things cost and shame on the marketing folks at ANY car company for finding ways to gouge their customers. They’re all guilty of doing it.

[@user-vp1xo6rj3z]

Молодец

[@lilyvng914]

Im just going to purchase LED lights that light up more

[@piercedasian]

I would suggest that too since it was a huge amount of work for such little gains.

[@OMGGITSDAVID]

Great that it's an oem product. But the work put into it just to have a super dim light is not worth it in my opinion. Better off going with an aftermarket one.

[@piercedasian]

While I do not disagree with your comment about the amount of labor involved to install 2 dim LEDs that I wanted to maintain the "factory condition" of this car right down to the accessories that are installed. The Type R for me is a leisure/fun/toy car that rarely gets driven outside of perfect weather and road conditions with hopes that one day it becomes a desirable vehicle (similar to the original Integra R). The more stock/OEM it is the better it will retain its value. Will I ever sell the car even if it's worth more than the average car? Not likely but I can sleep better at night knowing everything in the car right down to the weather floors mats is Genuine Honda product (yes I'm a dork...).

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian The lights aren't made too be bright,thats why its called ambient lighting...and you can always add another set..Honda designed them too be subtle lighting not a blinding red light..

[@CJax749]

Any chance you’ve done the interior carbon; dying to do it

[@piercedasian]

No unfortunately not. I want to but the cost is insanely prohibitive.

[@CJax749]

piercedasian True; really want it myself but it’s a bit steep - CoxMotorParts is currently doing it on a slight discount, hopefully it goes lower

[@alanv_7815]

Where can I download the instructions?

[@piercedasian]

search on collegehillshonda.com

[@alxanderrodriguez460]

Same process for 18' Si sedan?

[@piercedasian]

The cars are all assembled in a SIMILAR manner so the removal process not surprisingly will be similar.

[@alxanderrodriguez460]

@@piercedasian gee, you dont say?

[@fila741]

No disrespect brother but if you pay 150 or purchased all these materials for a difficult install for these lights...you are a fool!

[@piercedasian]

well as a fool as I might be that in the end that is the price you'd have to pay if you wanted OEM/factory like install. I'm game for saving money but I did this video for my viewers not because I wanted to spend that kind of coin on 2 tiny barely visible LED lights. Last time I checked I was the only guy that shows how to install factory everything on the Type R.

[@jackmccallum335]

Any rattling from dash after taking it apart?

[@piercedasian]

None whatsoever. If anything the buzz I had in the dash is now gone.

[@jackmccallum335]

@@piercedasian that is awesome! Thank you for the reply 👍

[@piercedasian]

you're welcome!

[@jestinsaju6954]

Lighting should have been more brighter ✌️

[@piercedasian]

Yes I agree but it's super hard to do when I'm a one man show with no help. It definitely sucked in that I did this later in the day and it was starting to get dark real fast. I usually do my vids in the early afternoon but this and a few other vids were done late in the day. I will try harder next time to not do vids in the evening.

[@nickysterling2]

@@piercedasian I think they were talking about the lighting of the led

[@nihilisticpunk24]

Nickysterling LMFAO

[@shahzaibzafar629]

U literally dismantled the whole dash just to get a tiny red glow...

[@piercedasian]

yes, I know it was stupid... I honestly DID NOT want to do this job b/c it was a huge job for marginal gains when an aftermarket solution would've worked better BUT there are the folks out there that like the factory approved accessory install hence why I did it. I don't even notice the ambient lighting half the time b/c it isn't important to me.

[@shahzaibzafar629]

@@piercedasian then salutes for your dedication and work...

[@patrickleslie1991]

Too many bloody ads in this. Seriously, 6+ times this video has been interrupted. Unreal.

[@piercedasian]

That sucks! I had no idea. I did not do any additional ad insertions and have left it to the default settings (because they annoy me too). I will go and review my ad settings and dial them down. Thanks for watching and thanks for that feedback.

[@patrickleslie1991]

@@piercedasian good video though. It's unbelievably hard to find images/information about this factory accessory. Thanks!

[@piercedasian]

@@patrickleslie1991 that’s why I did the video the way I did because someone’s gotta do the dirty work so others don’t screw up their install! Either way thank you for watching and contending with the bs ads that KZbin viewers are constantly bombarded with.

[@speedsterwinston]

Wtf is up with everyone over using nitrile gloves these days. Are you afraid to touch raw plastic? You would think he was working with hydrochloric acid.

[@piercedasian]

It is because there are occasionally adhesive residues and dirt and “metal residue” where touching metal turns your skin (gradually) black that can then stain your interior fabrics. Hands get dirty, change glove... experienced techs know the value of protecting the largest organ on your body (skin) from anything that can cause injury. I used to hate wearing gloves until my skin was getting too abused where it was badly dried out and cut up and in awful condition. Gloves prevent that from happening.

[@omar...4250]

it waste of time

[@piercedasian]

waste is all relative. Its. a lot of work for what you get but it is factory like and everything fits together perfectly.

[@randomtech6115]

This light is so useless. Too much labor involved. Better to buy a plug an play off Amazon for 12$ 😂

[@piercedasian]

While it is a very dimly lit footwell light that the intent of the video was for those so obsessed about factory installs that there wasn't a video showing how to do it properly. Considering the cost of this light assembly it was definitely WAAY overpriced and ludicrous as to the amount of time and labor needed to install it. Would I do it again? Absolutely not but my fans and civic enthusiasts I'm sure, appreciate the effort and expense I put into this to show them how to do it right.

[@dalehall2993]

@@piercedasian If you need too explain it,some people dont get it...👀🙋‍♂️

[@rafaelj.pedroso2935]

All that work for a shitty light on your feet??... come on.

[@piercedasian]

Yes it's a lot of work but I wouldn't say the light is shitty. It is subtle and looks great. That being said, it was a lot of effort and honestly Honda should have made this STANDARD factory issued equipment since it is a PITA to install.

[@chileanc8907]

.....dude. really?

[@piercedasian]

really what?

[@tonyandcriselda]

all that work for 2 spots of light 😆

[@piercedasian]

yep, it was a BEAR of a job but I figured that it was something that someone on KZbin would want to see. I personally felt it was NOT worth the work but alas it does answer the question on how to do it properly for my viewers.

[@muhammadnaumantanvir8938]

Cheap light user