
This page
covers the install of my Maxxima 6 LED 2 inch clearance
lights. I wanted to add some lights to my lower bumper valance,
but couldn't find a good fog light that didn't require a bracket to
be fabricated. Since there is nothing behind the bumper in this
area, the light had to be supported by only the plastic valance. I
originally found PMI's website, and decided I could try their
clearance lights until I found surface mount fog lights. The lights
are sealed 2 inch grommet mounted plastic units. Part numbers are
146A for the light, 146-18 for the grommet, and 142-49 for the
electrical connector. I purchased all the parts at Redneck truck
& trailer supply (I'm not joking about the name) here in Tampa
for the grand sum of $10. Installation took under 2 hours, and was
very easy. I have photos and instructions below, and also some
helpful tips. Later, I found that the incandescent PMI light would
burn out, so I replaced both with the
Maxxima M34260Y
Amber 6 LED lights.
| Here's the Original light kit. PMI part number 146A & 146-18. You will also need the
wiring kit: 142-49. My new Maxxima light works with the
old PMI gasket and wiring, but you can purchase the
whole kit from Maxima. | |
| Here's the
tools. First use a 2 1/6 hole saw to make a 2 inch positioning blank,
then use the 2 inch hole saw to make the actual hole. The crimper
is for the electrical connections. | |
| Once you
have the hole marked and the pilot hole drilled, use the
hole saw with a 2 inch bore. Hold the drill firm so the
saw won't buck and mar the area. Make sure you use the
correct size alignment drill bit for the hole saw. | |
| Now you should have a
perfect 2 inch hole in the center of each recessed area. | |
| Run power to each
headlight parking light and drop the wire down to the new
lights. | |
| Use flex tube or
electrical tape to protect the wires, as this area gets
splashed by the tires. | |
| Next,
install the flexible grommet into the hole. The grommet's
plastic skirt should seal on both sides of the hole.
| |
| Now push the
light into the grommet until it becomes flush with the
grommet. It should pop into the cup of the grommet. | |
| Connect the power
connector to the back of the light. Also check to see that
the light is correctly seated in the grommet. | |
| Finished install, just need to see if
it works. | |
| The light should turn on
with your parking lights. I have an aftermarket alarm, so
these lights will flash when the alarm flashes the parking
lights. | |
| These small
PMI lights provide quite a bit of light. | |
|
Here's the
new Maxxima LED M34260Y
lights. The old PMI lights kept burning out or filling
with water. Maxxima also has a 9 LED version of this
light. | |
|
The new
light seems to have the same brightness of the old two
bulb PMI light. It was more money, but should last much
longer, since it's made of LEDs. | |
|
Additional quick tips:
1. Purchase a hole saw with different
diameters (under $10 at Home Depot). This way, you can use the 2
1/16 inch saw to make 2 inch "blanks" out of scrap plastic or wood.
You can then use the blanks as guides for the holes you will drill
in the bumper valance. Once you have the blanks lined up perfectly
where you want them, just mark the center holes with a marking
pen.
2. Use a small drill bit at first to start the pilot
hole in the valance. Then use the alignment drill that goes in the
center of the hole saw.
3. Since these are low voltage, I
used power from the truck's front amber parking lights. Just run a
power cord to each headlight and tap into the parking lights (make
sure you don't use the power from the signal flasher
circuit).

|