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I had some ambient light hardware left over from a past project so decided to up the interior lighting game on my Defender 110. Added RGB footwell lights front and back as well as acrylic LED strips lengthwise either side of the sunroof.
These lights are controlled from an app on my phone which allows me to create a layered lighting setup when combined with the factory ambient lighting. For power I tapped into the same wiring already in place for my dashcam (passenger side fuse panel and ground point) though another option would be to power it from the dome lights using an adapter (like the ones sold by PowerfulUK.com.
That lighting in the headliner reminds me of the 5th generation Chrysler Town & Country, which had teal ambient lighting along the overhead console. I can't unsee that, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Well done!
UPDATE: I decided to do a V2 of my extended ambient lighting mod. I used Land Rover OEM LEDs and VW optic guides for the lighting. The optic guides are made of ultra thin fiber optic threads wrapped in an opaque white sleeve. They have ****** ends identical to the fiber optic guides used in the Defender so they clip into the LED modules perfectly. I fabricated a splitter wire harness using OEM connectors and ran it from the ambient light in the top of the passenger-side dashboard, up the a-pillar, along the windscreen and through to the sunroof. Entirely plug and play
It’s not as bright as the previous LED strip owing to the Land Rover LEDs being very dim by default.
This is really cool… do you have a guide on how to do this with the fiber optic on the sunroof? I just picked up my 2020 110 X on Monday and this is one of the top mods I’ve seen so far
Last edited by ed1380si; Mar 13, 2025 at 06:21 AM.
This is really cool… do you have a guide on how to do this with the fiber optic on the sunroof? I just picked up my 2020 110 X on Monday and this is one of the top mods I’ve seen so far
DISCLAIMER
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. By attempting this installation, you assume all risks associated with modifying your vehicle. The author accepts no responsibility for any damage, injury, or warranty issues that may result. This modification requires electrical knowledge and may void vehicle warranties. Working near airbags and vehicle electrical systems can be dangerous. If you lack confidence or experience with automotive electrical work, please seek professional installation. Proceed at your own risk.
Steps:
You will need basic skills with regards to MQS wiring crimping, connectors etc. and an understanding of interior trim removal to get this done. If you are not confident in your DIY skills ask a workshop to fit this for you. All instructions are for RHD. Instructions for trim removal etc. can be found in the L663 Workshop Manual.
Remove/Partially Remove:
* Passenger a-pillar cover
* Passenger dashboard side trim (metal)
* Passenger underside dashboard trim (with factory optic guide)
* Overhead console (no need to unplug anything)
* Camera and rain sensor cover (black, behind rear view mirror)
1. Create 2 x y-splitters with one female (to connect to the car's wiring) terminating in two male connectors
2. Create a 1.5m extension cable male to female
3. Route the extension from the sunroof (middle front) above the overhead console to the front of the headliner, female end
4. Tuck the extension under the headliner to the passenger side a-pillar cover (removed)
5. Route the extension cable behind the a-pillar cover to the passenger side dash trim (metal cap, removed)
6. Feed the extension from the passenger side trim to where the LED connector is located (underside cover with LED optics of passenger side dashboard removed)
7. Connect your first y-splitter to the car-side connector, the dashboard LED module to one of the male ends, and your extension to the other male end
8. Connect your second y-splitter to the male-end of your extension cable
9. Connect the two additional LED modules to the female ends of the second y-splitter
10. Test for functionality. The dashboard LED and the two additional LEDs should light up with the same colour
11. Connect the ****** ends of the optic guides to the LED modules
12. Secure to side of sunroof frame, below the guide for the retractable shade, using automotive mounting tape
13. Secure led modules to car frame using automotive mounting tape to prevent rattles
14. Test sunroof retractable share for unobstructed operation
15. Reassemble
Added extra ambient lighting
