Ambient lighting transition mod

[95ShoOff]

Hello all, I seen this question asked in a Fiesta forum but no response or solution. Is it possible via forscan or somehow to make the ambient lighting auto cycle colors?

 

[SHOrod]

I don't believe there's any pre-programmed feature in the vehicle to do this, but it is simply a network of RGB LEDs so if you REALLY wanted to add this feature, you could program up an Arduino or use a pre-made RGB LED light controller, wire it into the ambient lighting wires, and achieve the effect that way. You'd want to make sure to get the voltage/current correct though. I don't think the factory wiring has any current limiting resistors in the harness (but rather built into the controller) so you'd need to account for that in your wiring.

-Rod

 

[95ShoOff]

I don't believe there's any pre-programmed feature in the vehicle to do this, but it is simply a network of RGB LEDs so if you REALLY wanted to add this feature, you could program up an Arduino or use a pre-made RGB LED light controller, wire it into the ambient lighting wires, and achieve the effect that way. You'd want to make sure to get the voltage/current correct though. I don't think the factory wiring has any current limiting resistors in the harness (but rather built into the controller) so you'd need to account for that in your wiring.

-Rod

Appreciate the response. When it comes to any kind of electrical stuff as far as trying to figure out voltage and all of that, I'm at a loss lol. Now I do have a morimorto xbt controller that I'm planning on installing probably soon for my grill and side badges leds. Would something like a that work? Where would I need to tap into and would it be possible to alternate between the stock settings through MFT and the new controller?

 

[SHOrod]

The Morimoto controller outputs 12V so I doubt it would be something you could use directly to control the interior ambient lighting without also adding current limiting resistors. Since the Morimoto also uses the standard JST RGB interface, it is also then providing constant 12V and switching the LED grounds. I'm not sure (without digging out the Ford wiring diagrams) if that's how the ambient lighting is wired.

Alternating between the OEM and the Morimoto would require a switch (either mechanical or solid state) but is doable. I suppose if you were REALLY good about being sure to turn off the ambient lighting before using the Morimoto, and vice versa, you might be able to get by that way. Although I'm unsure what the "off" state from either looks like. If it applies ground to all pins, including the feed signal, that would be a bad thing.

-Rod

 

[SHOrod]

So I decided to take a peek at the wiring diagram. It appears from the wiring diagram that each LED has it's own currently limiting resistor, so there is a chance that the ambient lighting signals are 12V signals. I suppose it makes sense for each to have its own resistor so that if one LED or assembly fails it doesn't perturb the rest of the circuit. But that it's operating at 12V would need to be confirmed. The diagram also confirmed that Ford is providing constant ground (common cathode) to the ambient lighting and adjusting the feed for the RGB LEDs which I think is opposite of most RGB LED controllers and light strips in the aftermarket. But if you can confirm that the Morimoto is or can work in common cathode, then you might be in luck after confirming the voltages Ford uses.



-Rod