XC60 Boot / Tailgate Lighting

[DryDiver]

Hi

I'm frustrated by the poor lighting in the boot area and the tiny LED light in the tailgate is just useless. My intention had been to implement a couple of LED strips on the inside of the tailgate and simply connect these to the existing lights wiring.

The problem comes that the computer obviously senses the current on the LED and cuts the power as soon as I connect the new strips as they draw a higher current (still only about 0.3amps).

Looking inside the tailgate I can see that the control unit has a couple of hefty black & red cabled running to it which seem to have a permanent live.

I'm thinking I've got 3 options and would appreciate feedback from anyone with knowledge.
1) Bypass the current restriction on the existing LED, maybe via a suitable feedback circuit? or via the ECU with an ODB read / writer.

2) Run a cable from the 12v aux socket in the boot to the tailgate and add either a manual switch or relay to activate when the original light it powered.

3) Use the permanent live feed to the tailgate ECU and add the same switch relay solution from 2. This risks causing power issues for the ECU so would like to understand any options / implications from anyone in the know.

Thanks in advance

[Easington]

Personally I'd go for option 2 with a relay but the current draw of the relay itself may trigger the power to be cut so then you'd be left with a manual switch.

I'm presuming by manual switch you'd considered the old fashioned door pin type that they used to use for courtesy light switches?

[GJRLM]

Hi
I bought some of these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Volvo-C...edirect=mobile
You only need 1 but provides a sea of light in the boot
Plug and play as well
Cheers

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by DryDiver

Hi

I'm frustrated by the poor lighting in the boot area and the tiny LED light in the tailgate is just useless. My intention had been to implement a couple of LED strips on the inside of the tailgate and simply connect these to the existing lights wiring.

I'm thinking I've got 3 options and would appreciate feedback from anyone with knowledge.
1) Bypass the current restriction on the existing LED, maybe via a suitable feedback circuit? or via the ECU with an ODB read / writer.

2) Run a cable from the 12v aux socket in the boot to the tailgate and add either a manual switch or relay to activate when the original light it powered.

1 - very difficult and not worth the effort

2 - My choice but use an optical coupler relay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164736285...0AAOSwb9BaymBV

Alternative light as suggested above also worth a try...

[DryDiver]

Thanks.

I'm not looking forward to trying to get a 12v from the aux socket but it feels the best option.

Optocoupler is a good call, I was thinking a small transistor circuit to minimise the current draw on the existing light.

I may just ignore the existing light and simply add a small push switch for when extra light is needed but I know I'll forget to turn it off one day.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by DryDiver

Thanks.


Optocoupler is a good call, I was thinking a small transistor circuit to minimise the current draw on the existing light.

That would work just as well I think. Check first whether the boot light is switched on the +ve or -ve if you're going that way.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by GJRLM

Hi
I bought some of these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Volvo-C...edirect=mobile
You only need 1 but provides a sea of light in the boot
Plug and play as well
Cheers

I looked at these and note they are lists as lights for the doors - do they fit the boot as well? Did you buy one for an XC60?

[GJRLM]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

I looked at these and note they are lists as lights for the doors - do they fit the boot as well? Did you buy one for an XC60?

Yes, fitted my 2016 XC60 like for like replacement for the boot light. Provides ample light in the boot

[Stevepvolvo]

Originally Posted by GJRLM

Yes, fitted my 2016 XC60 like for like replacement for the boot light. Provides ample light in the boot

Thanks GJRLM - I have the same issue with the poor boot light so have ordered these - thanks again for the recommendation 👍

[archie159]

Has anyone found these lights (of the ebay type shown above) being sold individually - I really don't need a pair, and don't have them on the car doors, so ideally just need one for the boot!