Acura TSX 2009-2014: How to Add LED Strips to Rear Bumper Reflectors
A fun mod you can do to your Acura TSX is to add LED strips to the bumer reflectors so they light up every time you hit the brakes. The additional components cost next to nothing, and all you need is a little know-how.
This article applies to the 2nd Gen Acura TSX (2009-2014).
Outside the showroom, the Acura TSX is a standout car, but that doesn't mean its owners doesn't want to perform the occasional modification to it to give it that extra bit of appeal.
One of the more popular mods to do is alter the bumper reflectors to make them light up every time the car's brakes are applied.
The solution is pretty straightforward—add a few LED strips behind the reflectors, and connect the new wires to the car's existing electrical system. Successfully executing the project is another story.
Materials Needed
- Two LED strips
- Dremel
- Two 470 ohm (or close enough) resistors
- Two diodes
- Some wire
Step 1 – Remove the reflectors
Pop the reflectors off. Now cut the LED strips to about the same length of the reflector, and then dremel out a slot wide enough in the reflector to slide in the LED strip. Use some silicone to close off the slot, and ensure that water doesn't get in.
Figure 2. Get your LED strip. 
Figure 3. Cut it to size. 
Figure 4. Find a spot that can be cleanly drilled through. 
Figure 5. Dremel your access hole. 
Figure 6. Fit your LED strip into the reflector. 
Figure 7. Use silicone to keep out moisture.
Step 2 – Run the wire
Run the wire through the stock hole. There are a couple of ways to run the wires up through the trunk—you'll need to remove a few grommets for this. To do this, remove the plastic that is in the trunk near the bumper. When it's out of the way, you will see the grommets.
Step 3 – Connect the wires
To wire the LEDs to the brake lights and parking lights, twist up the resistor and diode (make sure the silver strip is facing the resistor).
Now, the resistor cuts the voltage down to about 6 volts. This dims the LEDs for a parking light affect (half voltage). The diode, meanwhile, will prevent the power flowing back into the stock harness. To function properly, the diode end must go to the parking wire on the bulbs socket harness, and the resistor part goes towards the LED strip. For the brake light effect (full voltage), simply run a straight wire (with diode) from the brake wire on the bulbs socket harness to the LED strip (after the resistor). Essentially, what you have are two power wires and one negative wire going to each LED strip.
- Parking wire: 6 volts (resistor/diode)
- Brake wire: 12 volts (diode)
- Ground wire
Featured Video: TSX LED Light Mod
Related Discussion
- How Add Dual Power LED Strips Your Rear Bumper Reflectors - AcuraZine.com
