Help Me DIY a Replacement Mazda CX5 Luggage Compartment Light

Hi all,

The luggage compartment light in my Mazda CX5 has just died. When taking the car to the service centre, they said one of the component inside the car to make it work is broken, and it costs $350 to replace.

I can't believe it! So I bought myself a replacement bulb and test it myself. I'm afraid they are right because it won't turn on.

My post is to ask for the creative OzBargainers for advice for a cheaper diy light that is more affordable.

I have a cigarette lighter at the trunk, unfortunately it only has power when the ignition is switched to standby. This isn't ideal as usually the ignition is off when I need something from the trunk.

My options so far are:
1. Movement sensor night lights. Pros: cheap, easy to install. Cons: runs on battery, not very bright, probably accidentally turn on by itself very often when the car is in motion.

  1. USB lights with cigarette lighter charger.
    Pros: very bright.
    Cons: only has power when the ignition is on, doesn't turn on automatically when the trunk is opened.

  2. Option #2 with portable xiaomi battery.
    Pros: solved the ignition problem, battery can be recharged from the cigarette lighter.
    Cons: doesn't automatically turns on.
    Is there a DIY auto-on sensor when the trunk is opened?

TLDR: Need a new DIY trunk light that turns on when the trunk is opened and doesn't need the ignition to be switched on.

Comments

  • https://www.gearbest.com/night-lights/pp_699179.html

    USB powered, motion/light sensitive. Heck it comes with a built in battery so you don't even need a powerbank, just plug it into an adapter for the 12V outlet.

    • Thanks man. But with motion sensor, I think it would be on almost too often when the car is in motion?

      • +1

        Oh hmm. Also I realized that you need the opposite to a normal light sensor because you want it off when it's dark, but on when it gets a bit of light.

        OH I GOT IT. Give me a sec. You need one of those battery powered cupboard lights.

      • Since it's a PIR (passive infrared sensor), only human/animal body heat will trigger light - so motion from a moving car (that is, relative motion of the car to the ground it is driving on) won't trigger it…

  • +3

    It's called a torch 😂 Just have it somewhere handy. Can get ones that stay plugged into the 12v socket, just pull it out when you need it

    https://www.autobarn.com.au/aerpro-led-torch-12v-rechargeabl…

    Simple

    • Thanks man. Kinda looking for automatic hands-free solution.

      • +1

        But why? How often are you really trying to find something in the back, at night?! Can't be that often that a torch won't do the trick.

  • What actual part was broken and worth $350?

    • cant remember the name, it's to do with the hub to the car's main power source.

  • Is the fuse blow? Normally all car electeonic are protected by fuse.

    • He said it's like a hub or something. He said the whole thing need to be replaced and the part's cost and labor to do the job is $350.
      He said it requires them to take off the panel to do it.

      I think he is bullshitting me. But it is true that the light won't turn on even with new bulb.

      This is from Mazda service center.

      • I think he is bullshitting me.

        Why? You've ruled out the bulb, you should've ruled out the fuse, why do you think he's lying to you?

        • Because it costs $350. I don't know much about cars, I thought it is quite simple electronics.

        • +3

          @Bimo:

          You thought the electrics on a car are simple?! Holy hell have you got something to learn 😂

      • So u check the fuse is still ok?

        How old is your car, this can not be normal wear and tear. Can you use consumer law for this to repair?

        • It's just outside warranty. 4 years old.
          I argued that the consumer law should cover this but they say no…

        • @Bimo:

          Of course they will say no, go to fair trading or ACCC they may be different answer

        • @LoveBargain15: Tbh, not very keen to go down that path. Just no energy and patience to do that.

        • @LoveBargain15:

          It's not often that fair trading do much about vehicle warranties, especially 1yr+ out.

      • +1

        Sounds like the rear body control module which can be bought on eBay for less than $50.

      • Did you try google it? I think this may be common problem for CX5 so shpuld easily find youtube on how to DIY

      • $350 is actually normal. We had a boot switch that failed and it wasn't the switch itself or connection to it. Was quoted something similar to get it repaired. They had to replaced the whole part from the switch to the next wiring connection.

    • A $10 000 piece of equipment will blow first to protect a 5c fuse…

  • Battery powered LED cupboard light/night light.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/magic-living-silver-led-push-lig…

    • The thing with battery-powered lights is that they get darker as the power runs out.

  • +1

    Have you tried a different dealer ? How old is it ?
    Edit: I see you’ve answered that. I’d ask for the manager and argue while the bulb may blow, the entire part shouldn’t.

    Maybe try a regular mechanic ?

  • I have CX 5 too, how about something like this?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl_9C76UeZk&t=489s

    • Wow.
      It relies on the original trunk lights it seems.
      Very nice mod though.

  • Maybe splice in a cable from the interior cabin light?

  • Any USB rechargeable LED light will do. Just get one that is bright enough and lasts long enough for you. There are plenty out there for $10 - $20. Just remember you rarely need to use these lights anyway so no point paying big $ to get it repaired.

    • and if you leave it plugged into the 12v with a USB adaptor it'll never go flat.

      • Yup but I wouldn't even bother. I have one that lasts 8 hours on max or 24 hours dimmed. That would probably last longer than the life of my car considering how rarely the light is used.

  • Have you checked the canbus computer fuses, they're usually the micro blade fuses located in your fuse holder.Nearly everything is controlled by canbus system. 0.20c fuse or $350 technician?

  • If it was me I'd just run an always on 12v cable from the front of the car somewhere to a switch like this https://www.jaycar.com.au/door-switch-with-metal-fascia/p/LE… installed somewhere where it would be depressed when the boot closes and hook the switch up to the cargo light globe.

  • +1

    Should have got a Kia. 7 year warranty

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