Mod Name:Additional rear dome lights
Mod Description:How to add additional lights to rear for
additional lighting in and outside of truck.
Date Added:December 8, 2001
Level of
Difficulty:Moderate
Estimated Cost:$26 for "Pilot" universal Hitch lights
$5 switch
$3 New bolts, nuts and washer
$5 switch
$3 New bolts, nuts and washer
Estimated Time:2+ hours
Special Tools
Required:Wire
strippers
This mod requires the Rear Shelf mod first. The lights are added to each side of the rear shelf. They take up no additonal space and do not interfere with the rear hatch when closed.
I used the same "Pilot" lights that I used for additional backup lights. They are 55 watts each and provide much more lighting than the 8 watts of the original rear dome light.
Using additional nuts, bolts and washers, attach the light to the rear shelf in an appropiate position. Use tie wraps to help hold the cabling to the shelf so it doesn't get in the way of other stuff.
I found a switch that is prewired. That way I wouldn't have to find a awy to protect all the connectors on the switch.You will need to splice the switch into the red wires of the wiring harness. For power I tied my into the rear accessory. I passes the wires into the side paneling at the edge where they meet the roof. By using the accessory outlet it means that for the 2000 Xterra I have to have the ignition switch turned on for the lights to operate. On the 2001 and newer models, the rear acc. is live all the time so it isn't necessary to turn on the ignition.
Here is the switch and one of the lights installed onto the shelf.
Here's a final pic with all my rear lights. Unfortunately, one of the lights had a short in it and burnt out. So until I get a replacement I only have one light for inside.
