Puddle Light Install

Peaty · 07-15-2006, 09:38 PM

I really wanted the Puddle Lights* for our B9 but I got mine off the lot and it did not have them. Later I found out that, at the time, these could not be had as an accessory dealer installed. They only came on a Tribecas if they were installed at the factory

I was happy to see that Subaru has made this kit available now

Whole Kit PN H471SXA100

Lamp only PN H471SXA010

Good place to get the kit (or any other OEM parts for that matter)

Direct link to the lights: http://tinyurl.com/obs8u

www.SubaruGenuineParts.com
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm
800.962.0822 - ask for 'parts' then ask for 'Jamie' (AKA SubieGal)
subaruparts@subiegal.com

The install isn't all that hard, but you do need to take your time. The side skirt is plastic and you need to work on a soft surface. Moving the long side skirt around the garage floor will scratch it up. So try to find something to rest it on. I took mine inside after I got it off and worked on the carpet. Tip: Clean the side skirt before taking it off and in the house. Get the carpet messy and you can get in trouble

The tools you need are minimal:

Flat head Screwdriver - To remove the side skirt fasteners

Drill and 3/1/16" bit - Drill Holes to mount lamps

7mm open end or socket - To install lamp hardware

Phillips Screw Driver - To remove fasteners and install lamp hardware

Stubby Phillips Screw Driver - To get wheel well fasteners off and the splash guard ones off if you have those.

Utility Knife - To cut hole for lamps.

Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl) - to clean the spots where you will apply double sided tape.

While this is specific to the B9 Tribeca. My guess is if you can find the wires to the dome light these can be retrofitted to most any Scooby. Just a guess though I have not tired it myself. If someone does let me know, I'll post the results here. To that end I've taken some detailed measurements and pics of the lamps. Just in case someone wants to give it a go.

You can download the OEM install manual here:

http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/down...?doc_id=139240

If that does not work let me know with a PM. I've also attached a scan that has the PN's for the individual parts.

Below are some pics of the parts in the kit.

Peaty 7-15-06

* Puddle Lights = A set of lights (two on each side) set in the side skirts lower edge that come on whenever the dome lights are on. Opening a door or unlocking the doors with the remote. They light up the area around and below the cars doors.

Peaty · 07-15-2006, 09:51 PM

Please download and have a look at the install manual. I'll post my pics (slightly more detailed than the manual) but the manual is pretty easy to follow.

If the side skirt is dirty wipe it down to clean it off. Then start by removing the 6 large head fasteners from the bottom of the side skirt. These are the type that you need to use a flat blade screwdriver to pry up the center and then pry the whole thing out at the base. Only have the center part out about a 1/4", any further and the whole thing will be harder to get out. See attached photo. I don't have a shot of the 6 fasteners on the bottom of the skirt but they are easy to find. If you have the OEM splash guards installed, there is one hidden under the front splash guard. You will need to remove the guard to get at it. If you need to remove the guard have a look here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5995

After you have the 6 fasteners, tug gently to undo the push fasteners that hold the sides on. The front at the top has some double sided tape holding it on. That should come off easly.

With the skirt off locate the templet marks for the lamp holes on the inside. There will be two and they easy to find.

With a utility knife cut out the marked spot. The manual suggested drilling at each corner to help with the trimming. I tried it once but I don't think it made it any easier. It just made more of a mess to clean up. The material cuts easily enough.

Peaty · 07-15-2006, 10:04 PM

After you have both holes cut, test fit a lamp in each one. You may need to do a little trimming. With the lamp in place, with a scribe or sharpie marker, mark where you need to drill for the mounting hardware. With a 3/16" bit drill the holes. After you have the holes drilled mount each lamp. Note that the rear lamp uses washers under both nuts (7mm) but the front has only one washer and the side closest to the front uses a special wire tie that will secure the harness. Snug the nuts down nicely but remember this is only plastic, don't go crazy tight and crack something. After you get everything snug, install the screw head covers. They just press in place. One thing I did, if you look at each lamp they have the word "Down" embossed. I made it so the word was facing towards the center of the car. Not a big deal but chances of seeing are less.

Here I've also attached some shots of the lamps with measurements.

Peaty · 07-15-2006, 10:16 PM

After you have the lamps in now plug in the harness. Start at the back and plug the harness in. Make it sure it clicks home and is locked in place. Now plug in the one at the front. Use the wire tie to secure the harness. After that replace all the lock push in pins. The new fasteners I got were pink (old ones black) except one towards the front that was gray. In the new parts there are two new gray ones (one for each side) just swap the gray for gray. Also, look at the top inside of the front edge, there is a spot for double sided tape. It may all still be on the car, if you see any on the side skirt peel it off and clean the spot with rubbing alcohol. Then apply the new tape.

Peaty · 07-15-2006, 10:39 PM

Now you are almost ready to put the side skirt back on. First you need to locate the harness up in the wheel well (this is the fun part) Depending on which side you are on you will want to turn the steering wheel so you can get to the back of the wheel arch's fasteners. i.e. working on the left, turn wheel left.

I'm sorry I don't have a good shot of how to pull down the wheel liner. I did modify the install manual page though. I really think you need to remove two of the fasteners up in the wheel liner as shown along with the 5 they show. The fasteners are similar to the large ones that hold the side skirt but they require you to use a phillips screwdriver (a stubby works well) You will need to turn the head about a 1/4 turn till the head pops out a little then pry up the fastener. These can be a bugger if the base turns too. Sometimes you need to hold the base from turning while turning the center. Pop the head out a little 1/4" or so before trying to pry the whole thing out at the base.

With the fasteners out pull the liner down by the fender lip only. To tug down the liner start around 11:00 and grab a lip you can see and work it down so you can see above the liner. If you look up at around 1:00 you will see the harness end taped with some blue and pink tape. Cut that tape. Don't try to tug on the harness to snap the tape you may damage the wires, that tape is tough. You will then be able to pull the harness end down. Remove the protective shorting cap. Now put the side skirt along side the car.

Peaty · 07-15-2006, 10:52 PM

Snake the wire up the side by the bottom back of the wheel arch. Plug in the skirt harness to the car's harness. Now you can test to see if it's working hit the unlock on the key fob top light them up. If they don't work double check your harness plugs are pushed in all the way. Next look to see if there is any double sided tape stuck to the car and peel it off. Clean that spot with some alcohol so the glue sticks nicely. Also, check to see if any of the sponge washers are around the holes the push fasteners will go in. They come off easly by just rubbing them with your finger. The new fasteners have washers on them already, you don't want two.

Remove the protective cover from the double sided tape in the front. Now you can place the side skirt up to the car and line up the holes to the push fasteners. Press them into place. I put a few of the bottom large fasteners in to hold it up while I lined up the holes. Sometimes you need to move the push fasteners to line up. It takes a little finagling to get everything lined up and secure. Make sure all the push pins are secure. Push on the spot for a little bit where the double sided tape is so it sticks. Put the wheel well liner back in place with the fasteners. If you are unsure how the liner sits on the lip look at the other side and compare. Now you are ready to do the other side

The other side goes quicker though since now you know what you are doing...

I'll get some better shots of the lights in action soon.

Peaty

Peaty · 07-16-2006, 07:36 PM

Couple of shots while the lights are on in the garage. One from when parked outside.

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