Puddle Lights

[ILoveAlliO]

Are puddle lights... port installed? Or can they be installed at dealerships? I feel that the puddle lights is a great addition to the Tribeca and makes it very unique.

Does anyone have any information on this?

[Peaty]

I wanted these but took my delivery from a car off the lot that did not have them. It seems they are only factory installed and not something you can currently add on later. I'd love it if somone could take some pics of the location and what they look like up close. My guess is a year or so from now the parts may be avaliable and I could retrofit them. I need to look at the wiring diagram to see how they are wired in. I have the service manual but have not gotten around to doing that yet.

[ILoveAlliO]

Thanks very much for your input! I appreciate it.

[Kevin]

Hi guys,

I took a photograph of my lights when I first bought the car on Sunday. I will try to take more photographs up close for you. Here is the image:

http://www.sb9t.com/images/kevin/exterior-glow.jpg

[Peaty]

That would be cool if you could thanks.

[ed@konceptracing.com]

i love the puddle lights, mine came with it as well, im sure you could get it installed aftermarket, might not look OEM but close.

[ILoveAlliO]

That's awesome. I will call Subaru tomorrow and ask if it is possible to get them installed.

Thanks for your help.

Take care.

[Peaty]

That's awesome. I will call Subaru tomorrow and ask if it is possible to get them installed.

Thanks for your help.

Take care.

I can tell you the answer will be no. I've looked into this already :(

[HB_Dad]

I can tell you the answer will be no. I've looked into this already :(

Irvine Subaru in Southern California has ads in their service department about the puddle lights and the way they make it sound is that you can upgrade your Tribeca if you already own one without. I'll try to find out more during my next oil change...

[Peaty]

If that's true I'd love to know the details. I've asked people that are "In the know" and also the accessory brochure says factory installed only. Things change though.

[HB_Dad]

If that's true I'd love to know the details. I've asked people that are "In the know" and also the accessory brochure says factory installed only. Things change though.

Is it just me or is pretty much damn near EVERYTHING on the Tribeca factory-installed only? Subaru really needs to get with it. I would've already bought one already if I could've just started at a lower price point base model and added the desired features as I go.

Also, they damn well better be adding some sort of retrofit so you can get the MP3 player center console ports installed aftermarket. I might very well buy a clearance '06 when the '07s start coming in and will be pissed if this is not a possibility. :mad:

[kaos]

I have the puddle lights installed on my Limited.
Below are some photos with the relative location.

I will try and get some up close shots this weekend if the weather permits.
From my understanding, they are activated (instant on/ delayed off) when the alarm unlocks the car,
and will begin to dim and fade to off within 30 seconds if the door has not been open in that time.
They will re-illuminate when you get in the car and fade off when the ignition starts.

I thought it was just a cool add on when I got them but they have proven useful in dark vehicle location places,
and in illuminating the ground as well. I have had many people ask about them and further inquire into the mystique only known as the "B9".:)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1668/dscf7030resize8nk.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4181/dscf7025resize4du.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6576/dscf7023resize4ex.jpg

[morey000]

great shots!
:clap::clap::clap::clap:

Now- can you figure out a way to turn them on ALL the time (or, at least at night) :)

[HB_Dad]

Port installed only. Apparantly, Subaru wasn't as forward thinking with pre-wiring just in case one wants to add later.

Hopefully Subaru will wake up on the '07s on up!

[Peaty]

Here is the strange thing. I was at my dealers parts department getting a gasket for my Forester. There was a little sandwich board advert on the parts desk about the puddle lights in the B9. I thought, great they must have decided to offer them as dealer installed now. (why would it be in the parts dept afterall) Well the parts guy was clueless and did not seem willing to investigate any further than saying he didn't know anything about them. I was in a rush and did not want to press the issue.

I did look in the wiring diagrams of the SM and other places but could not find any reference to the puddle lights. I could be looking in the wrong place though. I think they would be a nice thing to have, maybe they will offer kits later, hard to say.

[Pinochle]

The Puddle Lights are a port only accessory.

There is no discussion about making them available as an add on.

There are plenty of aftermarket options available though. :D

[eatV8]

The Puddle Lights are a port only accessory.

There is no discussion about making them available as an add on.

There are plenty of aftermarket options available though. :D

Who invited you here? :p

[nycb9]

The Puddle Lights are a port only accessory.

There is no discussion about making them available as an add on.

There are plenty of aftermarket options available though. :D

Really? Please, what/where are the aftermarket options?

Thanks...Joe

[kaos]

I would like to have them with a switch that allows an always on option when driving.

I dont see it as a legal problem, as alot of SUV's have running board lights.

[HB_Dad]

I would like to have them with a switch that allows an always on option when driving.

I dont see it as a legal problem, as alot of SUV's have running board lights.

Yeah, but other SUV running board lights are just a wee bit less distractive. The Puddle Lights are more along the lines of those rice-lights you see on a lot of street racers... all of which is too bright and illegal to boot (at lest in California).

[Jon [in CT]]

If you don't need to use a special model code to get puddle lights when you order the car (i.e. "factory installed"), then the car should be pre-wired for them. I'll bet the puddle light kit for the 2007 Tribeca (part number H471SXA100) can be easily installed in the 2006 model. Here's a link to the install instructions for that kit: http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/downloadFree.jsp?doc_id=139240.

[Peaty]

Sweet thanks, I will be checking into this :)

[Jon [in CT]]

Sweet thanks, I will be checking into this :)Before you order the kit, make sure the "prearranged connector" that's supposed to be at the top of the wheel arch, described on p.5 of the install instructions, is present.

It looks like a Dremel tool (with cutting blade) would be useful for this install.

[Peaty]

Don't worry I plan on checking for the harness first, I checked out the page. It looks like the kit costs around 160. I have 100 in scoobybucks so I'm good to go if it I find the plug in.

[Peaty]

Well I just checked a few minutes ago and my 06 has the harness plug http://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gif

I've got Jamie (Subie-Gal) checking on a price for the order. I've got 100 Scoobiebucks burning a hole in my pocket http://images.nasioc.com/ubb-files/smilies/lildevil.gif

I'll be doing an install page of course. http://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Thanks Jon for pointing out the install PDF. I've been trying to get these since I got my B9.

[Blizzard]

Peaty,

Let us know as soon as you get a price.

[Peaty]

I've sent my scoobybucks to Subie Gal and when she gets them in the next few days she'll let me know the total.

Some info here:

http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=926

I usually get my stuff from Subie Gal though.

I'm also curious about the cargo cover as well now they have the retractable one. Wonder if that can be retrofitted, hummm

[Peaty]

Got them ordered from SubieGal today, should have them in a week or so. I'll post up the results. She's also looking into the new style cargo cover (window shade type) to see what it's like and if it can be retorfitted into the 06.

[Peaty]

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=1089

That's where I ordered mine

[Peaty]

Installed them this afternoon, I'll be doing a page eventually. Was not that hard. One or two watchouts they but no big deal.

[Peaty]

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?p=23354

Page done

[Hum]

I'd love to have a switch inside the car to turn them on and off, anyone tried it, they are one of the best features of the Tribeca, people comment on them all the time.

[SoDealer]

I'd love to have a switch inside the car to turn them on and off, anyone tried it, they are one of the best features of the Tribeca, people comment on them all the time.

You're wanting to have them on while you drive... shame on you!:lol:

[SubOperator]

Just finished installing puddle lights on my wife's Beca. WOW ! What a nice feature to have ! :cool: I Was doing installation in the garage, and it got dark outside when I was done. I turned lights in the garage off, and couldn't see a thing even though I have two large windows. Next thing, press unlock button in the remote, and lights come up - very bright and clear. You can see ground on the sides for approx 1m, and light protrudes to the back also.

I modified Peaty's installation somewhat :

- I didn't use utility knife to cut lights mounting openings. Instead, I used 1/2" chisel to punch the openings. Plastic that rocker panel is made of is soft enough and is easy to work with; I used rough file to expand the opening just enough to make lights fit tight.

- Installing rocker panel back on the vehicle is MUCH easier with doors opened when you pushing upper clips in place. Once you click all upper clips back in place, there is no need to keep doors open.

- there are 5 similar and 1 separate upper clips in the package for each side. That separate clip goes into second placeholder from the front. I haven't figured why and what is the difference between those two kinds of clips (other than plactic head) but hope this helps.

- There are also two different kinds of clips that hold liner in the wheel arch. Two small ones are at the very bottom (counting from the where the rocker panel front end is) and there is another small clip at 12'o clock. All other ones are bigger. Note: you can manage to get to the connector without pulling out the 12'o clock clip; I did it to avoid stressing plastic too much.

I will be definetily looking into installing puddle lights on my LGT. Since it's not official option for it, I will most likely get lights themselves ( they can be had for about $20 a piece) and then fabricate some harness. Will pull off Legacy's rocker panel to verify puddle lights will fit.

I may also try adding two additional lights to the back of vehicle - should be nice for late nights shopping trips.

Thank again for inspiration and installation tips !

[Magic Marker]

I just spoke to my dealer as we are taking delivery on our 07 B9 this weekend. I wanted to know how much they would charge me for a set of puddle lights. He said that it was only a factory installed item.

I guess I'll have to see if there is the pre-wired plug and do the install myself.

[Peaty]

My guess is your dealer is too lazy to find out they can install them. I bet it's pre-wired just like my 06 :)

[Magic Marker]

My guess is your dealer is too lazy to find out they can install them. I bet it's pre-wired just like my 06 :)
He told me that is the answer the parts manager gave him. I checked your DIY and the parts page doesn't mention that it will fit 07's.

[SubOperator]

He told me that is the answer the parts manager gave him. I checked your DIY and the parts page doesn't mention that it will fit 07's.

Fits my 07 just fine :) My dealer had no problems offering installation to me. I just wanted to install them myself.

[Magic Marker]

Fits my 07 just fine :) My dealer had no problems offering installation to me. I just wanted to install them myself.
Where did you get your kit?

[SubOperator]

Where did you get your kit?
I got mine from a local dealer in RI; I think you can easily get same kit online.


Just checked - 152 + s/h at subaruparts : http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=926


Here's the exact part number from my set. Hope this helps.

[Magic Marker]

I got mine from a local dealer in RI; I think you can easily get same kit online.
So I'm guessing your 07 had the male plug in the rear wheel well?

[SubOperator]

So I'm guessing your 07 had the male plug in the rear wheel well?

Not in the rear; in both front wheel wells. From some discussion at nasioc, it was concluded that all tribecas come prewired for puddle lights - there is no separate product code for Tribeca with puddle lights. So all of them should come prewired.

In any case, ours is 07 Limited and we did get it without puddle lights. I got the kit and then just started the install; the male connectors were there as Peaty described.

[Magic Marker]

Not in the rear; in both front wheel wells. From some discussion at nasioc, it was concluded that all tribecas come prewired for puddle lights - there is no separate product code for Tribeca with puddle lights. So all of them should come prewired.

In any case, ours is 07 Limited and we did get it without puddle lights. I got the kit and then just started the install; the male connectors were there as Peaty described.
Thanks. I'll have to take a look once we take delivery. Kind of interesting how Subaru's own dealers and parts departments know less then these forums.

[SubOperator]

Kind of interesting how Subaru's own dealers and parts departments know less then these forums.

Ohhh, it's classical with some of them. The dealer we were getting our Beca from was a nice, but completely clueeless guy. I had to keep my mouth shut and play the fool just to get the deal through :lol:

On other side, there are some that are really helpful and knowledgeable. One just needs to find them.:tup:

[Magic Marker]

Well we had a great sales experience at our dealer. Very nice, accommodating and sincere. They were fairly knowledgeable, but now we'll have to see how well their service dept works.

Ok, so I had to stop by the dealer tonight. I brought the DIY that Peaty wrote about the Puddle lights and the Subaru directions I spoke to the GM and told him how puddle lights can be installed post factory. He thought it was interesting and said he would run it by his body shop guys. He sorta owes me a favor so he said we can work something out for the labor part. I told him it would also be a good learning experience for his future Tribeca sales and offer it as a dealer option. He said some dealers would just use the excuse that it can only be installed at the factory b/c they don't want to do the labor.

[Magic Marker]

Well, just had the puddle lights installed by the dealer. I was going to do it myself, but now it's just too cold in NJ and I don't have a garage.

At any rate, I love them. I highly recommned them to anyone. It's just a nice feature to have and it looks cool. :)

[crazycanuck]

Does anyone here live in Canada or have a Canadian Tribeca. I have an 06 and will be down in the US this coming weekend. I plan to buy them from a local dealership. I wondered if I may run into any problems installing seeing how the Canadian beca's are slightly different. No dealer up here stocks them and most havn't even heard of them.

[Peaty]

I don't think the dealers here stock them either, I suspect most would have to order them. I don't see why you could not fit them, double checking if you have the harness in the fender well might not be a bad idea though. Have you checked with any place on line like Subie Gal? You might be able to get someone to ship you some.

[crazycanuck]

I just went into the garage and opened up the inner fender cover and saw that it indeed have the harness and connector right where it was indicated in your detailed instructions. So for any Canadian 06 Tribeca owners, I can confirm, the connector is there!

We are heading down to Bethlehem PA this weekend and I arranged with the local Sube dealer to order them for us, along with the rear bumper guard and Aero bars. The puddle lights are going to be $185 which is a little more than subie gal but they have a 20% off promotion on accessories and I don't have to pay for shipping and duties and extra canadian taxes as it crosses the border if I had it shipped to me.

The dealer here in Canada quoted me $333 for the puddle lights as they would have to order it from the US... He seemed to be interested in getting some kits up here as he thinks many of his customers would jump at it.

I will let you know how the install goes in the next couple of weeks.

One more thing... do you know if the puddle kit comes with extra fasteners as I can see me snapping off a couple... and some of them look pretty ratty.

[Peaty]

Yes they do attached pic from my install page:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?p=23354

[Magic Marker]

I just went into the garage and opened up the inner fender cover and saw that it indeed have the harness and connector right where it was indicated in your detailed instructions. So for any Canadian 06 Tribeca owners, I can confirm, the connector is there!

We are heading down to Bethlehem PA this weekend and I arranged with the local Sube dealer to order them for us, along with the rear bumper guard and Aero bars. The puddle lights are going to be $185 which is a little more than subie gal but they have a 20% off promotion on accessories and I don't have to pay for shipping and duties and extra canadian taxes as it crosses the border if I had it shipped to me.

The dealer here in Canada quoted me $333 for the puddle lights as they would have to order it from the US... He seemed to be interested in getting some kits up here as he thinks many of his customers would jump at it.

I will let you know how the install goes in the next couple of weeks.

One more thing... do you know if the puddle kit comes with extra fasteners as I can see me snapping off a couple... and some of them look pretty ratty.
Awesome. Great to hear you can pick up some goodies while you're in the US. I'd suggest you pick up some all weather floor mats too. I just got them and like them a lot. Since you have the 20% coupon, make the most of it!

On another hand, couldn't you buy extra stuff and make a little profit flipping it back in Canada?

You're gonna love the puddle lights.

[crazycanuck]

thats good because there seems to be 2 different types of fasteners. The ones that pop up and the ones that unscrew and then pop up.

[crazycanuck]

Yea, that idea had crossed my mind, the only problem is that you have to stay in the US for more than 48 hours to increase the amount you can bring back duty free to $400 per person. Also, if you can imagine how many Tribeca's are in your area, now subtract 75% of that total and thats how many Tribeca's are here. I think the ratio is about for every 100 CRV's ... 75 muranos... 85 RAV4's... 60 Honda Pilots... 60 acura MDx's... 50 X5's there is 1 Tribeca. I havnt even seen an 08's on the road yet.

[crazycanuck]

Can you tell me whether the all weather mats that are in front of the 2nd row if seats is one long one that covers from side to side, or just two seperate ones.

[Magic Marker]

Can you tell me whether the all weather mats that are in front of the 2nd row if seats is one long one that covers from side to side, or just two seperate ones.
Front seats = two seperate mats
2nd row = two seperate mats
3rd row = one long mat

When you order the mats, the front and 2nd row comes as one package. The 3rd row is its own package.

[Peaty]

Can you tell me whether the all weather mats that are in front of the 2nd row if seats is one long one that covers from side to side, or just two seperate ones.

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5994

[crazycanuck]

I just picked up my puddle light kit, wish me luck!

[Magic Marker]

Good luck. They will be a very cool/ functional addition.

[stryz]

Good Luck! Chicks loves them...hehehe:D

[SubOperator]

Did you install them already ? We need pictures !!! :lol:

[crazycanuck]

Not yet, its well below freezing in the garage and the beca needs a good wash before I start taking things apart. Pictures will follow.

I will probably put on the aero bars first, you know, start small, work my way up.

[Peaty]

You may want to wait till it's warmer to put the puddle lights in. Lots of the work you can do in the house once they are off. Messing with the buttons and then the double sided foam tape really requires a warm place to do it.

[Magic Marker]

You may want to wait till it's warmer to put the puddle lights in. Lots of the work you can do in the house once they are off. Messing with the buttons and then the double sided foam tape really requires a warm place to do it.
That is why I had the dealer install mine. I just couldn't wait!

[SubOperator]

Peaty is right. You'll have to cut plastic also and your Beca better be clean too. Hard to get that when it's winter time.

[crazycanuck]

Well I finally took the plunge and installed the lights. Although the process itself is very easy, I encountered what appeared to a ton of caked on dirt inside the moulding which took about 30 minutes to vacuum and clean. I guess the PO used to work in construction and used the Tribeca on his job sites.
I ended up drilling multiple holes to cut out the inserts instead of just drilling in the four corners and using the utility knife. It just made it a little easier. The only other thing I have to do now is get some additional clips for the moulding that is in the inner fender. I ended up breaking a few getting them out, just be careful when using the philips head screwdriver when unscrewing the "screw" type clips... if you strip them out, which is very easy to do as they are made of plastic, its a PITA to get them out.

I will try and get some pictures soon... its is very very cool!!!

[ziggy]

Do the '08 Tribeca's have the wiring harness in the front wheel well like the '06 and '07s? I would really like to add the lights to my Subie.

[jaycee]

Does anyone here live in Canada or have a Canadian Tribeca.

Lucky for me, my 06 is an American Tribeca with the puddle lights already installed. Love them.

[ziggy]

Has anyone put these lights on an '08 or know if the harness is there from the factory?

I want to put these on before the snow flies here.

thanks.