DIY 96-99 BG Outback 's map light retrofitted in 20 mins

[WPEC]

Hello SL-i 's fellows,
Are you feeling uncomfortably with L once you get into the car with the flashlight to find your stuff in the groove box or once you are finding some coils on the floor mats and you don't wanna reach out your arms to turn on the dome light for just reading something.
Yes! I am ,so you know!

This would be my first DIY , If I have put something wrong , please remind me that would be appreciated.

** and Pardon me, English is my second.

LET t's start the DIY with following,

Donor car : 96-99 regular Outback w/o sunroof
Material & Cost : map light + harness+ sponges+ apart of $10
: 3M Quick connector $6.01

Tools: Phillips screw driver,Flat screw driver,Scissors,Knife

Time : 20 minutes

How To :
1. Prep map light($10) & harness(free) off 96-99 regular Outback w/o sunroof ( Ltd w/o sunroof has awesome sunglass storage but you have to replace headliner and add bracket on the ceiling as well)
2. Jig's used to control the location and/or motion of another tool .It's importance of installation. Apart of headliner that surrounded the map light which can assist your jobs done quickly , so far so good You ought to cut off it as following picture ( I got it for free)
3. tear down your sun-visor bracket and rear view mirror completely.
4.put the jig properly on car's headliner then put back rear view mirror to fix the jig to the place then use marker draw the line follow jig's trail.
5. Use sharpen knife ( me stole Kitchen knife) to cut off the trail as well.
6. Putting sponges behind the edges of headliner to be map light's supporters.
Due to couple regular holes on roof were provided already.You just fit the map light bracket carefully and secure bracket with belonging screws.
7. Route the single harness toward dome light (center light) behind headliner.
8. For neat installation and save your time. I would hook up map light's wire (blue /red) to dome light's wire(blue/red) with 3M quick connector.
9. Make sure you test the light before re-installing all stuff back to the places.
10. get out Blind night vision and get the bright in.

Enjoy pictures of steps

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/9C97EDFB8594427391C4A8F6D821067C_zpstgcx-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/9C97EDFB-8594-4273-91C4-A8F6D821067C_zpstgcx2foi.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/53139B46F6FD4FE6BEF182C9F01C2A65_zpsk73n-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/53139B46-F6FD-4FE6-BEF1-82C9F01C2A65_zpsk73nujjy.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/95420A1CA41C41CEB9C069461F4F3C1A_zpse5qv-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/95420A1C-A41C-41CE-B9C0-69461F4F3C1A_zpse5qvvsew.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/AF42B5BDB28949BCAF8626789A89D9C2_zpse4j2-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/AF42B5BD-B289-49BC-AF86-26789A89D9C2_zpse4j20dxy.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/D909A30B0BD64752B8449AF7918BCCA4_zpsvn62-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/D909A30B-0BD6-4752-B844-9AF7918BCCA4_zpsvn626bvm.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/569F7823ED994C0C861385643CC8C060_zpsjfz9-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/569F7823-ED99-4C0C-8613-85643CC8C060_zpsjfz9patl.jpg.html)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/42C31BF6C0294F0A9A9B65B4B268363B_zpsj8rb-1.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/thseth/media/Mobile%20Uploads/42C31BF6-C029-4F0A-9A9B-65B4B268363B_zpsj8rbna1b.jpg.html)

hope this help you so far
thanks for looking

[Grimmrican]

Can't get any easier. Good job man

[98legwag]

That is also the same map light that is in my 98 L from the factory.

[superu]

Awesome easy upgrade. I pulled the same map lights from an Impreza, my wife's 03 OBS has the same and I've seen them in gen 1 legacies too.

Leggo-ness of Subarus!!! :smt023


That is also the same map light that is in my 98 L from the factory.

[WPEC]

Can't get any easier. Good job man
Thank you.I can't agree more too. its easier than expected. If no Jig I would be struck though.

[WPEC]

That is also the same map light that is in my 98 L from the factory.
newer L serie would be better than Old L

[WPEC]

Awesoe esy upgrade. I pulled the same map lights from an Impreza, my wife's 03 OBS has the same and I've seen them in gen 1 legacies too.

leggoness of Subarus!!! :smt023


That is also the same map light that is in my 98 L from the factory.

I used to own BH outback 2years ago. never known Subaru's are lego cars.
good to know that . Thanks for info.

[superu]

HOWEVER, the bigger console with sunglasses holder that says "outback", I think from a gen 1, dome-topped outback, will NOT fit the mounting holes already in a gen 2 legacy.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/_12JPG-1.jpg

The holes are spaced wider and therefore not interchangeable. Stick with these simpler map light set-ups.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/imagesqtbnANd9GcTWitAErQ27kR4PMaIy0Ycd3E-1.jpg

[WPEC]

HOWEVER, the bigger console with sunglasses holder that says "outback", I think from a gen 1, dome-topped outback, will NOT fit the mounting holes already in a gen 2 legacy.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/_12JPG-1.jpg

The holes are spaced wider and therefore not interchangeable. Stick with these simpler map light set-ups.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/imagesqtbnANd9GcTWitAErQ27kR4PMaIy0Ycd3E-1.jpg

Exactly correct infomation .
I spied some fellows had put these & specific steel bracket & headliner on thier car.
feel much better but more works

[r3v_v3ng3]

The bigger console is offered on the 98/99 outback and yes you have to use the bracket that comes with it and would be better if you use the headliner for it too. Thats a great job you did there, I believe my friends car (96 L sedan) doesn't have the map light and I remember we were trying to figure out if he had the bracket there behind the headliner. This will make it easy to install!

[superu]

The bigger console is offered on the 98/99 outback and yes you have to use the bracket that comes with it and would be better if you use the headliner for it too. Thats a great job you did there, I believe my friends car (96 L sedan) doesn't have the map light and I remember we were trying to figure out if he had the bracket there behind the headliner. This will make it easy to install!

The threaded holes will be there.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/P1040371JPG-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/P1040372JPG-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/0540ec75ac31afcb44c2e248280147e6-1.gif

I really like the template cut from the donor headliner. That makes it way cleaner! :smt023
line that up and draw the hole.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/53139B46F6FD4FE6BEF182C9F01C2A65_zpsk73n-1.jpg

[WPEC]

The bigger console is offered on the 98/99 outback and yes you have to use the bracket that comes with it and would be better if you use the headliner for it too. Thats a great job you did there, I believe my friends car (96 L sedan) doesn't have the map light and I remember we were trying to figure out if he had the bracket there behind the headliner. This will make it easy to install!

I made sure the L may have to have thread holes on the ceiling by pulling down sleeper L series car little bit once I was at Junkyard .Fortunately I met the same holes pattern on couple L (95ish wag,96ish sedan). So, I would definitely trust my car that will also have that holes. then this DIY would be happened.

[WPEC]

The bigger console is offered on the 98/99 outback and yes you have to use the bracket that comes with it and would be better if you use the headliner for it too. Thats a great job you did there, I believe my friends car (96 L sedan) doesn't have the map light and I remember we were trying to figure out if he had the bracket there behind the headliner. This will make it easy to install!

The threaded holes will be there.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/P1040371JPG-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/P1040372JPG-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/0540ec75ac31afcb44c2e248280147e6-1.gif

I really like the template cut from the donor headliner. That makes it way cleaner! :smt023
line that up and draw the hole.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/53139B46F6FD4FE6BEF182C9F01C2A65_zpsk73n-1.jpg

I have got many choice of template such as hard paper template , picture template . Otherwise once I met OBK at the lot and at that time I didn't have any hard paper and my cell phone 'battery would die soon. So there's no more better thing. than just a knife on my hand . I would begin to cut that out. HaHa

[kanner95bk]

Hello, love the DIY, I'm planning to do it myself. My question is, do the switches on the map lights work, or is it simply running with the dome light? I would think the map light buttons work as designed when wired up this way, since the dome light uses it's own switch too, but I want to be sure. Thanks in advance.

[kanner95bk]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/IMGP6078_zpshrmylvfb-1.jpg (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/kanner95bk/media/IMGP6078_zpshrmylvfb.jpg.html)

Install successful, thanks for the write up.

[DaveM]

I've got a outback map light with sunglasses pocket, anyone fit one of those to there leggy? I'm not 100% sure I want to cut my headliner until in know it will fit, Lol. Dave

[WPEC]

I've got a outback map light with sunglasses pocket, anyone fit one of those to there leggy? I'm not 100% sure I want to cut my headliner until in know it will fit, Lol. Dave


Once you pulled the map light with sunglass pocket , You will have to pull whole headliner too.

[DaveM]

Once you pulled the map light with sunglass pocket , You will have to pull whole headliner too.

I dont quit follow you, I've basically pulled the map light with pocket already and cut out the template from the old headliner shown in this thread but I'm wondering if it will fit the same if i cut out my current headliner to install it?

Are you saying i have to swap headliners completely i cant just cut it to fit? And will it bolt up the same as just the map?

Thanks Dave

[WPEC]

I do believe, if you got different map light model from mine. you will have to swap that headliner which map light came from.

What car do you have to be installed on?
Please try to test fit the template ( from model that sunglass pocket was in it) on original headliner in your car. Its gonna tell you why you need whole outback 's headliner.

[DaveM]

The map/sunglass pocket is from a 98-99 outback, My car is a 96 bk wagon. As far as I can tell without removing my headliner with the template I took from the old headliner it should fit I'm just not sure if it has the same mounting positions. How much of a hassle is it to drop a headliner, Can't imagine it's fun, Lol. But I may have to cause i really dont want to trace this map out and cut my headliner to find out it doesnt fit then have a bigger hole that i will not be able to cover with the map light in this thread. I may eventually get to pulling the headliner. Thanks Dave

[1692]

The map/sunglass pocket is from a 98-99 outback, My car is a 96 bk wagon. As far as I can tell without removing my headliner with the template I took from the old headliner it should fit I'm just not sure if it has the same mounting positions. How much of a hassle is it to drop a headliner, Can't imagine it's fun, Lol. But I may have to cause i really dont want to trace this map out and cut my headliner to find out it doesnt fit then have a bigger hole that i will not be able to cover with the map light in this thread. I may eventually get to pulling the headliner. Thanks Dave

DaveM, I had looked at doing exactly what you were wanting to do on my 96 BK at one point, and I'm pretty sure you would have to cut out the headliner to fit the larger unit. I ended up using the map lights that are shown in the top of this thread, but I did look and see if the mounting bracket that I pulled off an outback would fit, and it would with no extra adjustments necessary.

Dropping the headliner in the front is quite simple. All I had to do was remove the 2 visors (and the clips holding them in near the mirror), the mirror itself, and I was able to pull the liner down enough to get in and see everything.

My best advice is to find the headliner on an outback and see how it's cut for the pocket you have, make the template like it's shown in the thread here, and you should have plenty of room to install it without having to do much other work. Without that extra mounting bracket though, it will not fit in properly. I actually have an extra one if you need that bracket to help finish the install.

[zcrow]

Here is a link to someone who has put one of the Outback maplights w/sunglass holder in a non-Outback: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/1996-subaru-legacy-l-wagon-awd-4-lift-193333p12.html

[1692]

Here is a link to someone who has put one of the Outback maplights w/sunglass holder in a non-Outback: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/1996-subaru-legacy-l-wagon-awd-4-lift-193333p12.html

From looking at that one, that was the solution that the poster came up with for not having the bracket that goes with that setup. Using a piece of wood to mount it to isn't exactly the best solution.

[DaveM]

Here is a link to someone who has put one of the Outback maplights w/sunglass holder in a non-Outback: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/1996-subaru-legacy-l-wagon-awd-4-lift-193333p12.html

Sweet, now atleast I know it will fit. I'll come up with something a little better than a piece of wood to mount it. Lol

[zcrow]

I have one of these sunglass holders on the way off eBay. I too am going to have to figure out a mounting solution. No bracket available. Anyone have a picture or diagram of what the bracket looks like? Otherwise, wood it is.

[WPEC]

I'll take some pictures to show you how the bracket is. Hopefully, I have time to do soon.

[1692]

Here's a couple of pics of the one I pulled out of an Outback. The red arrows point to the screwholes that line up with the ones that are pointed out earlier in this thread. The other screws (with the ? marks) I believe go to other screw holes that are further up near the rear view mirror mount... but it's also been over a year since I pulled this out, so I don't remember exactly. This is the one you guys want to be looking for to fit properly and have the maplight be secure.
750

[zcrow]

Thanks very much for posting those pictures! That is a rather complex bracket. Hmmm...

[1692]

It actually fits into place very easily once you lower the headliner there. The 4 holes with the metal shims is where the 4 holes from the sunglasses holder mounts securely. Just for the hell of it, I checked to see if this would fit when I had my headliner down before I put in the generic map light, and it all lined up perfectly and would have been very secure. If you follow the same steps as outlined above, shouldn't take more than about 30 minutes for the entire project.

[zcrow]

I'm sure it would be very simple IF I had actually had one of these brackets. I just have the sunglass holder. Hence the idea around using wood. Might have to visit an auto wrecker.

[1692]

I'm sure it would be very simple IF I had actually had one of these brackets. I just have the sunglass holder. Hence the idea around using wood. Might have to visit an auto wrecker.

Where are you located? If you are in the US, I could probably ship you this one pretty quickly and fairly cheap. If outside of the US, I'm not sure how much it would cost. I don't have any need for it anymore since I don't have that car. Got to upgrade to a 2015 Premium Legacy recently :)

[zcrow]

Hmmm... Interesting. I'm in Canada. But would be interested. How much do you think it would be?

[1692]

Not too sure... I didn't pay much for the part at all, so it would depend on shipping costs. What part of Canada? I have quite a bit of family spread all over the country! I'll run by the post office on my lunch break and find out how much.

[zcrow]

In Victoria, BC V8P 4B1

Thanks very much!

[WPEC]

Glad to see my threads still alive! Hope this help our fellows.

[zcrow]

Nice to see all these old Subarus still being alive and well.

[1692]

In Victoria, BC V8P 4B1

Thanks very much!

I have quite a bit of family up in Nanaimo... so very familiar with the area. I fly in to Victoria every couple of years, and enjoy the drive up the coast to get there!

I may not get a chance to run to the post office today, but will make sure to in the next day or so and I'll let you know how much it would be.

[zcrow]

Was up there in Nanaimo just yesterday. Thanks for looking into this for me. I appreciate it very much.

[1692]

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to check for you, I found out that my grandmother that actually lives in Nanaimo passed away just a couple days ago. Unfortunately I will not be making a trip up there or I'd offer to meet up and deliver it in person... but once things calm down a little here I'll be able to check on this for you.

[zcrow]

No worries and sorry for your loss.

[WPEC]

I came to junkyard and found the outback with sunglass pocket and no sunroofs on that car .
I took some pictures for you guys for further build.

A Bracket on car
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/09/b880d727e1ba34db283912454bc19a9d-1.jpg

Rear mounting
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/09/9ab7da854c0ef6b81457e8126e7db514-1.jpg

Front mounting
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/09/f34cfab8ed79252193494a7e4d80c157-1.jpg

You need only 4 screws to mount this bracket to the beams.

[zcrow]

thanks for posting those pics. Now to actually find one...

[zcrow]

770

I just ended up using a wood frame made out of 3/4" scrap plywood with two supports to screw the sunglass holder/maplight into. Worked like a charm. The one thing I had to do is take the existing mount in the roof and flatten it a bit. There is a piece of "U" shaped metal that is glued to the roof. It comes off easy. I then took some plumbers pliers and flattened it out so I could push it out of the way. You will need to remove the mirror and sunvisor clips to be able to slip the frame into the roof compartment. Just make sure you make a template first out of cardboard to make sure all the sunglass holder/maplight fits into the headliner. I used three screws (with washers) to attach the frame to the headliner. It is very solid. Took about an hour.

[DaveM]

I came to junkyard and found the outback with sunglass pocket and no sunroofs on that car .
I took some pictures for you guys for further build.

A Bracket on car
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/09/b880d727e1ba34db283912454bc19a9d-1.jpg

Rear mounting
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/09/9ab7da854c0ef6b81457e8126e7db514-1.jpg

Front mounting
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/09/f34cfab8ed79252193494a7e4d80c157-1.jpg

You need only 4 screws to mount this bracket to the beams.

Thats great info. If I had of noticed that was a bracket and not just part of the roof frame i'd of grabbed it too. Lol. Looks like I'll be making something instead. Ha