Ambient lighting for VW T6 Multivan

The original ambient lighting in a T6 Multivan consists of 8 LED lamp positions: front footwell left and right, rear footwell left and right (in the back covers of the front seat consoles), front door handle recesses left and right, front door trays left and right.
All of this LEDs can be retrofitted relatively easy, except for the LED light guides in the door handle recesses (we're talking about the original VW light guides).
This instructions only cover the 4 ambient lighting LEDs placed in the front doors, particularly the ones in the handle recesses.
If the vehicle is equipped ex works with an ambient lighting, the door handle recess is a special part which has already the required fixing brackets for the light guides. But this part isn't available as separate spare part (even though it has a material number), it's part of the whole door trim. This 3D printed fixing bracket should make the retrofitting process a bit easier, also it's still somewhat challenging.
Be careful, don't destroy the door handle recess, you would have to buy the whole door trim (~450€)!
If you like to play safe before it comes down to it, first print a holder in white and use it as template to make the opening, test the fit and play around.

Work steps:

• print the parts (one as it is for the right door, one mirrored for left door)

• procure the LEDs, wirings, insert connectors, trim frames, auxiliary materials
  (see picture for Mat.numbers)

• prepare the 2 wiring harnesses (see picture for wire lenght)

• remove the door handle trim (pull out horizontally)

• disassemble the door trim (5 fixing points see picture, plus 6 expanding rivets at the back)

• disassemble the handle recess carefully (remove 6 plastic welding spots, see picture)

• test the fit of the printed parts

• protect the metal handle and the inner side of the recess with masking tape

• roughen the surfaces and apply epoxy resin to the holder

• attach the holder firmly, let it cure

• make the opening, best with a die grinder with a 3mm milling cutter

• finish the cut surface with a warding file and sandpaper (this surface remains partly visible)

• flatten the web on the horizontal surface with a warding file, see picture

• attach the LED light guide, do not overstrain the fixing bracket as it will break

• remove the two latches at the predetermined breaking points

• make the opening for the door tray lighting LED (position see photos), best with an angle die grinder

• install trim frame and LED to this opening, note the different trim frames for L and R

• install the wiring harness in the door, see photo (pin assignment in the connector housings of the door wiring harnesses: T17l/14 [left door] and T17r/8 [right door])

• remember that these pins are not wired from the chassis side by default; you will have to make those wirings, too, either in the context of installing a footwell lighting (recommended) or by forking the instrument lighting wire. Depending on the wiring method and bit configuration of the BCM you chose, the illumination is dimmable.

• also keep in mind that the wiring is a time consuming, not trivial task, especially concerning the door wiring harness. So leave it to a professional if you aren't a practitioner.

• if desired, apply noise suppression mats to the door trim backside and the carrier plate in the door

• in this context, the window guiderail-profiles can be replaced if they generate wind noises

• if the plastic door handle gives off creaking noise when grasped, clean the contact surfaces between door handle trim and door trim with brake cleaner and apply a PTFE bonded coating dry lubricant

• re-establish the electric connections from the door to the door trim, test LED function

• re-install the door trim (check the 6 expanding rivets first!) and the door handle trim

SOME PICTURES ARE STILL MISSING AND GET REPLENISHED LATER!