BLIS - Additional LED Mod (How To)

[Buyer2021]

I did the mod many weeks ago, finally getting around to posting pics. I went 'stealth' with no bezel, when not 'alerting' the LEDs are not apparent at all.

The LED is a tight press-fit in the hole with a dab of RTV around the back just for (unnecessary) insurance. 30-minutes start-to-finish with Posi-Taps for the sanitary tool-less connections.

I really like having this cheap-and-easy mod - the pics show how the interior LED is much more visible than the lighted mirror signal in certain situations.

Thanks @Kodiak for the inspiration!

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[scott011422]

I was against this mod. I felt it was lazy to not just look out at the mirror which your supposed to be doing anyway.

However, Since first reading this thread when it was created I have found myself often considering doing this mod while driving on the tollway. In certain circumstances, the factory light isn't very obvious. I've looked at the mirror and was surprised to see a car there because I didn't see the light. To find out that the light is on, you can just barley see it.

 

[Buyer2021]

I was against this mod. I felt it was lazy to not just look out at the mirror which your supposed to be doing anyway.

Lol, before getting my first vehicle with a 'BLIS' system I thought the entire notion was 'lazy'.

Before BLIS the appropriate action was to turn your head and look over your shoulder to the 'blind spot' before changing lanes, and that was quite effective when practiced properly.

Now, I'll admit being spoiled ('lazy'?) and relying on BLIS; I really miss it when I drive my 2005 F150 without.

And yes, I still check my wonderful TT mirrors every time before changing lanes, BLIS / the additional LED does not obviate that prudent habit.

In this particular case the mod is so cheap, easy, and non-invasive that there's really no downside at all, there's no reason at all to be "against" it IMO. I'm willing to bet you, and all other drivers, would enjoy having it.

 

[sbi]

I did the mod many weeks ago, finally getting around to posting pics. I went 'stealth' with no bezel, when not 'alerting' the LEDs are not apparent at all.

The LED is a tight press-fit in the hole with a dab of RTV around the back just for (unnecessary) insurance. 30-minutes start-to-finish with Posi-Taps for the sanitary tool-less connections.

I really like having this cheap-and-easy mod - the pics show how the interior LED is much more visible than the lighted mirror signal in certain situations.

Thanks @Kodiak for the inspiration!

I didn't get to it yet but I think it's a great mod.
That being said, I doubt I would do it if I had tow mirrors. I prefer trusting my eyes and I think that the lower panoramic mirror is better than any hi-tech device.

 

[Snakebitten]

Those tow mirrors definitely give a much better analog heads up, don't they?
Especially if you set those sweet lowers up specifically to rid you of a blindspot.

 

[Kodiak]

I was against this mod. I felt it was lazy to not just look out at the mirror which your supposed to be doing anyway.

However, Since first reading this thread when it was created I have found myself often considering doing this mod while driving on the tollway. In certain circumstances, the factory light isn't very obvious. I've looked at the mirror and was surprised to see a car there because I didn't see the light. To find out that the light is on, you can just barley see it.

The thing with this mod, or any safety feature, is not to use it as the gospel. This interior LED BLIS lights is more in the line of normal driving vision so when you get the thought pop into your head that you might want to change lanes, it is an easier "see" to let you know if you even want to advance that thought. I had trouble with the sun with just the mirror BLIS and I found myself removing my focus from the road, to concentrate on the mirror while I just thinking about changing lanes. Night time is not a big issue but day time is hit or miss.

This puts this little indicator LED in the interior in a darker area so it is easier to see without really removing your eyes from the road.

Best money I have spent and so easy a caveman can do it.

 

[scott011422]

The thing with this mod, or any safety feature, is not to use it as the gospel. This interior LED BLIS lights is more in the line of normal driving vision so when you get the thought pop into your head that you might want to change lanes, it is an easier "see" to let you know if you even want to advance that thought. I had trouble with the sun with just the mirror BLIS and I found myself removing my focus from the road, to concentrate on the mirror while I just thinking about changing lanes. Night time is not a big issue but day time is hit or miss.

This puts this little indicator LED in the interior in a darker area so it is easier to see without really removing your eyes from the road.

Best money I have spent and so easy a caveman can do it.

Exactly!

 

[sbi]

Thanks again @Kodiak for this detailed write-up. I finally took the plunge and did this mod. I used the same parts but with my "Wire tap-in" phobia I just stuck the LED wires inside the plug. It's pretty snug but if it becomes loose and disconnect I can always tap-in.
I also tried to paint the LED housing black but it didn't look good in gloss. I can always paint it later.

BTW - any idea what is this plug for on the driver's side? It looks it's not connected to anything, it is just held there.

 

[Kodiak]

Thanks again @Kodiak for this detailed write-up. I finally took the plunge and did this mod. I used the same parts but with my "Wire tap-in" phobia I just stuck the LED wires inside the plug. It's pretty snug but if it becomes loose and disconnect I can always tap-in.
I also tried to paint the LED housing black but it didn't look good in gloss. I can always paint it later.

BTW - any idea what is this plug for on the driver's side? It looks it's not connected to anything, it is just held there.

HA! I do not know what that is for either. I believe I thought it might be for some kind of diagnostic work when I first saw it but now, I am not so sure. If I remember correctly too it is only on one side.

 

[DK4]

Just now came across this thread. What a great idea.

I have the big tow mirrors and have the lower mirrors set to view my blind spots specifically. Love that.

However, I utilize the crap out of my BLIS when I tow my trailer, not so much to know if there is a car in my blind spot, but rather when I am far enough past a car I’m passing to get back over. It’s a depth perception thing, and the light is great for added assurance over the mirror alone.

I program my trailer in at just a few feet longer than it is, plus there is a built in saftey factor. I know that when that light is off, I’m clear and can get back over. This would be great for that. More than once I’ve had to squint to make sure that BLIS light is off or not.

 

[Braeden]

Thanks again @Kodiak for this detailed write-up. I finally took the plunge and did this mod. I used the same parts but with my "Wire tap-in" phobia I just stuck the LED wires inside the plug. It's pretty snug but if it becomes loose and disconnect I can always tap-in.
I also tried to paint the LED housing black but it didn't look good in gloss. I can always paint it later.

BTW - any idea what is this plug for on the driver's side? It looks it's not connected to anything, it is just held there.

Would go to the IR for BlueCruise equipped vehicles.

 

[sbi]

Just now came across this thread. What a great idea.

I have the big tow mirrors and have the lower mirrors set to view my blind spots specifically. Love that.

However, I utilize the crap out of my BLIS when I tow my trailer, not so much to know if there is a car in my blind spot, but rather when I am far enough past a car I’m passing to get back over. It’s a depth perception thing, and the light is great for added assurance over the mirror alone.

I program my trailer in at just a few feet longer than it is, plus there is a built in saftey factor. I know that when that light is off, I’m clear and can get back over. This would be great for that. More than once I’ve had to squint to make sure that BLIS light is off or not.

TBH, if I wasn't cheap and stupid (by not including tow mirrors in my built; frankly, I didn't even know it had the lower panoramic mirrors) I probably wouldn't do this mod or care about BLIS. Even with BLIS, I find it to come on when the other vehicle is way too close to me to change lanes anyway. But since I don't have the tow mirrors this just adds a more "convenient" and faster view of the warning.

 

[Kodiak]

Would go to the IR for BlueCruise equipped vehicles.

AH! Makes sense and thanks for the update.

 

[MiquelCamo]

@Kodiak Thanks for the write up and details. One of the main reasons I wanted a newer truck was for additional safety features. I've enjoyed BLIS and ACC in my wife's Honda CRV for 7 years now and always missed them when driving my 2014 F150. I just got my newer truck a few weeks ago and was researching how to turn on the audible BLIS alert when using the turn signal. I was a bit surprised to learn that Ford doesn't offer that. It's a great, quick way to know "oops, wait, someone's there". As noted, the BLIS mirror lights can be hard to see. Obviously, you still have to use your mirrors and turn your head as appropriate but this will enhance the usefulness of the system. Thanks again.

 

[sbi]

@Kodiak Thanks for the write up and details. One of the main reasons I wanted a newer truck was for additional safety features. I've enjoyed BLIS and ACC in my wife's Honda CRV for 7 years now and always missed them when driving my 2014 F150. I just got my newer truck a few weeks ago and was researching how to turn on the audible BLIS alert when using the turn signal. I was a bit surprised to learn that Ford doesn't offer that. It's a great, quick way to know "oops, wait, someone's there". As noted, the BLIS mirror lights can be hard to see. Obviously, you still have to use your mirrors and turn your head as appropriate but this will enhance the usefulness of the system. Thanks again.

Just came back from a cross states, over 1000 miles, trip and I can't say enough about this mod. Thanks again @Kodiak !! It's not really for the purpose of "helping" when you want to pass, it simply significantly increases my situational awareness. I just know when a vehicle enters "my zone" on the driver's side. I look straight ahead and I just see the LED comes on. Highly recommended.
And the LED wires still tucked in in the connectors on both sides (reminder - I did not use tap-ins).

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