Works independently with the original small light on...
Or off.
Hello!
For anyone wondering about the new OEM cargo light panel kit, (part number H461SXC200) and wire harness, (part number H461SXC211), I wanted to let you know this install is much easier than the instructions make it seem.
The wire harness is only required for MY 2019-2022 Ascents. MY 2023-later apparently have the harness already prewired and ready to go, making the install for those model years very simple and would probably take about 5 minutes, if that.
For our 2019, I would estimate it took me about 30-45 minutes from start to finish. And that was with me futzing around never having removed these panels before and not really knowing where clips were or how the panels detached.
The instructions call for a few different tools, but all you really need is a philips head screw driver (for one screw, yes, just one), a small flat head screw driver (to pop out the small original cargo light), and your hands. A trim prying tool may also help, but I don't think its necessary and would just be something nice to have.


























Steps I took-
I started at the top cargo panel that is getting replaced with the new LED insert light panel.
1. Wedge your fingers underneath the panel towards your right side (passenger side), between the panel and the headliner then work your left hand around to the far right edge of the panel and gently pull down. You'll hear the pops of the round clips coming out and just work your way to the left (drivers side). There are no wires attached to this original piece so it should just come right off.
2. Next, remove the one screw hidden behind the small cover as seen in this photo.
3. Then starting from the top of the drivers side cargo paneling at the seatbelt panel. Just use your hands and start gently prying at the top working your way down towards the sill and pop out the few round clips along the outside edge. You are making room for routing the harness wire. You should be able to make about 3-4 inches of clearance to work. More than enough. No need to remove the 3rd row seating!
4. Take a look at these photos to see where about I placed the zip ties (I just used 3 or 4 for mine) and the locations of the adhesive tabs. Pay attention to where you stick the adhesive tabs so the panel goes back in place, don’t block and clips, stand offs, or the place where the screw goes back in. ALSO, be sure not to zip tie the harness to your rear glass water sprayer hose…or you’ll probably end up with problems later…
5. Hook back up the original cargo light to the new harness connector. I found that routing the cargo light harness connection oriented downward like a ‘y’ appeared to give the connection the least amount of flex or stress on the wires.
6. Now connect and route the LED panel connector to the other end of the harness at the top.
7. Pop everything back together, replace that one screw and cover, and you're good to go! Last thing to note is to simply finesse the black foam pieces on the new panel into where they need to be. There was one stubborn foam piece causing the panel not to sit flush near the harness/led panel connector. I just used a plastic trim tool to massage and tuck the foam piece back in place and was good to go.
Easy peasy, and lots of light!
I’ll grab a couple before and after photos later tonight when it gets dark.
Also, original Subaru installation instructions can be found in @Robert.Mauro post for this cargo light panel -