I hooked up some Aux Backup lights last week with a switch in the cab. So they come on with either the switch or when truck is in reverse.

Well, it's ONLY been one week, and already, I accidently hit the switch to on when getting out of the truck. Went to lunch a few hours later and low and behold, truck wouldn't start.... found switch in on position.

So, I want to change the power to the relay for the Aux lights to come from an ignition switched source instead of direct to battery (how it is now). My relay is located on drives side near the steering fluid resivoir.

Where can I get a switched power source?



PS - The lights are normal 55watt fog type lights.

 

You can take the power from the power distribution box (a.k.a. the main fuse box). I assume it's the same as my '00. On the side facing the base of the windshield there is a small cover. If you remove the cover (there are clips on the sides), you'll see a stud with a nut. That stud is hot with the ignition. Wire the system to that point, replace the cover, and you should have good power anytime you have the key in "On". It's how I did mine, and my lights won't come on unless I'm in Reverse and the ignition is "On". I have a manual that I occasionally leave in Reverse upon shutdown, so I had to use something other than direct power for the aux lights.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Casper, I'll give that a shot.

 

CCarrara,

Any updates? Did you get it to work?

 

Nope. Haven't tried yet...been busy, then snowed for two days.... It's not even winter yet and I have a foot and a half of snow!!

Maybe I'll play with it this week...

 

Casper,

That didn't work. The stud under the small cover of the main fuse box toward the windshield is hot always. Must go right to the battery.

Any other ideas?? Thanks

 

Hmm. . . .

The only other thing I can think of is to wire the power directly to the ignition ciruit. An ignition wire is located underneath the power distribution box in amongst the bundle of wires. I cannot remember the exact color of the wire that is hot with the ignition, (maybe white with a green stripe??) but if you do a search you can probably find someone who knows. I'll go back and check my electic fans install manual, since it I tapped that circuit when I installed my electric fans. I'm at work right now, but I'll try to hunt it down tonight and post. A simple "T" connector whould work just fine.

 

Does that whole box come out somehow? I was trying to poke around there a bit after trying the screw terminal, but I couldn't figure out how to get that thing out/moved...??

Thanks for the help!!

 

Yes, it comes out. It is a PITA, but you need a thin flat screwdriver to release those little tabs around the outside of the box while gently pulling up on it. The easiest way to find switched power is to use a test light. If you don't have one, get one at any auto parts store for under $10.

 

Thanks. Yeah, I saw those clips but couldn't seem to get them to un-hook and didn't want to break it (wasn't sure it did come out...). Now that I know, I can go break it!!

Yep, got a test light, that was the plan...