I have a set of Blazer driving lights attached to my Manik brush guard. I would like to have them come on with my high beams. How do I go about doing this? They are hooked up to a switch right now so I use them like DRL's during the day. I would still like to incorporate the switch into the set up so I can still use them like I am today. Not very good on electrical stuff. Any help would greatly be appreciated. There is a power wire from the battery to the switch and from the switch to the lights. Which wire do I slice into? I have a 98' extended cab.

 

Try this site:

http://lighting.mbz.org/

I don't agree with everything there but for some basic wiring using relays (which you should be doing) this place has it.

Also, someone will probably come along shortly and give you all kinds of good info . . . !

Bob

 

Hi Brian....

I agree with Swampview completely.

You should be using a 30 amp. relay to run your extra lighting. They usually supply a relay with the lights. The advantages of using relays (for all your lighting) are many; First, your lights are brighter, getting the full voltage directly from the battery. Second, instead of running a lot of voltage through your light switch, bright/dim switch and a bunch of small 18 gauge wiring, the relays supply all the voltage through heavy wiring ... plus, your OEM wiring harness and switches will last virtually forever due to the small amount of voltage necessary to "trigger" the relay coils.

Third, you can make your Driving Lights come on, through a dash switch with your brights, by tying into your brights wire to "Trigger" the Driving Lights relay.

Relays work like a dream and make life simple.

BillVoyles
RedLowRyder

 

Thanks for all the help guys. My lights didn't come with a relay so I will need to get one. I now understand how it works and can't wait to do the mod.

 

Oh BTW, since it sounds like you already have the switch wiring in the cab, if you want to avoid splicing into any factory wires, which you can do is replace the switch with a fuse tap. A fuse tap is simply an electrical connection that get power from a fuse in your fuse box. Specifically, the one right above your parking brake. They are sold as "Add A Circuit" at Kmart, and Auto stores. You will want one that will tap a minifuse. You can find a fuse in there that comes on when your highbeams are on. Simply plug it into there and use that source to turn on your relay when your highbeams are on.

Laurence