Need help hooking up lights
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC Canada
Need help hooking up lights
I'm hooking up some lights to my f250 and need some help as I'm not very good with the electrical side of mechanics.
My super duty had the front driving lights removed by the previous owner but the wires are still there and are live when the **** on the headlight switch is pulled out. I have a set of KC Daylighters from my last truck (minus the switch, relay and harness) and decided to install them in the stock driving lights location.
My question is: can I use the trucks stock driving lights wiring setup and just plug the KC lights in or are they too powerful for that? The lights are Part#634 and say 130 watts on the box.
Thanks for any help you can offer as this isn't my strength.
My super duty had the front driving lights removed by the previous owner but the wires are still there and are live when the **** on the headlight switch is pulled out. I have a set of KC Daylighters from my last truck (minus the switch, relay and harness) and decided to install them in the stock driving lights location.
My question is: can I use the trucks stock driving lights wiring setup and just plug the KC lights in or are they too powerful for that? The lights are Part#634 and say 130 watts on the box.
Thanks for any help you can offer as this isn't my strength.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 145
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I ran about 600W of lights through my stock fog light switch on my Jeep. I just left the recommended fuse for the factory lights in the box and figured if it blew it was too much current. I have had them for years without an issue. I'd say if it blows the fuse then put in a relay but I know running through factory would cause some fte'ers to tremble. I believe the factory fogs are 52W if they are standard fogs (not sure) so thats 104W already.
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
I would use the existing switch/wiring to control a relay to power the lights. At 130 watts each they draw too much current (my opinion) to power from the stock setup. Power the lights with a 10 gauge wire fused (very important) at the battery with a 25 amp fuse. 10 guage will keep the voltage drop to a minimum...use 8 guage if you want. Use a relay rated for 40 or 50 amps on the load side. This will keep you from mounting any additional switch inside and having to run wires into the cab. You should know that by doing it like this the lights will operate in the same manner as the factory lights...on with low beam and off with high beam. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC Canada
That is exactly the info I needed. Thanks. Because my truck hasn't had the fog lights since I bought it, I didn't know that they only work on low beams. Hmmm, not sure that I want the lights to work like that...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
It sounds like you want to keep them independent. If so leave the stock system alone, do as jake mentioned but add your own switch or use one of your upfitters if you have them. This way you can always return to stock if needed. You could also change out the H3 bulbs to 55W to reduce your current consumption if you do install were the orig. lights are connected.
< Samantha...my Co-Pilot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 768
Likes: 11
From: Fallon, Nevada
You could change the bulbs to a lower wattage and use the stock wiring...or to work them independent you would have to mount a switch in the cab and run a little wire...I don't think the '01 Super Duty came with outfitter switches.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: The Great White North!
Todd;
If you have a princess auto near you they have some driving light kits that are $20. They come with a relay and premade wiring harness, fuse, the works. I know that you have your own lights, but you could use the wiring harness from the kit. I had one from a previous lights purchase a few yrs ago that I used for my landing lights that I mounted. Work nice, neat, and the switch has a decent lighted push on/off switch that I just added under the wheel. It even came with 3m tape to mount. You could maybe even use the extra lights as back up lights if you haul stuff.
If you have a princess auto near you they have some driving light kits that are $20. They come with a relay and premade wiring harness, fuse, the works. I know that you have your own lights, but you could use the wiring harness from the kit. I had one from a previous lights purchase a few yrs ago that I used for my landing lights that I mounted. Work nice, neat, and the switch has a decent lighted push on/off switch that I just added under the wheel. It even came with 3m tape to mount. You could maybe even use the extra lights as back up lights if you haul stuff.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
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From: Vancouver BC Canada
Thanks. I actually purchased a backup lights wiring kit $20 at Cdn Tire for some cheap 55watt lights for backups. I plan on visiting Princess the next time I'm on the mainland.
I think I'll wire the new lights up independently and save the stock setup for adding some fogs later on.
I think I'll wire the new lights up independently and save the stock setup for adding some fogs later on.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 713
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis, MN
Just wanted to comment for anyone else that comes along via search or whatever. The stock fogs are 35w each, and the wiring is 20 gauge. The wiring is marginal at best for the stock fog lights, and should be upgraded if running higher power bulbs or lights. I did the 9005 mod (wow what a difference btw) on mine, added a relay, and ran 14ga wire to each light. 14ga is heavier than really needed, but no worries about voltage drop.
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8
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I got a 2008 350 SD without fog lamps. Would like to buy a set of OEM but was wondering if I could route them through the additional accessories switches that came in the truck. From what I have read, they each come with a relay, and I this way I could flip them on and off without going through the regular lamp switch. Though about PIAA kit, but if I could install the stock and upgrade the bulb it seems like the better way to go.
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