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Running Lights Power Source... HELP

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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 03:10 PM
  #16  
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Do you have a test light? Just find the running light wire out of the back of the dash switch...

There is also another running light tap on the passanger side behind the kick plate. Its for the cab lights but works dandy for the mirror on that side.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 03:34 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by CSIPSD
Do you have a test light? Just find the running light wire out of the back of the dash switch...

There is also another running light tap on the passanger side behind the kick plate. Its for the cab lights but works dandy for the mirror on that side.
I determined the wire I was using was fine. (I thought it was the wrong one.)

I got the voltmeter out and the wire was putting out 11.8v with the switch on.

So it's either a problem with the wiring, or the mirrors themselves. When I get some time I will frig with it some more. It's just frustrating.

Just wanted to add, thanks to all who tried to help, it's appreciated. I HATE electrical.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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Did you put the heat on a switch or timer or just have it in all the time?
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by emery72
Did you put the heat on a switch or timer or just have it in all the time?
I installed an on/off flip-switch to the right of the steering column. I jumped the 10a "Customer Access" fuse, which is key on, and ran an in-line 5a buss-fuse to the switch. Then both mirror heat wires to the other end of the switch. Really easy.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 05:02 PM
  #20  
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Thanks. I'm always curious how people do it. Lots of different ways. I hope to upgrade before next winter. I'm tired of frozen and frosted over mirrors.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 06:16 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by emery72
Thanks. I'm always curious how people do it. Lots of different ways. I hope to upgrade before next winter. I'm tired of frozen and frosted over mirrors.
That's what prompted me to finally get heated mirrors. It gets bad when driving in the snow.... REALLY bad when plowing. Finally gave in and bought them. I just wish I didn't wait until winter was over, lol!
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 06:49 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by ToMang07
I determined the wire I was using was fine. (I thought it was the wrong one.)

I got the voltmeter out and the wire was putting out 11.8v with the switch on.

So it's either a problem with the wiring, or the mirrors themselves. When I get some time I will frig with it some more. It's just frustrating.

Just wanted to add, thanks to all who tried to help, it's appreciated. I HATE electrical.
I got mine off of eBay, AM Autoparts I think. $250 shipped. I tapped in behind the headlight switch. Luckily I had no problems and am very happy with them. Glad I didnt spend the extra for OEM. I understand your frustration, I HATE electrical too. Assuming you are tapping into the right wire, I guess you got some bunk mirrors.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2012 | 04:52 PM
  #23  
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Yeah, well, good for you I guess. I wanted heated mirrors with the blinker/running lights.[/QUOTE]

I bought my first set from discount auto mirror. I went OEM the second time but bought them used off a fellow FTEr. I wasn't trying to be snobby.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2012 | 05:23 PM
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Stupid question but are the bulbs in the mirrors?
 
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Old Apr 25, 2012 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by RedBoat
Stupid question but are the bulbs in the mirrors?
And if there are bulbs, can you connect a multimeter to the bulb socket to verify whether the 12V is getting to the bulb socket when you turn your lights on?
 
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