make cargo lamp into third brake light
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 297
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From: Butner,NC
make cargo lamp into third brake light
My cargo lamp dash switch went south years ago and was looking into making the bed lamp a third brake light. I tryed the simple wiring method; splicing into my brake light switch wiring but all I got was a faint glow of the cargo bulb when I pressed my brake pedal. Without rewiring all the way to the cargo lamp what would be another method.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
make cargo lamp into third brake light
If it looks like you're not getting enough current for both all lights to be bright, run your tap in to a relay and wire it to +12v using a larger guage wire.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
make cargo lamp into third brake light
I would use a butt connector (a 16 to 14 - use the 14 side for the extra wire) and grab the power AFTER it leaves the harness connection, but, before it exits the firewall. Then run it up the left hand side pillar to behind the domelap from behind the dash.
Many cargo lamps are 97 or 194 bulbs, you probably should use a 1156, which means a new socket. Pretty cheap, less then $2. If the 1156 bulb is not at least 1/2 an inch away from the cover when installed then replace it with an aftermarket trailer lamp. About $10.00. The reason for the room is the 1156 will get hot enough to melt the plastic with extended use without that air gap.
Many cargo lamps are 97 or 194 bulbs, you probably should use a 1156, which means a new socket. Pretty cheap, less then $2. If the 1156 bulb is not at least 1/2 an inch away from the cover when installed then replace it with an aftermarket trailer lamp. About $10.00. The reason for the room is the 1156 will get hot enough to melt the plastic with extended use without that air gap.
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