Relay question
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 2
From: South Texas
Relay question
I read the lights should receive their power through a relay. Does this mean the existing lights, like a reverse light, are already powered through a relay? I'm planning to install a 3 inch led that comes on with the back up lights and want to know if I can get away just splicing into the reverse light hot wire instead of installing a new relay.
Thanks
Thanks
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Relays are only used when the design calls for it. If the factory used a dinky switch for the back-up lights, then they will often use a relay so the dinky switch doesn't handle the load of the light. But most of the time on the older vehicles, the switch can handle it by itself. If you are messing with a newer vehicle (about 2000-up), then most of them use a body module with a solid state relay built into the module.
You need to find out the wattage or the current demands of your proposed add-on light. Most factory circuits can tolerate a couple more amps through the circuit. If it's over 3amps added, I would consider adding a relay.
You need to find out the wattage or the current demands of your proposed add-on light. Most factory circuits can tolerate a couple more amps through the circuit. If it's over 3amps added, I would consider adding a relay.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
The reversing lamps on the 04 are already powered through a relay. All you have to do is either splice into the existing wiring circuit or pick it off the 7-pin trailer connector (if equipped).
The stated LED only pulls a little over an amp so the circuit faces no risk of overload if properly connected.
The stated LED only pulls a little over an amp so the circuit faces no risk of overload if properly connected.
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