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I was thinking about using a combination approach. Using the center pin from the trailer plug go to a realy. Also connect a dash switch to the relay. This way, when I go into reverse the lights will go on, and I also have a manual option. Just need to decide which lights to use and go buy them.
You wont have to tap it, it goes through the relay back to the trailer connection. Just choose the right ( reverse or hot) circuit and make sure it's large enough to handle the load. If you want you can splice a switch in the hot wire so you can control that circuit.
Last edited by FordxFour; Jul 15, 2004 at 09:53 PM.
Think rmilchman is refferring to using the relay that is under the hood to turn on and off his lights. Actually a very good Idea, wish that I would of though of it, would of been a lot easier than adding another relay.
I have been following this, and was wondering if you guys could give me some input on the same thing. I have added aux back-up lights, tapping the center pin wire in the harness. But Now reading this thread for some time, I think a seperate switch would be very handy.
My question is.. Would I have to rewire them, or is there an other way for me to achieve this. Not much knowledge when it comes to electrical, so I appreciate the help before I mess something up
If FordXFour is correct about there being a realy under the hood, you should be able to run a wire from the dash to the relay and trip it, which would then turn on the lights. I haven't looked for the relay yet, and probably won't have time for a month or so.
there is a relay, it is on the driverside fenderwell, and it is located just underneath the hinge that holds the hood up, is about 2 inches square, and up towards the top of the fender
thanks guys. I have tracked down the relay, and even found the schematics from the brake controller adapter harness, which shows the connections on the relay, and the colors.
rmilchman,
Would you mind expalining how I could do this without hurting anything. It does not list the #'s as found on the relay, it shows this:
-One wire from brake input lamp switch to the relay
-one to ground
-BK/LG wire
-and looks like power from a 20A fuse under hood goind to 2 points
I might have confused you, the brake controller is on a seperate relay, there looks like there is 5 in total underhood.
I was using the schematic chart that came in the bag with the factory adapter for the brake contol. It lists all the underhood relays, and the colors for everything.
As for the input, It simply says "inpur from back up switch" man...I need to really learn electrical. I feel Im close......lol
"Input from backup switch", place a test light on this lead. If it's "hot" when in park (and key on) then most likely grounding it via a switch will active the reverse lights. If it's not hot, place the truck in R and see if it goes hot. If it does, then give it 12 volts from a swtich and the lights will come on.