Wiring advice, please
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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Wiring advice, please
I want to install one or two auxilliary back-up lights, wired so they will come on automatically when in reverse and switched so I can turn them on when parked to help see the trailer hook-up at night. I'd like to use one of my upfitter switches to control these lights--since it already has a relay wired in--but since it's only a 2-way switch, how can I do that? Not sure how to take advantage of the upfitter switch and still have the light(s) come on automatically in reverse? Any suggestions--or should I just put in a separate relay and 3-way switch? Thanks for all the great info here guys!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 5
From: NJ
I think that you can do this pretty easily. Look at the schematic located here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q117.pdf Choose which switch # you are going to use and locate the trigger wire running from the switch to the relay chosen. Connect a piece of wire into the reverse light circuit (off the top of my head I will say black/pink, likely in the L/F kick panel), run it over the upfitter relay block (behind the glove box) attach a 3A or larger diode to the end of the wire with the stripe away from the wire. Connect the other end of the diode to previously located outfitter wire and that should be it. Let know if you need further explanation.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 3
From: Villa Rica, GA
heres a diagram I used, if your upfitter switches dont have a 3 way included you may be able to use 2 of the switches together, so if they are both in the off position the aux. lights wont come on at all, if you have the first switch on they will come on with the reverse lights, and with the second switch they would be on all the time. if you do that you need to make sure you dont have both switches on at the same time because the circuits will backfeed each other. I think your best bet would be using a 3 way switch that has ON-OFF-ON
http://www.snowplowing-contractors.c...se_lights.html
Jason
http://www.snowplowing-contractors.c...se_lights.html
Jason
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 3
From: Phenix City, AL
I think I can help you with this one as that is the setup I already have running.
When you run the wiring for the lights. Tap your reverse lights and run that tap to your relay. Hook it to the prong that would be used for the switch. This will activate the relay just like the switch would. Then just run all the rest of the wiring as normal, including the switch to the relay.
This allows you to turn the lights on when you want and also to have them come one with the reverse lights.
Here's how I have them mounted. Also, Bear Hunter is running pretty similar setup, if you look in his gallery.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=85478&width=0
When you run the wiring for the lights. Tap your reverse lights and run that tap to your relay. Hook it to the prong that would be used for the switch. This will activate the relay just like the switch would. Then just run all the rest of the wiring as normal, including the switch to the relay.
This allows you to turn the lights on when you want and also to have them come one with the reverse lights.
Here's how I have them mounted. Also, Bear Hunter is running pretty similar setup, if you look in his gallery.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=85478&width=0
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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Great! Thanks guys for all of your help. I'm ordering the PIAA dual lamp backup kit today--they'll be a nice fit on those handy tabs Ford was nice enough to place on the bottom ends of the bumper. I appreciate your advice.
