cab lights wired to headlights
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
Cab lights wired to headlight switch
I just put some after market cab lights on...I'm wondering how to get the lead wire connected to the headlight switch so that when the headlights are on, the cab lights come on. I don't want to wire directly to a fuse post. The setup I have has each of the 5 lights attached to one lead wire which runs under the headliner, each light has it's own ground. I now have the lead wire ready for power just wondering if anyone has tapped into the headlight switch. If so, where is it and can I just splice into it? Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I'm trying to imagine why you'd want cab lights on with the headlights... 
But I'd tap into the line with an external relay so you don't put too much of a load on the switch/fuse. Five lights (depending on the wattage) could put a fair amount of added current through that circuit. The panel the headlight switch is mounted in can be pulled out, but I can't remember the exact procedure. I think you pop one side, then the other carefully with a screwdriver.
Joe
EDIT: Maybe you mean "Clearance" lights over the cab??
But I'd tap into the line with an external relay so you don't put too much of a load on the switch/fuse. Five lights (depending on the wattage) could put a fair amount of added current through that circuit. The panel the headlight switch is mounted in can be pulled out, but I can't remember the exact procedure. I think you pop one side, then the other carefully with a screwdriver.
Joe
EDIT: Maybe you mean "Clearance" lights over the cab??
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
The procedure is:
Pop out the instrument panel closest to the door about three inches, push a little "lever" toward the middle of the truck that releases hooks on the body of the switch. Push out from behind. Release little red plastic safety clips and remove connectors.
If you haven't done this before, you could break some really expensive plastic...
Isn't the stock feed for the cab lights in the passenger's kick panel? There's a photo on here somewhere that ol' "Steel Trap" will remember. I'd think that would be the best place to pick up this power.
Kris?
Pop
Pop out the instrument panel closest to the door about three inches, push a little "lever" toward the middle of the truck that releases hooks on the body of the switch. Push out from behind. Release little red plastic safety clips and remove connectors.
If you haven't done this before, you could break some really expensive plastic...
Isn't the stock feed for the cab lights in the passenger's kick panel? There's a photo on here somewhere that ol' "Steel Trap" will remember. I'd think that would be the best place to pick up this power.
Kris?
Pop
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by abvoitik
I just put some after market cab lights on...I'm wondering how to get the lead wire connected to the headlight switch so that when the headlights are on, the cab lights come on. I don't want to wire directly to a fuse post. The setup I have has each of the 5 lights attached to one lead wire which runs under the headliner, each light has it's own ground. I now have the lead wire ready for power just wondering if anyone has tapped into the headlight switch. If so, where is it and can I just splice into it? Thanks
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
To clear it up, I have lights on top of the cab (clearance lights, roof lights, etc.) I would like them to come on with the headlights when I turn the headlights on....What color is that wire and is the "headlamp switch" just to the left of the steering wheel?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Yes.....the switch you use to turn on the headlights. Pop that switch out of the dash and tie your cab lights power wire into the brown wire coming out of the back of the switch. This will power your cab lights anytime the headlight switch is on.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Larkspur, CO
There is a connector for the factory fitted clearance lights behind the passenger kick panel. Remove the panel and it is pretty obvious where it is - just tap into that and the lights will operate just like the factory versions.
New User
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
No factory plug for cab lights
I have an 08 F-150 base model and it doesn’t seem to have the factory plug for cab lights. I have checked the passenger and driver side. Any advice? If I have a fuse in-line with the lights I should be ok to splice into the switch directly
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
windsor94
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jul 28, 2008 11:32 PM
royharper
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Feb 20, 2008 06:40 PM
