DIY lighting mod help?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 92
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From: B.F.E., TX, USA
DIY lighting mod help?
Ok here goes. I have a problem and a solution, I just need some info. Does anyone happen to know where would be the best place to tap into, and possibly which wire is the signal wire for the dome light and the... bed light?? (3rd brake light) ANY help, as long as it's actually help would be appreciated. As soon as I finish my little DIY mod I will post pics of the finished product. Thanks for any input. O-SUPER_DUTY-o
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
I don't know the color of the wire you need, but the best place to tap into it would depend a lot on what you intend to do with it.
For instance, if you need to power something in the roof area, the best tapping point would be in the roof area. If, on the other hand, you need the signal under the dash then that is the best place to tap the wire.
Also, how you tap the wire and handle it depends a lot on the load you intend to power. I don't think the dome light/bed light circuit would support much more of a load without blowing fuses and burning wires. Depending on the intended draw you may want to consider hooking up a relay circuit. Unless the item you intend to power is under about 50 watts I would recommend it.
For instance, if you need to power something in the roof area, the best tapping point would be in the roof area. If, on the other hand, you need the signal under the dash then that is the best place to tap the wire.
Also, how you tap the wire and handle it depends a lot on the load you intend to power. I don't think the dome light/bed light circuit would support much more of a load without blowing fuses and burning wires. Depending on the intended draw you may want to consider hooking up a relay circuit. Unless the item you intend to power is under about 50 watts I would recommend it.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 92
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From: B.F.E., TX, USA
Since I'm sure I'm not the only person who has this problem, and it may have already been done, I'll go ahead and fill you all in on my plans. I want to install some LEDs in my door panel, about 3 or 4 for each pocket (6-8 per door). I can't ever see into them at night and the dome light isn't much help. I want them to turn on with the dome light, not a toggle or anything like that. I also want to make my own bed rail lighting and have it turn on when the (cab light, bed light, third brake light?? - help me out with this one) turns on. Each of these 2 lighting systems will have its own 12v feed, I just need the signal wires to turn them on. Oh, by the way its an 08 250 4x reg cab srw lb if this helps anyone.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 92
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From: B.F.E., TX, USA
Bump and can anyone help? I just need to know where to look for these wires under the dash and possibly wire colors if anyone knows. I promise to do a full write up when its done.
Also, I posted some pics of the truck and my grandpa's 84 F350 tragedy in my garage so check it out.
Also, I posted some pics of the truck and my grandpa's 84 F350 tragedy in my garage so check it out.
