reversing spotlight

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=109324
Printed Date: July 07, 2025 at 2:36 AM

Topic: reversing spotlight

Posted By: jonlucpicard
Subject: reversing spotlight
Date Posted: November 29, 2008 at 3:09 PM

My dad wants me to put a 55w halogen spotlight on the back of his car, wired to his reversing light.
I have fitted spotlights to the front of cars before, wired to the main beam via a relay but as i'm only fitting one spotlight do i need to wire in a relay or can i just wire it straight to the reversing lights wires?

Cheers
Jon

Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: November 29, 2008 at 3:44 PM

You NEED to use a relay. The 2 OEM backup lamps on the vehicle are probably 5 watts each. The system is planning on providing around 1 amp of current. Adding over 4 amps of extra current draw will be 400% increase. This WILL put an extreme load on the switch or BCM of the vehicle.

Posted By: reax222
Date Posted: November 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM

What's the make and model? Newer trucks are nice to do because they pre-wire for back up lights and aux power for the trailer hook-up. Otherwise you need to do as posted and run a new fused power wire to the back.

Posted By: jonlucpicard
Date Posted: December 01, 2008 at 5:14 AM

It's 1996 peugeot 405, it has electrics for a trailer fitted. I will do as suggested and fit a relay.
Thanks for the advice guys posted_image

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