illuminate switch when headlights are on
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=134297
Printed Date: July 06, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Topic: illuminate switch when headlights are on
Posted By: 85 jd 850
Subject: illuminate switch when headlights are on
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 2:51 AM
I have a 1985 John Deere 850 tractor. I am trying to set up a new set of led flood lights on it. I am trying to use an illuminated switch. I would like this switch to light up when the headlights are turned on. I want the switch to have the constant ability to power the flood lights but only illuminate the switch itself when the headlights are on.
Replies:
Posted By: 85 jd 850
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 4:11 AM
oh and here is the switch i want to use
Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 4:30 AM
The bulb or LED is merely connected to the output (ie, the switched +12V to the light/relay) with its other end to GND.
Posted By: 85 jd 850
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 5:28 AM
that will make the switch illuminate when pressed from my understanding
Posted By: 85 jd 850
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 5:29 AM
Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 7:44 AM
Correct.
Posted By: 85 jd 850
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 5:20 PM
what i am trying to do is make the switch light up independently of being pressed. i want it to light up when the dash lights come on. in other words when the headlights are on i want it illuminated but dark during the day when the headlights are off. i dont need it lit up when pressed as the flood lights will be enough indication of that. thanks
Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 6:01 PM
Well now that you have clarified which lights...
NO1 goes to whatever you are turning on.
+ is the LED/indicator +ve. Connect that to whatever you want to light the switch.
Posted By: 85 jd 850
Date Posted: May 30, 2013 at 11:25 PM
awesome!!!! thank you greatly. i know i am making a simple install into a pain but i cant do simple on anything for some reason
Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: May 31, 2013 at 8:24 PM
IMO that switch is not that simple. I wish I had that diagram else that pic of its base (with the + & - for its LED) last week when I dealt with a stumped poster.
And better safe than sorry - you do NOT want to inadvertently switch +12V to GND. That's one of the dangers with illuminated switches, and any switch that has both +ve (12V) and GND connections.
But that switch is good in that its indicator is independent of the switch terminals so it can be wired to anything.
And as I often say, "simple" does not mean "not tricky".
Best wishes.
|