Install of PIAA Lamps onto 2003 Tacoma

I recently purchased a set of PIAA 001 Solitaire Series fog/driving lamps for my 2003 Toyota Tacoma.  In the harness installation instructions the 7th step states to use the supplied connector and connect the switch power wire (H) to a power source.  I have some questions about this step.

Can the lamps be operated independently of the high or low beam headlamps?  If so, does the switch power wire (H) need to be connected at all?

If the switch power wire (H) must be connected to a power source is there an alternate source other then the main headlamps?  If so, where can the connection occur, such as which wire location and wire color?

Thanks - rocketeer928

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rocketeer928

Does anyone know the location and color of the 12 Volt power wire for the parking lights (not headlights) on a 2003 Toyota Tacoma?

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rocketeer928

If I read your question correctly, yes the new PIAA lights will work independantly of the OEM head lights if wired to do so.

To answer the second part of your Q. The supplied *lighted* on-off button can be wired to either a *switched / unswitched* +12 power source.

The choice of wiring it to a constant 12 volt power *unswitched* supply enables you to turn the fog lights on/off regardless of the vehilce being started.

The *switched* is the opposite, which would require the ignition key to be placed in either prestart, or the vehicle running mode.

The choice is yours in this regard. There are a few empty fuse outlets in the panel. All you need to do is simply measure with your DMM whether the empty fuse socket(s) supply a constant 12 volts unswitched, or 12 switched power souce *vehicle in prestart / running*

As a simple tip for long service life. I would ask you to ensure that each of the following things be done, and adhered to.

1. Apply dielectric grease compond to each *connector* to inhibit moisture and water from shorting the connectors out, this will also reduce resistance in the male / female ends of the connector.

Do not use conductive grease, in place of the dielectric grease. Conductive grease promotes the path of current, regardless of the area being applied.

ie. If there is some residue conductive grease on the outside of the connectors and it should touch a bare piece of metal. It will short the bulbs out and blow the lights.

This is also known as *tracing / arching*

Whereas, dielectric grease is a insulator, and does not conduct current / voltage readily, as it is neutral in composition.


2. Do not turn the light on-off rapidly. It will shorten the life span of the bulbs.


3. Do not spray the outside lens with cold water after prolonged use. Doing so will promote cracking of the lens coloring & if it is struck by road debris it will break.


4. If you see moisture build-up within the inner lens area. Ensure you take the time to disassemble the lens assembly to reduce contamination and bulb wear.


5. Each projector assembly has a rubber spout to *exhaust* out condensation. Please ensure the bulbs is affixed in the correct manner.


    
Regards

EVIL Teken . . .

Thanks for the great advive Teken, and taking the time to outline all of your tips.  I connected the lamps up to the parking lights 12 volt power wire.  Someone from another automotive forum told me exactly which wire and where to find it.  A bugger to get to, but once I did it worked like a charm.  I just need to be sure to switch the fog lamps off before I leave the truck.  When I hit the remote lock the parking brakes flash, which will cause the fog lamps to flash only.

I'll be sure to get some of that dielectric grease compound soon.

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rocketeer928

Glad the installation went on without a hitch. From a security stand point, please ensure that you try to implement a few security measures to secure the fog lamps to the vehicle.

Speaking from personal experience, PIAA lamps are very much on the *I want one* list for theft.

1) Use the 3M adhesive double sided tape in the installation, if not already in use.

2) Purchase some security screws to fasten the lamps to the vehicles frame. The one famous brand is called *Spanner* who makes the snake eyes fasteners.

They require a special driver and the screws are made of hi quality materials, which will not rust or break upon impact.

3) If the mounts of the lamps are close to the underbody of the grill, use some 1/4 plastic wire ties or metal braided cabling to secure it to the vehicle.

4) Install a closed loop sensing device to activate the alarm, upon theft of the lights. They are made by DEI such as the 502T and others. The basic principle is that once the ground wire or any wire that is attatched to the fog lamp assembly is interupted, it will be sensed by the closed loop sensor, and in turn will alert the alarm to sound off.


Regards

EVIL Teken . . .