Add-On Back-Up Lighting
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=70800
Printed Date: April 26, 2024 at 4:09 AM
Topic: Add-On Back-Up Lighting
Posted By: artsculptr
Subject: Add-On Back-Up Lighting
Date Posted: January 14, 2006 at 9:44 PM
I'm trying to add a pair of Fog Lights to my Reverse Lights in an attempt to enhance visibility behind my car. Can someone describe the proper contacts on the RELAY for this upgrade? I've tried: 30 > 12v Battery Power (+) 85 > Tapped into Factory wire for Reverse (+) 86 > Ground (-) 87 > Fog Light (+) 87A > Nothing In this order,... I can't seem to get it to work. -I need the lights to go on when I put the car into reverse (only) and, not when I am driving :oops: --SYAO
Replies:
Posted By: MikesMarine
Date Posted: January 15, 2006 at 12:27 AM
Just ground the Neg, and run the positive to the positive on the reverse light. fuse the + to the Fogs. ive done this in 3 trucks and never had issues with out a relay.
Posted By: menace2sobriety
Date Posted: January 15, 2006 at 3:56 AM
same here i have done this on my ramcharger. and the reverse lights really are not on long enough to heat up the wires. unless you only drive in reverse
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Posted By: artsculptr
Date Posted: January 15, 2006 at 4:50 PM
You guys are right,... using the factory reverse wire to power the lights does work but then,... the factory reverse lights are only running at half or diminished output; I can only assume the add-on lights would also be running at diminished output as well :o( I think,... a RELAY is my only option to power both OEM & PIAA 1500XT's at FULL power. --Maybe I need two?
Posted By: bellsracer
Date Posted: January 17, 2006 at 3:50 PM
Since his connections are correct to the SPDT I can only think of two possibilities: 1) The SPDT is bad and needs to be replaced or, 2) The SPDT is rated for less than 10 amps and both lights are tapping too much energy through it. (most likely burned it out) If you want to run OEM and the PIAAs you will need an SPDT rated higher than that. If I am not mistaken the PIAAs take about 12 amps on them, so I would use a 15 or 20 amp relay. If you want to maintain brightness, then you will need the relays. Hope this helps. Ganbatte ne (good luck -or- do your best) ------------- Never send your ducks to eagle school.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
The 3Ls of life: Learn from the Past, Live for the Present, Look to the Future.
Posted By: bellsracer
Date Posted: January 17, 2006 at 3:51 PM
btw if you do use the 15 or 20 amp relay, you will only need one. The lights are bright, but not that bright. They are Dichrotic beams.
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Never send your ducks to eagle school.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
The 3Ls of life: Learn from the Past, Live for the Present, Look to the Future.
Posted By: pbrr
Date Posted: February 18, 2006 at 6:42 PM
Just a thought, unless you already own the PIAA's, you might think about getting Hella "Worklights" instead, the kind of lights used on bull dozers and snow plows. I have them for my backup lights and they are fantastic (and I suspect a lot cheaper, with much, much better light patterning for your purpose than fog lights.) I researched them initially for "cornering lights" up front. I hunt the mountains of California and cornering lights are a great comfort on those pesky switchbacks in the dark. They worked so well that I rigged a second pair for the stern. As I say, just a thought. If it isn't against the rules here, I use a terrific supplier of Hella in Harrisburg PA at, I believe, just susquehanna,com. I haven't been there in a while but great prices and fantastic CS and advice.
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pbr
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