auxiliary reverse light switching
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=99109
Printed Date: June 21, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Topic: auxiliary reverse light switching
Posted By: warhead
Subject: auxiliary reverse light switching
Date Posted: November 17, 2007 at 7:22 PM
Hi, I've got some KC HiLites auxiliary reverse lights that I am hooking up in my '97 jeep wrangler. I want to be able to control them with a switch, and I found this old thread on this forum regarding just such a thing:
https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=91687
However, I am not sure I fully understand how that switch will work. What I would like is to have one position force the auxiliary lights on regardless of whether or not I am in reverse, have another position that cuts them off so that they don't go on even if I am in reverse, and a third position that allows the reverse lights to switch the relay and automatically turn on the auxiliary reverse lights when I go into reverse. Finally, if possible, it'd be nice if the automatic setting would be in the middle, with the forced on and off on either end.
It seems like the setup on that page will not do that...am I correct in thinking this? If so, is there a relatively simple way to do this?
Thanks!
Replies:
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: November 18, 2007 at 4:43 PM
The diagram in the other thread does exactly what you want it to do. The only problem with it was a not so exact layout of the switch. You will need to get a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) ON-OFF-ON switch. Toggle or rocker but it has to be an on-off-on, and it can't be a momentary either. Generally on this type of switch the center connection is the common connection. In your case the output to the relay. The 2 outer connections will be the the input to the switch. With the switch in the middle position it will be off. In one position it will get the constant 12V and turn the lights on. The other position will get power when your reverse lights are on, thus turning on your aux lights. https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/file.asp?ID=665
Posted By: warhead
Date Posted: November 18, 2007 at 7:55 PM
Ahhh! I see, thank you. I was looking at the switch wrong, and the power from the battery wrong, I understand it now. Yeah, that'll be great...not the order i wanted but the order it is in will be fine. Thanks a lot!
Posted By: target59
Date Posted: December 21, 2007 at 6:50 PM
I've also would like to hook up extra reverse lights. How would I find the right relay? Also, would the wiring diagrams given keep my reverse fuse from blowing? My extra lights are about 8amps and the reverse lights are at 7.5amps. I would hope that both diagrams only take the feed from the battery. Is the line running to the reverse only to enable the the relay to work when in reverse?
Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: December 22, 2007 at 5:06 PM
My extra lights are about 8amps and the reverse lights are at 7.5amps. Is the line running to the reverse only to enable the the relay to work when in reverse? if your stock lights are 7.5 amp and u add an 8amp light load, of course your going to blow fuses. THe line running from the reverse is from the relay, not to trigger the relay. its wire for reverse lights only. What i suggest you do is add another relay from your reverse light wire to tirgger a relay so it can be isolated on its own. relay wiring 85 - Ground
86 - 12v from reverse lamp
70 - constant 12volts fused @ 10 amps (since ur lights are 8)
30 - to 12v wire on extra lighting
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