How to Wire Off Road Lights?
12-30-2011, 10:05 PM
#1
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How to Wire Off Road Lights?
I've hit a snag with the wiring though...got no light. Here's how I have everything laid out:
I have two dual 87 pin, normally open relays.
4 lights, with one power wire each. Lights are grounded on the rack.
2 lights for each relay, one wire going into each 87 pin.
Pin 86 of the relay goes to ground.
Pin 85 of the relay goes to the switch.
Pin 30 of the relay comes from the + terminal of the battery.
The wires off of the 85 pins are the only wires I have going into the switch. Is that what my problem is? Do I need a "run source" wire going into the switch from somewhere in the ACC system or something? I'm really confused as to why this isn't working!
I have two dual 87 pin, normally open relays.
4 lights, with one power wire each. Lights are grounded on the rack.
2 lights for each relay, one wire going into each 87 pin.
Pin 86 of the relay goes to ground.
Pin 85 of the relay goes to the switch.
Pin 30 of the relay comes from the + terminal of the battery.
The wires off of the 85 pins are the only wires I have going into the switch. Is that what my problem is? Do I need a "run source" wire going into the switch from somewhere in the ACC system or something? I'm really confused as to why this isn't working!
12-30-2011, 10:18 PM
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You need to run a 12v (make it hot with the key on, or hot all the time your choice) to the switch. Then you need to ground the the switch as well. Then you should be good to go!
Last edited by JCKustoms; 12-30-2011 at 10:21 PM.
12-30-2011, 10:20 PM
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My way of wiring isnt safe but when i wire i run a wire from the battery to the switch then from the switch to an inline fuse to and the lights then the ground wire gets connected its pretty much a slojd run but the switch just breaks the circuit when off
12-30-2011, 10:30 PM
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Year: 1989
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Engine: 4L Renix
i go thi rout. but my lamps only pull 5amps as a pair . d t was more i'd go relays with a hot and a fuse inline to the light.
if you want some good relays . get some bosh units. when i add relay i use 12v 30 amp relays. there generally over kill for me, but with an inline fuse to the equip it may be powering its all good.
12-30-2011, 10:37 PM
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I've hit a snag with the wiring though...got no light. Here's how I have everything laid out:
I have two dual 87 pin, normally open relays.
4 lights, with one power wire each. Lights are grounded on the rack.
2 lights for each relay, one wire going into each 87 pin.
Pin 86 of the relay goes to ground.
Pin 85 of the relay goes to the switch.
Pin 30 of the relay comes from the + terminal of the battery.
The wires off of the 85 pins are the only wires I have going into the switch. Is that what my problem is? Do I need a "run source" wire going into the switch from somewhere in the ACC system or something? I'm really confused as to why this isn't working!
I have two dual 87 pin, normally open relays.
4 lights, with one power wire each. Lights are grounded on the rack.
2 lights for each relay, one wire going into each 87 pin.
Pin 86 of the relay goes to ground.
Pin 85 of the relay goes to the switch.
Pin 30 of the relay comes from the + terminal of the battery.
The wires off of the 85 pins are the only wires I have going into the switch. Is that what my problem is? Do I need a "run source" wire going into the switch from somewhere in the ACC system or something? I'm really confused as to why this isn't working!
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12-30-2011, 10:42 PM
#8
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12-30-2011, 10:45 PM
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12-30-2011, 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by bzauche
Where do I get this 12v run source? My switch is DPST, it has 4 studs. Two running from the relays, so right now I have two open. Is there a way to split the wire coming from the battery, put one end in 30 and one in what is currently grounded, then ground at the switch instead?
1) single pole non-illuminated
2) single pole illuminated
3) double pole non-illuminated
4) double pole illuminated
12-30-2011, 11:09 PM
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Use a test light or meter and snag a + 12v from somewhere under the dash, or run another wire from the battery with an inline fuse...
Last edited by JCKustoms; 12-30-2011 at 11:12 PM.
12-30-2011, 11:19 PM
#12
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I want double pole non-illuminated. Can I not put the battery input into 30 and 86 then ground the switch?
12-30-2011, 11:45 PM
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If you do not want the switch illuminated don't ground it. You'll have the two wires (#85) from the relays and a 12v going to the switch. You should have relay pin #86 going to ground.
Last edited by JCKustoms; 12-30-2011 at 11:54 PM.
12-30-2011, 11:56 PM
#14
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Ok, cool. So if there are two "gold" studs and two "silver" studs on the switch...should the wires from the relays be on the gold studs, then only one 12v run source wire on a silver stud, leaving one open? What is a commonly used 12v wire that I can easily splice into?
12-31-2011, 12:05 AM
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I believe, without knowing which brand/type switch you have, the silver studs are usually for the 12v +. You will need a test light or similar to find a "hot" 12v lead.