alexanderthegreatsbweep

So I recently installed a rear dome light. My 93 didnt come with this when I bought it.

Now when I replaced the headliner I noticed that their was a plug that was not being used. I looked at my front dome light and noticed it was the same plug. So I decided to go to the junk yard and buy a rear light.

I decided on one that had a switch to turn it on or off, relay I guess you would call it. Now I just plugged it in and the light works great.

...But the problem is, the button to turn it on or off doesn't do ANYTHING. Not just that but when I lift the tailgate it doesnt turn on either. The lights only turn on when either front door is open or I turn the headlight switch counter clockwise.

Any ideas on any of this, I would love the help. I also have a picture of what it looks like.

radio flyer

The lead you hooked into is controlled just like you say, it's not hot all of the time. If you want the hatch to control them you will need to install the latch with the switch on it. All of the wiring should be in the hatch already.

alexanderthegreatsbweep

Well that makes sense but what about the actual button/switch on the light itself? Is that connected to the tailgate latch too?

captainofiron

I have been thinking of adding some lights to my cargo area, I was thinking about running the wires from the existing dome light in front to the back so the added lights turn on when the doors are opened, and adding a door jamb switch to the tailgate and running a ground wire to it, so when the hatch opens the lights turn on also.

I havent found a good light to put up there though, I was thinking about those little license plate lights one on each side, if I ever do it I will post pictures up

lestatsghost

for the rear light to work on the button it will need a separate power wire

alexanderthegreatsbweep

So I guess how do I go about doing this? I am not an electrical savvy guy.

captainofiron

just run a wire from the fusebox up your pillar and down the headliner

preferably a constant hot plug from the fusebox

alexanderthegreatsbweep

Alright sounds good then, thanks.

radio flyer

The switch on the rear dome light is just to allow you to turn off the power when you need to leave the hatch open for extended periods-thus not running down your battery. Instead of running a new wire you can locate the two wires in the hatch near the latch, and attach them to a toggle switch of your choice. Mount the switch to the hatch cover-Done.