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LED bed lights

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by belone12, May 13, 2013.

  1. May 13, 2013 at 7:53 AM
    #1
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Starting the bed light mod. Quick question, is there any reason I can't think of that mounting the switch inside this cubby is a bad idea? Way I see it I is protected from the elements and out of sight/reach of some accidentally turning it on....

    image.jpg
     
  2. May 13, 2013 at 11:22 AM
    #2
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

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    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    That cubby still sees some water/dirt, hence the drain holes. Use an outdoor switch.
     
  3. May 13, 2013 at 11:41 AM
    #3
    DEEVON911

    DEEVON911 Semi-Pro

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    X2 Won't be buried in snow or under water, but still will be exposed to a good amount of moisture.
     
  4. May 13, 2013 at 1:00 PM
    #4
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok cool. I mounted it elsewhere and will sow later (I also have a tonneau which helps) but after thinking I was finished, no lights. Very simple wiring: battery to in line fuse (10amp) to the switch. Red + on LEDs to the switch. Black - on LEDs to ground in tail light cubby. Reconnect battery = no lights. I cut the LEDs in between the set (every 3rd), am I supposed to do something to them after thAt? I know pictures would help...
     
  5. May 13, 2013 at 1:25 PM
    #5
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If the switch only has 2 wires (both are black and not labeled) does it matter which one is connected to the battery vs the lights?
    Thanks
     
  6. May 13, 2013 at 1:51 PM
    #6
    ProForce

    ProForce IG @proforce.expeditions OB#5411

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    No it doesn't matter which way your switch was connected. You said you grounded the lights inside the cubby.... The cubby is plastic which means its not ground. Check to make sure you grounded he lights to a solid metal point which contacts the frame by metal in some way or another.
     
  7. May 13, 2013 at 1:53 PM
    #7
    ProForce

    ProForce IG @proforce.expeditions OB#5411

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    Double check your fuse, even if its brand new. They go bad easily. Also verify you connected it to the positive side of the battery and not the negative side. Sounds like a stupid mistake, but trust me, some people make the little mistakes.
     
  8. May 13, 2013 at 1:54 PM
    #8
    ProForce

    ProForce IG @proforce.expeditions OB#5411

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    Need a tester of some sort, like a digital multi meter to verify that power is actually reaching the switch. If it is, make sure its actually passing through the switch when its turned on.
     
  9. May 13, 2013 at 1:58 PM
    #9
    LoadedTaco

    LoadedTaco Kick A$$ Member

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    I think Led's don't light if current is run the wrong way through them.
     
  10. May 13, 2013 at 2:00 PM
    #10
    Chepo

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    This... Leds don't turn on if you dont wire them correctly (+) and (-)...
     
  11. May 13, 2013 at 2:01 PM
    #11
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks guys. Battery is properly connected, fuse is solid, I just ran down to west marine and picked p another switch. See if that works. If not I will go to my mechanic and see if he can test the power running through it. Appreciate the help (as always)
     
  12. May 13, 2013 at 3:23 PM
    #12
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    image.jpgWell, I just redid all the connections. I cannot for the life of me figure out what's up. maybe one of two things:
    1) cut the led in the wrong place? Would that kill the strip?
    2) bad ground?

    If anyone has some input, I appreciate it. I really thought this would be awake walk, ugh
     
  13. May 13, 2013 at 3:25 PM
    #13
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Now I can't upload multiple pics for some reason

    image.jpg
     
  14. May 13, 2013 at 3:26 PM
    #14
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Grounded behind he tail light

    image.jpg
     
  15. May 13, 2013 at 5:50 PM
    #15
    belone12

    belone12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Good to go, took a dinner break, reset the ground wire, and plenty o light. Sorry to be a psycho before, frustration took over. Thanks for the input

    image.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2013
  16. May 14, 2013 at 5:11 AM
    #16
    LoadedTaco

    LoadedTaco Kick A$$ Member

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    Looks Great!!
     
  17. May 14, 2013 at 8:29 PM
    #17
    Chepo

    Chepo Tankoma!

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    Nice! Well done!!!
     

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