ARB Bumper Running Lights/Relay Problem

[GrummanDriver]

I put an ARB bumper on my 05 Taco after doing four thousand dollars worth when I hit a deer, the deer got up and ran off by the way. I hooked up the ARB installed running lights inline with the trucks harness. After about 5 minutes, either the right or the left running lights will go out, both the trucks and the ARB's. My guess is that a relay in the system can't handle the extra load because if I recycle the lighting by turning the headlight switch on then off, the running lights will come back on, but, for a progressively shorter time. I called ARB and they basically said its all in my head, I gave up and disconnected the ARB bumper lights but it would be nice to have them on. Any ideas where I might find the relay that handles this circuit? Do you think I am on the right track? I called a local custom guy and he told me he would be glad to wire in a separate relay for a little less than a 100 bucks. Really? I don't need em that bad. Thanks for reading my ramble.

[Plain Jane Taco]

If it were me I'd just run a seperate relay for those lights using your parking lamps (I assume that's what you are calling "running lights") to trip the relay.

You can pick up a simple 4 pole 30 amp relay anywhere...Wal-Mart, AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts, Radio Shack, etc. Also pick up a fuse holder and 15 amp fuse and some 14 gauge wire (that should be plenty big enough) and some crimp terminal connectors.

Most relays have the following pole labels, #30, #87, #85, #86.

#30 - (+) Goes to the battery. I'd put a 15 amp fuse on this lead, as close to the battery as possible.
#86 - (-) Ground for the relay.
#85 - (+) Lead to parking lamps.
#87 - (+) Lead to your new bumper lights.

Now your new bumper lights will work with your stock parking lamps.

Here's a simple diagram. Just pretend that the foglights in the diagram are your new running lights. Also just ignore the whole switch thing. #85 will just go straight to your stock parking lamps.

CLICK ---> http://www.classictruckshop.com/club...h/foglites.htm

[GrummanDriver]

Thanks for the reply and the info, I guess they would be parking lamps, I hadn't thought about that since they are on all the time. I kind of figured that would be what would have to happen, I was hoping to replace the relay with one that would handle the extra work and not have extra wires hanging around. I'll give it a go.

Now, can you tell me how to get 30 miles to the gallon out of this thing?

[ttylerr]

Originally Posted by GrummanDriver

Thanks for the reply and the info, I guess they would be parking lamps, I hadn't thought about that since they are on all the time. I kind of figured that would be what would have to happen, I was hoping to replace the relay with one that would handle the extra work and not have extra wires hanging around. I'll give it a go.

Now, can you tell me how to get 30 miles to the gallon out of this thing?

that anchor you just bolted to the front end wont help lol

[GrummanDriver]

Originally Posted by ttylerr

that anchor you just bolted to the front end wont help lol

Until Deer Radar comes out I am low on options....

[ttylerr]

Originally Posted by GrummanDriver

Until Deer Radar comes out I am low on options....

i meant for getting 30mpg it wont help.. looks awesome though!

[Plain Jane Taco]

Originally Posted by GrummanDriver

Thanks for the reply and the info, I guess they would be parking lamps, I hadn't thought about that since they are on all the time....

After reading your post again....are you talking about the DRL's? If that's the case you have 2 options: either run the #85 lead to the parking lamps as I mentioned or you can run it to the DRL's. If you choose the DRL's your new bumper lights will come when you turn the key on and flash with your turn signals. The problem is, they will shut off when you turn on your headlights, as the DRL's do.

I'd stick with the parking lamp circuit if it were me.