1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

extra reverse light wiring

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by davestaco, Sep 23, 2010.

  1. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:01 AM
    #1
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    im shur there is a thred out there that could answer my question, but im not having very good luck with technology today so ill just ask....feel free to lonk me if you can. I wanna add 2 of the rectangular fog lights to my trailer hitch...or somewhere back there for more reverse lightage....my question is can i just wire these lights into the stock reverse light wiring so they kick on automatically, or should i run them to a rocker switch...or both? which is safest and works best?
     
  2. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:18 AM
    #2
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2010
    Member:
    #40461
    Messages:
    19,557
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jerry
    Benicia, CA
    Vehicle:
    02 Extra cab SAS Linked front and rear
    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.
    I would run them with both I'm sure there is a relay you add in between that can trigger them both. I'm not that experienced with relays I just started a Thread about off road lighting.

    I do know one thing I wouldn't just wire them up the the factory wiring without a relay hopefully someone will chime in that knows what there doing.
     
  3. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:29 AM
    #3
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,409
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    If you want them to come on every time you put the truck in reverse, then you don't need a switch, just a relay and a power source (not the tail lights unless the lights you're adding are low draw, like an LED). Personally, I'd just put a switch in so you can turn them on and off manually.

    If you want them to light up everytime you're in reverse, tap into your tail light wire for the switch and use a fused line for the power in. That would mean the relay always has power but won't switch on the lights until the stock tail lights come on (ie, in reverse). The downside is you have no control over the lights, they come on everytime your tail lights come on.
     
  4. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:36 AM
    #4
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2009
    Member:
    #25814
    Messages:
    39,396
  5. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:38 AM
    #5
    barlowrs

    barlowrs Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2010
    Member:
    #31230
    Messages:
    612
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    So Cal
    Vehicle:
    06 Toyota Tacoma Sport 4x4
    Build Thread: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/builds/74926-barlowrs-06-taco-expo-build-thread.html OME Lift, FJ SE Wheels, 255/85 KM2, Allpro Plate Bumper, 8K Winch, Synthetic Line, Yaesu FT-8800R, Custom Sliders Sockmonkey bedside decals, BHLM, base model grille, TRD offroad (black) trim
    If you have a tow package (connector to plug trailer to) you can tap into the reverse lights for those, the amp load should be ok as your electrical system will just think you have a trailer on, and they will automatically go on/off with your reverse lights. I did it this way, but I made it so I can disconnect them if I ever do have a trailer, that way I am not powering 2 sets of lights if I have a trailer hooked up.

    If you do not have trailer connector, you should run a releay to trigger off your reverse lights. I would not simply tap into the existing wiring without a relay as you will basically double your draw on those wires and they were not designed for that (melting, fire, etc...not good)
     
  6. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:40 AM
    #6
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    ok....sounds like im runnin them to a rocker switch hahaha and i totally forgot about the lighting section haha my bad
     
  7. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:41 AM
    #7
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2010
    Member:
    #40461
    Messages:
    19,557
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jerry
    Benicia, CA
    Vehicle:
    02 Extra cab SAS Linked front and rear
    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.
    Wouldn't this work?

    WiringDIa-1_bb164f46d0f8273710a4352267a5aa00f987b5ca.jpg
     
  8. Sep 23, 2010 at 8:42 AM
    #8
    Bruce K

    Bruce K Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2010
    Member:
    #42680
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    SW Washington state
    Vehicle:
    04 TRD
    Bilstein 5100's, Wheelers 5 leaf pack, OME 581
    I'm about to do the same thing. I found this thread in another forum that has a great write up if you want to put in a relay and switch.
     
  9. Sep 23, 2010 at 11:13 AM
    #9
    Manlaan

    Manlaan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2010
    Member:
    #30054
    Messages:
    1,027
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Riverton, Utah
    Vehicle:
    2002 XtraCab SR5 V6 4x4 Black
    See Signature
    If I was doing a setup like this, that is exactly how I'd do it.

    Toyota wires may be good enough and all, but it will also depend on the size of lights your running. The towing lights might be a good harness to use if you have the factory tow package (not positive on wire gauge), but if you dont, you could easily be overloading the wires.

    A lot also depends on the type of lights you'll be using. If you're using some 55 watt halogen, they'll drain a lot more power (thus require thicker wire) than some leds.

    Either way, I think I'd still run a connection to the battery. That way you get your independent fuse for the lights, which is right there with your other fuses and you know for certain that you aren't overloading your wiring.

    You could probably get by with some 16 gauge wire running both lights but I wouldn't go any lower than 14 gauge. When I ran wire to the back bumper, I ran 12 gauge since I wasn't sure (and still dont know) what lights I'd be running. I'm kinda a fan of over wiring though.

    btw, if you wanted to use a dual relay setup, you could both have a switch and have then auto turn on in reverse. Seems a lot more useful than just having them only auto turn on. If you mounted the lights in your bed, you could have them as dual purpose bed lights and backup lights, for instance.
     
  10. Sep 23, 2010 at 11:44 AM
    #10
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    thanks for the link
     
  11. Sep 23, 2010 at 11:45 AM
    #11
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    thanks for input and all the diagrams
     
  12. Sep 23, 2010 at 11:47 AM
    #12
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    thanks jlee......i was just bein lazy and hoped i could just tap into the reverse light, but i think im gonna get off my lazy arse and run 12 gauge wire from battery to relay to switch and to lights.....that just sounds safer than tappin into small factory wiring and prolly effin somethin up
     
  13. Sep 23, 2010 at 10:32 PM
    #13
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2010
    Member:
    #40461
    Messages:
    19,557
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jerry
    Benicia, CA
    Vehicle:
    02 Extra cab SAS Linked front and rear
    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.
    Good choice you don't want to start a fire and burn your nice truck to the ground. It shouldn't cost more then $20 for the relay and the wire.
     
  14. Sep 24, 2010 at 4:49 AM
    #14
    rico334

    rico334 Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2010
    Member:
    #42337
    Messages:
    36
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    Tacoma TRD 2 WD
    I wired mine direct with a switch on the dash. I use them all the time for backing, but mainly so you can have light behind you to close gates you go through or just to have the extra light. Got them at Wal-mart, 55watt halogen, very bright and cost I think about $24 bucks.

    50th005-2_63cd971ff468f85ca353c19ebcd52f756882b2f5.jpg
    50th008_d0134d8f4a039cb1357cf717eabb1738ec871128.jpg
    50th009_73711cf138e47ab870724aa211852f9b2bb56511.jpg
     
  15. Sep 24, 2010 at 8:04 AM
    #15
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    nice set up
     
  16. Sep 24, 2010 at 8:05 AM
    #16
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    its not the money its the electrical wiring knowledge i am worried about haha
     
  17. Sep 24, 2010 at 10:17 AM
    #17
    Manlaan

    Manlaan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2010
    Member:
    #30054
    Messages:
    1,027
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Riverton, Utah
    Vehicle:
    2002 XtraCab SR5 V6 4x4 Black
    See Signature
    Since it sounds like your first time with something like this, I would suggest pre-wiring everything up outside of the vehicle so you can see how everything goes together and to make sure it works. If you want very specific details about what wire to run and how to do it, let us know.

    For example, you should get some wire loom to run the wire through. Just the cheap stuff with a split down the center is fine. It'll help protect the wire from rubbing and the elements.

    Make sure to zip tie everything up.

    For the main power, as stated above, I'd go with 12 gauge. This is the wire that is going from the battery to the relay and then to the lights. If using 2 Halogen lights, you're probably looking at a 10 amp fuse, but it doesn't hurt to calculate it yourself (watts/12volts = amps). You may have to go with a 15 amp fuse though, depending if the lights spike when first turning on. Since when the truck is running, you're actually running at 13.8 volts (or close), that same fuse will still work for you. If the lights you buy has wire that comes with it, I wouldn't use it for this run.

    For the other wire that is going to the switch, you could tap into accessory power, into the fuse box using an "add a fuse", or even a line to the battery, depending when you want it to be able to be turned on. This wire can be fairly thin since it only needs enough current to power an electromagnet in the relay, and the led on the switch. 18 gauge would be fine (I used 16 gauge) with a 1 amp fuse (since you cant go smaller easily).

    Fuses always go between power source and the item connecting, as close to the power source as reasonable.

    For joining wires, soldering is really the best method, but I tend to use male/female wire terminals for ease of replacement when the light needs to be replaced. I do solder the terminal and wire, but with a good crimp, it should be fine. I do use shrink wrap over the terminals to keep out moisture and protect against shorts. You'll need some terminals to connect to the relay anyway.
     
  18. Sep 24, 2010 at 10:56 AM
    #18
    davestaco

    davestaco [OP] TW's number one gear whore

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Member:
    #42134
    Messages:
    2,748
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Schofield Barracks
    Vehicle:
    00' tacoma xtra cab trd v6 4x4
    i have installed a few sound systems but i have no idea where relays go or how to wire them bla bla bla and all that fun stuff
     
  19. Sep 24, 2010 at 11:35 AM
    #19
    Manlaan

    Manlaan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2010
    Member:
    #30054
    Messages:
    1,027
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Riverton, Utah
    Vehicle:
    2002 XtraCab SR5 V6 4x4 Black
    See Signature
    Physically, I'd put the relay on the fender wall in that nice large open space after the emission vacuum lines. From the battery, its pretty easy to run the wires behind the fuse box, and it gives you easy access to run wires to the rear and inside the cab.

    For going to the back, you'll see some metal brake lines coming off the master cylinder near the firewall. I'd pretty much follow those all the way back. As long as you have some loom around the wire, it should be perfectly fine against the elements.

    For the switch, just like with audio, you'll have to find a way through the firewall.

    As far as the switch goes, the way I'd probably recommend doing it is to get an "add a fuse" and install it into the accessory fuse in the cab fuse box. This way the lights cannot be turned on unless the key is in the ignition so you cant accidentally run your battery down. Make sure to put the necessary fuse back in and a 1 amp fuse in the top. Run a line from your add a fuse to the switch and then from the switch to the relay (85 or 86). If you switch has a led, you'll also need to ground the proper connection (just a short wire going to some metal). As far as which line goes where on the switch, it should be marked, but if it isn't, you'll have to get a ohm meter to see which two are connected when the switch is on.

    For wiring the relay, its really simple. You have two circuits that are across from each other, and perpendicular to the other circuit. There really isn't a positive and negative side to the relay. You'll plug the wire coming from the switch into 85 or 86, and connect a ground to the other (85 or 86). (When the switch is turned on, it sends power to the relay, activating the magnet and moving the connector, completing the circuit between 30 (battery) and 87 (lights).)

    For the other side of the relay, run a fused 12 gauge line from the battery to 30. Then from from 87 to the lights.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top