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Can I wire aftermarket fog lights to my factory switch?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by cactuscorn, Jan 2, 2021.

  1. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:06 PM
    #1
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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    02A0A85D-4195-4502-B9F9-72F5889E480B.jpg Hi guys. Been awhile. I’m doing some work to the taco lately and I just can’t seem to find what I’m looking for. Here’s the plan and my confusion:

    I’ve installed a C4 Fab Hybrid bumper and Added some Baja Designs Squadron lights (via the simple 2 wire, Inline fuse harness provided) with the switch installed into the tall dummy plug to the right of the factory fog switch and I’m not at all pleased with the results. It looks like ass and doesn’t shut off with the ignition, obviously. Is it possible to wire into the factory switch or add a aftermarket switch which will allow the fogs to power on/off with the ignition, preferably a blue backlit LED push button type?

    I know there’s tall and short switch openings and I’ve destroyed the tall dummy plug and can’t seem to locate a replacement. Got a idea?

    I know the factory fog switch is a short opening. I don’t have a overwhelming preference on where the new switch would fit if I can’t use the factory fog switch.

    I’m just competent enough to wire into the battery so if this gets complicated I’ll need the install for dummies version.

    I’m strongly considering a remote 6 way blade type fuse block under the hood for easy/safe additions such as these fogs, the cb I just got and additional lights and accessories down the road. Good idea?

    Who’s willing to pop by and hook all this up for me while I recover from a concussion? Doc says I should avoid stressing my brain for awhile. I’ll buy the beer.
     
    davidstacoma likes this.
  2. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:09 PM
    #2
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    Get pigtail harnesses that plug into the factory fog lights plug and wire them to your pods. Done.
     
    CaptainBart45 and cactuscorn[OP] like this.
  3. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:10 PM
    #3
    verynearlypure

    verynearlypure Clean & Decent

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    cactuscorn[OP] likes this.
  4. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:11 PM
    #4
    4x4Runner

    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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    nuttin fancy
    Use a relay for them too. Don’t rely on the switch to power them as most aren’t rated for too much current.
     
    RachaelSP and cactuscorn[OP] like this.
  5. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:13 PM
    #5
    RCRcer

    RCRcer Well-Known Member

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    ^^^this, easy as this!
     
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  6. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #6
    Tarl_Cabot

    Tarl_Cabot Well-Known Member

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    always....relay! never direct wire on/off, power/ground...YES, but on/off = relay, preferably OEM for switch
     
    cactuscorn[OP] likes this.
  7. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:42 PM
    #7
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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    Is there a particular pigtail and relay you suggest? Is there a wiring diagram with cartoonishly simple pictures I can reference?
     
  8. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:46 PM
    #8
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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    This is how much suckage I’m currently dealing with

    C4DB12D1-BBCE-4AA4-95BC-E69AC59FF0F5.jpg
     
  9. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:49 PM
    #9
    MikeyMcFly

    MikeyMcFly This is heavy, Doc.

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  10. Jan 2, 2021 at 1:53 PM
    #10
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    No need for a relay with running it off the factory harness. It's about the easiest wiring you'll do for any mods.
     
    CaptainBart45 likes this.
  11. Jan 2, 2021 at 2:09 PM
    #11
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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  12. Jan 2, 2021 at 2:15 PM
    #12
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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  13. Jan 2, 2021 at 2:20 PM
    #13
    MikeyMcFly

    MikeyMcFly This is heavy, Doc.

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  14. Jan 2, 2021 at 2:50 PM
    #14
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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    CaptainBart45 likes this.
  15. Jan 2, 2021 at 3:16 PM
    #15
    MikeyMcFly

    MikeyMcFly This is heavy, Doc.

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    No, but my mindset is to minimize cutting the wiring on the truck. By using the plug you can remove the lights and the truck remains stock, at least in terms of that.
     
  16. Jan 2, 2021 at 4:20 PM
    #16
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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    Maybe I misunderstood in the beginning. Is what you’re saying is I should have NOT removed the Y harness extension from the core support to the factory fog lamps, and that these pigtails will plug into THAT harness, then I cut the pigtails and splice THOSE into my aftermarket lights? Told ya I wasn’t very competent.
     
  17. Jan 2, 2021 at 4:23 PM
    #17
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    That sounds like what I did. I basically unplugged the fog lights when removing the factory bumper, spliced pigtails onto the LED pod replacements in the steel bumper and then plugged those right back into the truck side harness.
     
  18. Jan 2, 2021 at 4:32 PM
    #18
    cactuscorn

    cactuscorn [OP] Another FNG

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    Well that’s a pig of a completely different smell! Thanx for the assistance man. I should have asked this before I spent 2 days arguing with the dealer and the manufacturer About which of the 2 harnesses I was sold then rerouting the entire thing through the firewall. My mistake.
     
  19. Jan 2, 2021 at 7:05 PM
    #19
    CaptainBart45

    CaptainBart45 Well-Known Member

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    Bingo! Exactly how I wired 2 led pods. That way my center and outside Offroad lights work off the add on switch.
     
  20. Jan 2, 2021 at 7:12 PM
    #20
    CaptainBart45

    CaptainBart45 Well-Known Member

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    The two lower outside pods work off the fog wiring. They only operate on low beam, I use them as fog lights, Not that we get any fog here.

    E8729B77-3333-4F2C-9FE1-B3FAB5904841.jpg
     
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