Need help wiring reverse lights!

Need some help wiring up some reverse lights. I know how to wire them to turn on whenever I put the truck in reverse, which is what I want, but I also would like to turn them on with a switch whenever I need to. Is there such a way to wire them where they turn on whenever I put the truck in reverse and to turn on with a switch?

 

There is.

But it's much simpler to wire so they work with the switch only. Then when you actually need the extra light, turn them on.

 

I sure you have your reason(s) why you want to add a switch to the reverse lights, but have you thought about just adding a couple of switched LED pods?

 

you will need a SPTD switch. A pin will connect the +12V to aux reverse lights. B can be the stock reverse wire input and C will be a constant or ignition keyed +12V for manual over ride. You can also do a SPDT on-off-on so that you can override the aux lights to be off all the time regardless of transmission gear

 

I added them to mine, it's nice to be able to turn them on and use without having to move the shifter into reverse with the key on. My reverse LEDs are much brighter than stock and I use them for setting up camp and the like at night time.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/factory-reverse-lights-on-a-switch-diy.509314/

make sure to add a diode(allowing current to flow in one direction only). The main write up doesn’t show that (the next few page will), but adding a diode will prevent error code for newer car and prevent problems in general.

I add a switch to my reverse but go with a slightly different route on my older truck. Add two pod light and tap into existing reverse light. With a separate switch, diode, and relay. I place the diode before the connection to the existing reverse light to prevent current from flowing backward just for the switch. So when the switch is activate, only the pod light is on.

 

There is no need for a diode in a break before make circuit

I tied mine into the factory backup circuit after the towing relay (if your truck has a towing package), this way if something does short out, it doesn't disable my factor reverse lights. ID2 pin 7 which feeds the backup 7 pin connector only. I used a DPDT on-off-on switch and that allows the LED on the switch to light up whether the switch is in the auto or manual position when my aux reverse lights have power. I place in the middle to disable the aux lights completely.

 

you are correct, but for newer car especially with TSS, it will throw error code thinking you are on reverse. OP is a 2006 so it’s not needed. Also, I just want my pod light to be on only by the switch that’s why I add the diode.

 

Looking at your signature I see you have a 2006, they did not contain the aux relay for backup lights on the tow package so you'd have to tie directly into the reverse light circuit. ID2 pin 1

 

Run an independently powered wire that will meet your Reverse Light and you should be good

 

I like to use these when I need to power something from two sources

$26 Hopkins 48955 Towed Vehicle Diodes Kit

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-4895...73222&sprefix=towed+vehicle+di,aps,268&sr=8-2 To use these for what you want you would run your reverse light wire into one side and your switch wire into the other. Then run the out pin to your relay trigger.