Best Source For Switched Power

I did a search and couldn't find anything (surprised me). Running two relays- one for my PIAA and the other for Hellas. Needing switched power. I don't want to use the headlight wiring either. I want it so that if the truck is on I can do anything with these lights and once the truck is off they go out. I don't want them dependent upon anything else. Any help? Advice?

Edit* Needs to be under the hood, preferably drivers side

 

Use the same tap as the fog lights any time to power your switches??

 

If I only I knew how

Also, Brunes, fog lights? I just removed those by the way, but wouldnt that have only worked when the fog lights were on?

 

If I were you, I'd run the power to the relays from the battery then make the switch powered only when the truck is on. There are plenty of circuits you can tap off of just to run the switch and then trigger the relay which will only be on when the truck is on. That would give you the function you want without vampiring off any other circuit for power.

 

Is that how this setup is working for the PIAAs, Pugga?


www.piaa.com/automotive-lamps/installation/5161_510.pdf

 

Correct, power (load) comes from battery.

 

I'm actually in the same boat as OP. I've got a relay to power several fuses (1A-10A each) inside the cab, but need an ignition source under the hood to activate the relay when the truck is turned on. My research has pointed me to the fuel pump relay, but I'm struggling to find that wire that comes out of the factory relay box to tie in to.

Question about the DRL - on the 2013, I can turn off the DRL from the factory lighting rotary switch. I'm pretty sure turning the switch to "off" would not shut down this power source, but not certain. See below for picture of the column mounted lever with off-drl-driving lights-headlights options.

 

Careful with the EFI fuse, I've heard that circuit will cycle when the truck is off. It's infrequent but when it cycles it will power your relay and anything attached to it.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I've been reading about that too, which pushes me away from tying in there. So unfortunately, the question still remains. Anyone have pictures of what they've done? I'm still liking the DRL option, but not sure if my switch will kill the power (similar to Pugga's A/C fan issue above)

 

Interesting that the E-brake has to be released. My use for these circuits would be light switches, BenWa's power sliding window control, radar detector/homelink/GPS power, etc. There's a chance I'll want some of that to be operating while the truck is on, and the e-brake engaged (especially if providing lighting while recovering a vehicle or something like that)

 

so T-tap into where this photo shows the "switch"?

 

Go read what I wrote. There is a mod called "fog lights any time" which swaps the power supply from the normal fog supply to a supply that is hot when the ignition is on.
Works to do exactly what you wanted to do.

 

I didn't know you were referring to a mod. Thanks! One other question, when utilizing a relay like many light harnesses come with do the wires running to the toggle-type switch carry the 12v load? I ask because I am trying to use an illuminated switch that needs that

 

Yes, the coil part of the relay (where the switch connects) will have 12V across it, just a much smaller current going through it. See the post below for a picture of a relay coil (pins 1&2) and the relay contacts (pins 5&3). Your switch will be installed in roughly the same location, and should light up just fine if wired up correctly.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/li...glight-mod-explained-electrical-diagrams.html

Thanks for pointing us to the fog light anytime mod. That's exactly the lead I'm looking for, hope it helps OP too.

 

Worked great for me! Got it wired up last night.

 

thanks for the input guys, the green wire worked well. got my mishimoto
electric fans up an running