Modifying wiring harnesses

I had no idea what I was doing when I wired my light bar. Watched a bunch of Youtube videos tho and was able to figure it out. The first thing I did was tape the parts/wires that connect to the battery terminals next to the terminal help me understand where everything goes. The instructions that came with the wiring harness were basic, but eventually helped me understand what needed to be done. I also had to pick up some self drilling screws to moount the relay next to my fuse box...and reground my battery after the grounding bolt sheared right off.

 

Sounds like I need more cash too

Yea I understand, and it would probably be a lot easier to explain to me if I had any indication of what I was doing

 

I was really hoping to be able to figure this out myself, wanting to learn this stuff. Hate the idea of always having to rely on others or pay to get anything done on my truck

 

You can do this. Pull together the instructions and diagrams for one harness and the switch and put your mind to it. It's not rocket science, it just takes some patience the first time around. Also, go buy a cheap solder iron.

 

Im going to upload a bunch of pics of my wiring set up. Give me 10 minutes.
As for that switch, i have the same one and somehow got it to work. Trial and error if I remember correctly. Ill see if i can get a pic of that as well.

 

So I wired my whole set up using male/female wiring terminals that I then wrapped in electrical tape. This made it easier to wire in the switch using a trial and error method.


Here is what it looks like under my hood:


The red/black wires that go to the light are not visible in this pic. they are to the side of the battery.
I placed them on top of the battery in the next pic.



So from the relay (box screwed into the wall) the long red/black wire bundle to to the light bar. The wires from the fuse go to the battery. The blue/black/white wire bundle goes to the switch. Good luck getting it through the firewall. I had to use a cloths hanger and force it around the side of the firewall plug thing...



Hope this helps.

 

Yea, punching through that grommet is a PITA.

 

Alright you guys have motivated me, I will give it a shot on my own! Don't know a thing about soldering irons, how is this

STARTOGOO USAE1-VTDS010AH-VD Soldering Iron Kit, 10-pound, Dark Brown

one?

That would be awesome, the more pictures the better. Where did you run the switch to? Im planning on putting it next to my fog light switch to the left of the steering wheel

 

I went with some cheap one off Amazon. Paid around 15 bucks too I think. I figured if I got a few projects out of it before it breaks then I'll go buy a nicer one. That was over 2 years and a handful of projects ago, still going strong!

Edit:
And your trucks power inverter can run it

First time I used my bed outlet was to power my solder iron so that I could install an AC outlet in the cab lol

 

Just to make sure I have my head wrapped around this, and from the fuse the little circular wire connections go on the battery terminals?


And were you able to snap a picture of the switch wired into harness by chance?

 

So I need a soldering iron, electrical tape, anything else?

Also maybe I just missed it but It might be easier if I could find a harness that directly connected to the 9006 male connector type so its less splicing. I just cant find one on Amazon, but maybe I just don't know what im looking for. If I can get it on amazon I would be able to get it in time before my trip.

 

+Beer

If you use connectors like Greg mentioned (or those 9006 connectors) you probably don't need a soldering iron, just a good set of strippers/crimpers.

 

Just use crimps ... I've been using crimps for over 10 years not one problem

 

So if I were to go for the crimping method would I just crimp them together and then just wrap it up with electrical tape? or do I need the plastic covers?

I want it to be as safe as possible, with smallest risk for a electrical mishap so im assuming this is the route I would take. So do I just take the two wires, hold them together and bust out the soldering iron?

 

Get heat shrink and use that ... also wrapped it with rubber tape after

 

Well now that's a universal problem for all TW members.

 

Yeah, you've got it right in the pic. Here's the exact wire harness I ended up buying on Amazon. Depending on where you are/ if you have amazon prime you could probably get it in time for your trip.

MICTUNING HD 14AWG 300w LED Light Bar Wiring Harness Fuse 40 Amp Relay ON-OFF Rocker Switch Blue(1Lead)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VMS0Q9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ended up going with a different switch though that fits in the empty dash slots on our trucks. However, he light that should turn on when the bar is on stopped working on my switch. Its a 50/50 split between my wiring or product defect being the problem. I agree with Chase that soldering is probably not required. I used a sog multi tool to secure everything. And electrical tape.

$9 MICTUNING Backlit Led Light Bar Symbol Push Button with Wiring Kit On-off Switch Replacement for Toyota (White, Surface Size 1.54 x 0.83"es) - M0810-T-LLBW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0117B1J3W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I believe the connectors are already somewhat protected. When you connect them they should have some plastic overlap (they make uncovered and covered spade connectors and yours looks like the covered ones). If you want to be thorough, then cover them up with electrical tape or shrinkwrap.

If you want to solder the connections vs using the same connectors, strip the wires back about an 1.5 inches. Apply a small amount of solder to each end you want to connect. To ensure a good solder, create tiny little hooks on each end, hook em together, then apply more solder if needed (the previously applied solder to each end should be enough to bond). Once finished, test with a slight tug on the connection to ensure its got a good hold. Then follow up with shrink wrap, or electrical tape.

EDIT:
I would start with the connectors before soldering. Make sure you have it all hooked up properly. You don't want to be cutting and resoldering while trying to figure out the harness lol

 

Ah got it, that's essentially the same one I have. I wonder why 9006 isn't a popular connection type. Sure makes it difficult to make a harness..

 

So when initially wiring it up is it safe for me to just wrap the wires around eachother and make sure everything will connect correctly? That way I don't have to solder then remove it if it doesn't go as planned