Wiring an Aux Fuse Block, Relays and Switches in a 2016

This is the way that Toyota recommends, linked directly to the battery.

I'm fairly new to the scene too, but what I've learned is that relays are your best friend. This box basically keeps everything nice and neat for anything you could want to add to it. The fuse box protects the accessories and the circuit breaker protects the fuse box.

Just be sure to use the appropriate amperage fuses for whatever gauge wire you're using. (a lesson I learned the expensive way).

If I can do it, you can for sure. Here's mine. (the jankey hose clamp has been replaced with the same Voile strap in the OP)

Edit: Excuse my rambling, to actually answer your question, so long as you have fused lines to each accessory light you want to add, in conjunction with a relay and switch, you should be able to add all the lights until you drain the battery.

 

Looks great. Nice job!

 

For the record someone had mentioned that I may have issues with condensation. So far over the winter and spring I have noted zero issues with condensation in the box.

 

Do you remember which wire you tapped into? What connection did you do? Thanks

 

I don't remember which wires I taped into. I just put a test light into each metal prong until I found one that was always hot and one that was only hot when the parking lights were on. I can look later today however and report back.

For the connection I used T-taps. They clamp overy the wire and then you can plug a wire connector into them. They look like this. http://www.wiringdepot.com/store/p/...uNZgurYamcAs5ydCz9cj5rsmR-6U3FczLEaAsel8P8HAQ

 

Did you check the connections at the fues block in the cab by the floor board? If you can find out later that would be great about which wires you tapped into

 

We're you able to figure out where you had the green wire from the switch tap into? Thanks

 

The two wires I tapped were the fat blue and the skinny green. I do not remember which was which. Just buy a cheap test light and touch it to the prongs on each of these. It should tell you which is always hot and which is parking light dependent. I think the blue was always hot.

 

Thanks buddy

 

Did you run that wiring down the front side pillar with the airbags or find another way like the center pillar between doors ? Thks.

 

Down the side pillar. I just tucked it up and away from the airbag. I do not recal exactly but I believe there is a wiring loom already in there that I just followed.

 

I am a little hesitant to go near that airbag. Any precautions, risk of tears or is it no big deal ? Thanks.

 

Not sure I can answer your question. I do not recall feeling like I was risking anything by installing my wires in there, but do so at your own risk. just make sure your wires are not infront of the airbag. The wire you install in there is not sharp so tearing the airbag should not be a concern.

 

Pull the pillar cover off an take a look for yourself. Post a picture up here and maybe others will chime in.

 

Total novice to wiring. Mind answering a few questions?

What gauge wire did you use in the box?

Can you take a pic of the two T-taps on the wires? Which size T-taps?

Why use T-taps vs. where I've seen others use an Add-A-Circuits?

Where did you ground the lights?

Did you connect all the grounds on the switches and where did you ground it?

 

Give me until tomorrow night and I will try and upload some photos to answer your questions.

 

The wire in the box is 14 Guage.

I can not photograph the t-taps as they are wrapped in electrical tape. These are the style that I used. Size appropriately for the wire you use. I think I used the blue ones.


I do not like to tap into factory fuse blocks. I'm sure it is fine to do this but I always worry about warranty work being denied if I tap into those locations. This way I figure worst case they will not warranty the break controller that I do not ever plan on using anyway.

My fuse block is grounded to this spot next to the battery. Grounds then run to the fuse block and then to the relays.


Yes, all grounds on the switches are connected and I used a factory ground screw under the drivers side kick panel.

Lights are grounded to another factory ground location under the hood. Really they should be grounded anyplace that is easily accessible.

 

Perfect!
That makes sense that the T-taps get wrapped in electrical tape and good thinking about being mindful of warranty issues.

Thanks for the pics & help!