'98 hood light install???

[Gonzo]

I have a 98, which didn't come with an engine compartment light, but came with the mercury switch for it. So I went to the junkyard and got one of those retractable ones off a j**p (it has like 20' of wire with a magnetic base). I did some testing on the switch with the multimeter, and it works, but there is only like 0.3 volts coming from it. (yes ,it is connected). I know they quit putting in the engine compartment light in 98, but why would they bother to put in the switch, and not the light? The switch is wired and everything, but I can't tell where the wires go to. They just go into a bundle of other wires, and disappear. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Is the switch even for the hood light, or is it for something else? Anyone know where the wires go to? I just want to make sure the switch isn't something else before I start snipping wires.

 

[addkev]

I did the same thing, I used a light off a Chevy Silverado, it has the same retractable cord and magnet base. I just put in a toggle switch right next to the light and ran a hot wire with an in line fuse.

 

[ok89]

Gonzo if you are talking about the little switch i'm thinking of then it is part of the anti theft system.

 

[addkev]

That's true, I didn't even think about that. It probably is the theft switch you are thinking about.

 

[Gonzo]

Thanks for the feedback. I never even thought about that. So does that work just like the doors: if you open the hood while the system is armed will the horn honk?

 

[ok89]

yup ive done it before on purpose and accident

 

[Gonzo]

Well it's a good thing I asked you guys. I was about to snip it and re-wire it to make it work as a switch for the hood light.

 

[Alec]

Not positive, but that mercury switch is also the hood light switch on earlier models. My hood light wires go to a bundle of wires and I can't tell what's what either.

Idea: forgo any of the stock system. Wire a new light from the battery, and use some sort of plunger switch that rests between the fender and hood. Or, just wire in a manual switch that you can turn on. Do you need it to be automatic?

 

[Gonzo]

Yes, I want it to be automatic. Is there a way to use the switch for the light, and still have it work with the anti-theft system?

 

[Alec]

Just figure out which (should be 2) wires complete a circuit from the switch, and splice into them. Should be just fine, and still work with the alarm.

 

[Gonzo]

I don't want to fry the anti-theft system. I tested the switch, and there is only 0.3volts coming from it. I am kind of afraid to hook up 12volts to that.

 

[Alec]

then use a relay. ignore the top part of the drawing, you can get the idea from the bottom.

 

[Gonzo]

Okay, I finally got everything hooked up. ok89 was right about that switch. It is for the anti-theft system. So I decided to just unplug it (I was afraid I might fry something) and use the switch for the light. Well, I got everything hooked up, and when I went to test it, the light would turn off before the hood was even close to touching the switch. Then I realized that the light has a built in tilt switch. So I had to re connect the anti-theft switch and take out all the extra wire I didn't need anymore. Everything works fine now. I would love to post some pics, but I don't have a digital camera.

 

[Brewskidude]

Which switch are we talking about?

Are you talking about the plunger switch between the coolant overflow and air fliter box? I thought that would work an engine compartment light, but mine doesn't have one. Also, I don't have the alarm system, so I don't think it's part of that.

 

[Turdle]

Bump
the switch is in the socket of the OEM explorer under hood light.