Reverse Lights - Manual Override?

[theluke19]

I know many people mount rear-facing lights on their vehicle, for having the extra utility lighting when needed. How easy would it be to wire a manual override switch to the reverse lights for the same use?

Has this been done?

 

[ncranchero]

Tap into the Black/Pink reverse lamp wire with your wire from your manual switch. You will have to cut the BK/PK wire on the hot side and add a diode to prevent power feedback when you flip the manual switch. Under dash left side is the easiest place to do this. I'll send you the factory diagrams.

 

[01STrunner]

Luke you should definitely post a thread on this when you get it done!

 

[theluke19]

Tap into the Black/Pink reverse lamp wire with your wire from your manual switch. You will have to cut the BK/PK wire on the hot side and add a diode to prevent power feedback when you flip the manual switch. Under dash left side is the easiest place to do this. I'll send you the factory diagrams.

Awesome, thanks, Steve! I'll use this information to tear into it today or tomorrow.

Luke you should definitely post a thread on this when you get it done!

I'll probably do that - I don't know why I never did this on any of my vehicle before.. and why they don't come from the factory that way...

I bet it will be the next 'hot-mod'

(not to be confused with 'hot-moderator' aka Steve lol)

 

[ncranchero]

I bet it will be the next 'hot-mod'

(not to be confused with 'hot-moderator' aka Steve lol)

Now THAT makes me a bit uncomfortable ...............:shifty_ey

 

[theluke19]

hahahah sorry ;D couldn't help myself

 

[theluke19]

This should work, in terms of the diode I'd need, right?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036268&CAWELAID=107597561

Of course I'll pick it up in-store- lol $7 shipping

 

[willindsay]

This should work, in terms of the diode I'd need, right?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036268&CAWELAID=107597561

Of course I'll pick it up in-store- lol $7 shipping

Ya that will work. I used the same diode to make my low beams stay on with my hi beams.

 

[theluke19]

I'll need a relay for this setup, ya?

 

[ncranchero]

Yes.

 

[theluke19]

So, I dabbled in MS Paint to plan what I needed to do- is this right?

Also, where I circled in yellow, can I just tie into the cigarette lighter power, since it's already fused?

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[willindsay]

So, I dabbled in MS Paint to plan what I needed to do- is this right?

Also, where I circled in yellow, can I just tie into the cigarette lighter power, since it's already fused?

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That should work just fine and remember to place the fuse as close to the battery as possible.

 

[snoranger]

Forget about the diode. Wire it like this:

Cut the wire to the reverse lights.

#30 -- (cut wire) to reverse lights.
#87a -- (cut wire) reverse light wire, from harness.
#87 -- fused + wire
#86 -- + from switch (W/ switch wired as you have shown)
#85 -- ground


With the switch off, your reverse lights will work 100% normal. (terminals 87a and 30 closed)
With the switch on, the lights will be on. (terminals 87 and 30 closed)

 

[willindsay]

Forget about the diode. Wire it like this:

Cut the wire to the reverse lights.

#30 -- (cut wire) to reverse lights.
#87a -- (cut wire) reverse light wire, from harness.
#87 -- fused + wire
#86 -- + from switch (W/ switch wired as you have shown)
#85 -- ground


With the switch off, your reverse lights will work 100% normal. (terminals 87a and 30 closed)
With the switch on, the lights will be on. (terminals 87 and 30 closed)

Well Snoranger beat me to. This would be much simpler you just need a 5pin relay.

Here's a diagram i drew up.

 

[snoranger]

Well Snoranger beat me to. This would be much simpler you just need a 5pin relay.

Thats because I didnt draw the fancy diagram.

Not only would it be much simpler, it would also eliminate the diode as a point of failure. With the relay there is a mechanical disconnect of the 2 power inputs, as opposed to a "check valve" in the system.

 

[theluke19]

Good ****, fellas! This is why I love this place!!!

Glad I didn't get to crackin' on my initial idea! Back to da Shack!

 

[ncranchero]

Good call snoranger !! Sometimes I just overlook the simplest solutions......

 

[interscope8]

theluke19- Im waiting for your write up before I do mine

 

[01STrunner]

Scope you and me both haha

 

[theluke19]

I was hoping I'd have time before or after work this week but haven't had time yet.. It should be completed by. Monday hopefully.. I already picked up parts, just need to get out there and make it happen :-D