Where did you run the wires, and get power from. Do you like it?
Adding extra backup lights utilizing the 7-Pin trailer connector
- Thread starter 67siia
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I haven't installed it yet, but on the list....... I'll connect the power to a "accy" empty fuse slot in the Dvr's side fuse box. Run the wires from the box back to the cowl, follow the hood hinge up to the center of the hood. I haven't checked yet if the hood/braces are steel or alum, if they are alum I'll panel bond a piece of steel to the under side, my plan is to mill a base out of some 1/2" plastic sheet with some very powerful magnets countersunk into the mount, then bolt the light to the mag mount. My intent is to allow the light to be easily moved if needed for better angles during roadside repairs etc.........
Thanks! I might give these a shot Amazon.com and mount them where @PurelyAbrasive mounted his DD's (I can't afford DD's): Adding extra backup lights utilizing the 7-Pin trailer connector
I think I finally found some that will fit ......
Not sure on the brightness
They look super bright from the review photos. Interested in how they look if you end up going with them.
Hopefully they'll work as my collection of lights is getting out of hand......lol
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OP
- Thread starter
- #27
On my Tacoma, for the engine bay light, I install one of this (link). So when I open the hood light turns on, when I close it lights turns off. You can connect directly to the + terminal. It works great for my needs.
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I thought about putting a tilt switch on the light, but eventually decided to go with a "accy" only power source and a physical switch on the light it's self. I remember one particular vehicle with an under-hood light with a tilt switch, never used it for 3+ years and the one time I needed it, the switch failed and I ended up cutting the switch out and hard wiring it so I could complete the road-side repair.
My thought process: I don't plan on leaving the light on, but that's what we all say, and If I do it will only be on when the ICE is running or in "accy" mode. Since that one failure, I have always done the "Accy" + physical switch......... may not be for everyone, but it works for me.
I found some that fit very well in that space! Not finished yet, but here's the fitment
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OP
- Thread starter
- #30
Looking good. I suppose ANY extra light is better but, do you think these provide the brightness you seek? I bought these and these fit OK, they hang a bit lower. I’ll take some pics later and share. My plan is to install a “two way in & one way out diode” in case I add a switch to these lights later on.
That is my concern, if they will add meaningful illumination........ should finish the wiring this afternoon and test this evening. If it's a fail, I'll go a different route.
You might consider using a relay that would switch between the +12v wire and the reverse wire from the 7 pin connector. In resting mode the relay's NC (87a) terminal connected to the rev (white) wire, the NO (87) terminal connected to the +12v (Vlack) wire and the Comm (30) connected to the lights. The relay powered by a separate dedicated switch etc.........
I'm thinking about doing it that way, mounting the relay in a water proof alum project box mounted behind the bumper with a water proof switch mounted around the Trailer connector area, all external to the interior.
The 7-pin adapter is tucked up behind the spare tire. It’s the adapter that came with the DD hitch light. I used that and a Y splitter.
I finished the wiring today, turned out pretty slick.
I removed the Trailer plug from the bracket to make it easier for what I wanted to do.
I de-pinned the center connector from the Toyota plug (Yellow wire is the Reverse wire)
I fed a new "red" wire through the OEM weather seal and securely wrapped it around the yellow wire's connector/terminal. I purposely did not solder it for future me modifications.
I fashioned an alignment tool by flattening a piece of alum wire (this is a MUST) to align the very awkward terminal back into the Toyota socket. Simply insert the flattened part of the wire int the Yellow/red terminal and feed it back into the housing. It will only fit back in one way without forcing it.
I don't have a before pic.....sorry. I'm happy with the results.
I removed the Trailer plug from the bracket to make it easier for what I wanted to do.
I de-pinned the center connector from the Toyota plug (Yellow wire is the Reverse wire)
I fed a new "red" wire through the OEM weather seal and securely wrapped it around the yellow wire's connector/terminal. I purposely did not solder it for future me modifications.
I fashioned an alignment tool by flattening a piece of alum wire (this is a MUST) to align the very awkward terminal back into the Toyota socket. Simply insert the flattened part of the wire int the Yellow/red terminal and feed it back into the housing. It will only fit back in one way without forcing it.
I don't have a before pic.....sorry. I'm happy with the results.
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When I grow up, I want to be like EOD Guy.
This may work for some less technical ...
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- Thread starter
- #37
Nice!!! I like the outcome.
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OP
- Thread starter
- #38
received these and it is an acceptable fit. I plan on installing over the weekend, will post results. Amazon.com
I just received the same ones and have plans to add them to the ones already installed. Just waiting for the rain to go away......
I haven't decided if the new lights (mounted on the outer end of the bumper) will stay........ But I added two additional backup lights today. Plenty bright now!
I removed the OEM bolt holding the plastic bumper cover to the metal brace and reused the bolt in the new light's mounting bracket and reinstalled it, securing the cover back to the metal brace.
I ran the new light's wires across to the 7 pin and connected all 4 Red wires together and the grounds together. I attached the ground wire(s) to a ring terminal and attached it to one of the 1st round backup lights. I attached the red (POS) wire(s) to the 7 pin "backup" wire that I had previously installed in round one.
1st round (2 lights)---------------------------- 4 lights
I removed the OEM bolt holding the plastic bumper cover to the metal brace and reused the bolt in the new light's mounting bracket and reinstalled it, securing the cover back to the metal brace.
I ran the new light's wires across to the 7 pin and connected all 4 Red wires together and the grounds together. I attached the ground wire(s) to a ring terminal and attached it to one of the 1st round backup lights. I attached the red (POS) wire(s) to the 7 pin "backup" wire that I had previously installed in round one.
1st round (2 lights)---------------------------- 4 lights
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