I have looked at alot of threads on this subject, but am not finding a solution to what I want. If there is a thread on this, please point me in it's direction.

How would I wire my backup lights to come on automatically when the truck is put into reverse, but also have the ability to switch them on when ever I want? If anyone has some thoughts on this, please keep in mind that I am an electrical Noob.

 

Couple of options.

1. Add a relay that is triggered off the back up lights (wire the 85 terminal to the backup light hot wire, 86 to ground) and then have the relay turn on the new backup lights (30 to fused 12 volts, 87 to new light then ground the other side). For the manual operation, add a switch to send power to the new lights in parallel to the relay.

2. Use a SPDT switch to fee power to the above relay. But instead, feed the backup light wire to one end of the switch, 12 volts to the other end and take the center pole of the switch to the relay colir (85 terminal). This way when the switch is in one position, it picks up the reverse light wire and automatically operates. In the other position, it picks up 12 volts and thus manually turns on the relay and backup light.

 

You just have to wire in a switch from any live power source to the back up light wiring, connecting after the transmission switch. On an 01 that's a white/blue wire.

 

Wiring diagrams are on many light manufacturers websites...try one of those such KC.

 

If it were me, I'd take the two wires that come out of the backup light switch, and tie a wire on to each. The run the new wires to a switch in the cab. When you flip the switch, it will connect the wires, and then turn the lights on. But the switch in the transmission will work as well.

Just a thought

 

Thanks for the help. I think this ( http://www.kchilites.com/faq/instruc...517_backup.pdf ) illustrates 4crawler's option #1. Thanks for pointing me toward KC wabbit.

The lights I have, only have very short wires to use to connect to the backup light wire. Would using 14 Gauge be suitable even though the wires that came with the lights seem to be slightly larger?

 

Its best to match the guage wires. I know my backuplights came with little pigtails of 16gauge wiring, so thats what I used.

 

Well I got things wired up (including an Aux. Fuse Panel) and they are not working 100% right. I think I may have a bad relay, does anyone have any other thoughts on what could be wrong? Here is the run down.

I wired them according to this diagram with the optional switch http://www.kchilites.com/faq/instruc...517_backup.pdf

They work when the truck is put into reverse.
They do not work when I hit the switch.
- The little LED on the switch is working correctly
- I put a meter on pin 30 and get good voltage
- I put a meter on center pin 87 and get good voltage with the switch on.
- I put a meter on pin 87 to the lights and NO voltage with the switch on.

If it is a bad relay, why would the lights work correctly when the truck is put into reverse? I have gone over the wires twice and everything seems to be correct.

 

not sure why there is an optional extra pin for switch in that diagram... the switch can be wired to same wire as from factory reverse... I put relays in both switch and factory signals so that switching manually would not backfeed and turn on factory reverse lights through switch current

here's a diagram I made a while ago



IM me wjwerdna if any other questions....

 

wjwerdna - I have a few questions and ufortunately I do not have AIM. Please keep in mind I am a noob.

I am wondering if we are talking about different types of relays. My first thought was to switch my 85 (factory backup +) and 86 (ground) pins then splice my center 87 pin (from the switch) with the 86 (now be factory backup +) pin, which I believe would replicate your diagram. However, I was thinking that would put my power supply off the battery (it is fused but...), through the switch, into the factory light switch system and got concerned that it could fry something; especially since the system may not be grounded properly as I would be switching the 85/86 pins.

Any additional thoughts before I do this???? Does anyone think I am going to fry something if I follow this logic?

 

basically you need to understand how a relay works, and then it doesnt matter what the pins are.... forget the numbers, look at the little diagram in the relay. There are two circuits, the point of a relay is to separate the signal and the power from each other... basically... The signal circuit on mine is purple, it gets power either through the switch, or from the rear stock lights. All the signal circuit does is energize a little magnetic coil in the relay. This coil moves a switch inside the relay that handles the higher current power circuit the lights or other whatever are on... You can see how it is drawn on the relay here, and many actual relays have a little similar diagram printed on them, if you are unsure how to do this, then find a relay that has it printed on it. pm me if needed, I'll respond faster

 

and to answer your question... yes, I think it would put power into the factory light system... I think all it would do is make your reverse lights turn on when you turn on your lights with the switch... to be safe I put diodes in mine to keep this possibility out

edit: also see clarification on attached pic, showing location of two diodes ("one-way flow") and direction of current flow in circuits

 

^from that nice diagram, the lights will work the way you want

 

Thanks - I will give it a try

Whats the worst that could happen

 

Make sure your insurance covers fires!

 

1985 Toyota Truck 4WD Automatic transmission (A340H)... saved $300 on a new switch;
I had no backup lights... followed the instructions in the video below and it worked like a charm... appears to have fixed my intermittant cranking problem as well

 

8 year old thread I hope the problem was solved

 

true that... but I searched for hours before I found that video and was able to fix the problem... google "1985 Toyota backup light not working" and this thread is in the top 5 hits... just thought I'd help save the next guy a little time.
cheers!

 

I was wondering would I need a inline fuse or relay for something like this