Backup/Reverse Lights -- Wirte-up w/pics

C2U5H · 12-29-2006, 02:29 PM

Well I got tired of squinting to see through my tinted hardtop back window when backing up, so I decided to go out and put on some aux. backup lights.

So I went to my local Advance Auto Parts and Wal-Mart to see where I could get the nicest fog lights for cheap, and found a 55W pair for $20 that fitted my needs. Long horizontally and slim to fit on top on the rear bumper w/o interfering with the tailgate.

Then off to Radio Shack to get a dual "ON" switch (Up is "ON," middle is "OFF," and down is "ON") and a 30amp automotive relay ... and some extra 18ga wire, terminals, and zip-ties.

I wanted to be able to turn the lights on whenever I wanted (directly to the battery), but also wanted them to be able to come on whenever I put the TJ in reverse gear and come on with the regular reverse indicators.

Here's how I wired it:
From the rear-right reverse indicator wire [purple w/black tracer] (don't ask me why I chose the right one, I don't know. I should have spliced in with the left one) I ran the signal wire under the TJ, up through the gas pedal grommet in the firewall to the switch (in the up "ON" position) then back out to the signal pin on the relay.

The I took a fused signal wire right from the battery into the cab again (same grommet) to the down "ON" position on the switch, then back to the same signal pin on the relay.

This let's me switch the switch up "ON" if I want them to only come on with the reverse lights (and will go out when I take the trans out of reverse), AND let me switch it down "ON" to have them come on whenever I need extra light back there (without putting it in reverse). The middle position is "OFF."

The you just run the fused power wire to the relay (12V IN), ground the relay, and run your power wires to the lights from the 12V OUT pin on the relay. Then ground the lights. DONE!

This is where I spliced into the reverse light wire (passenger rear corner). Gotta peel back the wheel well plastic, and it's the purple/black wire that goes into the lights.

Then zip-tie all the wires along existing wires along the driver's side to the engine bay.

Where all my wires into the cab go (switch wires, and amplifier power wire).

Into the cab to my switch (left is my amp on/off, right in the reverse lights).

Through the engine bay to my relay (not pictured. The other relays are for my home-made headlight harness).

To the relay (on the right).

All done! Looks good...
~J

**Heep** · 12-29-2006, 02:43 PM

Please tell me you have a fire extinguisher on board.

C2U5H · 12-29-2006, 02:46 PM

LOL, yes I do. But everything's fused that should be and relayed that should be, and I always use higher gauge wire than needed. I think I'll be ok. I've seen a lot worse, but my next mod will be an aux fuse block to clean up that positive terminal there.

**RnEmOvr** · 12-29-2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heep

Please tell me you have a fire extinguisher on board.

wont do much good for an electrical fire unless you unhook battery first, but why you say that? he is fused,

to the OP it looks good, i did same thing while back but here is where i mounted mine, both lights and switches

jeeptj19992001 · 12-29-2006, 02:51 PM

you going to cover those exposed wires now?
i know i would.

**Border Dave** · 12-29-2006, 02:58 PM

Double post. How do I delete this? Do I have to be a paying member?

**Border Dave** · 12-29-2006, 03:01 PM

You know, if you haven't already done so, you can mount that relay in the box just in front of where the relay is in your picture.

edit: Also, you can tap off the 12 volt power block in the rear of the box instead of running wires from the battery. There are also unused fuse positions in that box.

R. Potts · 12-29-2006, 03:21 PM

JeepinTJ99 - It does look good. Andnot to hijack the tread, but I noticed you had a Appalachian Offroad sticker, and I was just wondering were it was located in Westminster?

**Heep** · 12-29-2006, 03:59 PM

the lights in the bumper look awesome

very professional

C2U5H · 12-29-2006, 04:01 PM

thanks guys!

yep, that App OR in Westminster, where I live. haven't had them do any work, but they're gonna put in my gears when need be. great guys!

~J

R. Potts · 12-29-2006, 04:40 PM

Not to sound like a smart ***, but I actually knew they were located in Westminster, I was wondering what road, because I can't find the address on the web, and my phone book only goes as far as Taneytown.

Sorry about that...but thanks!

4point · 12-29-2006, 07:27 PM

EDITED>>>>>>>>>
I was too mean spirited I guess.
Don't want to start a flame.

iismet · 12-29-2006, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4point

Nothing personal........ I've seen this type of work over & over through the years. It just scares me.
I've been doing electrical for over 25 years.........................and your wiring practices need improvemnt. But its a good job for a guy who is doing for the first time.

That's a pitiful to non-existent contribution. I'm a first timer too and would appreciate your insite. It's documented well enough, please share so we can improve our skills.

4point · 12-29-2006, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iismet

That's a pitiful to non-existent contribution. I'm a first timer too and would appreciate your insite. It's documented well enough, please share so we can improve our skills.

Its documented very well.
Thanks

**Border Dave** · 12-29-2006, 10:16 PM

4point, if you have so much electrical experience, why not help him out by making some helpful suggestions?

12-29-2006, 02:51 PM	#5
jeeptj19992001 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bushkill pa Posts: 1,087 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	you going to cover those exposed wires now? i know i would. __________________ 03 rubi....growing bigger and better every day...