Underhood light switch alternatives

WestCoastDan

WestCoastDan

TJ Addict
Joined
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Just wondering if anyone can point me to a mercury-type switch that I can use to replace the exisitng lamp/switch combo that is failing? I have already removed the terrible bulb and tied into the circuit for a far better light, I just have an issue with the original, intermittent switch...
 
Switching the stock bulb for an LED was a very good upgrade. Next trip to the pick and pull I'll get another for the other side. I don't really think the stock light is a poor design, it is just closing in on 20 years old.
 
Purchased a circuit board with 48 SMDs for approximately $3 shipped. I made use of the factory under hood light fixture, removed the incandescent bulb and installed the circuit board and wired the circuit board to the internal level switch; the setup illuminates 80% of the engine compartment.
No need for an additional switch....

IMG_8023.jpg
 
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The lights that I have used are not commercially available. I used to work at a company that builds street lights, and we had custom circuit boards made for our 12VDC solar fixtures. I was able to acquire a few of the boards and I put them to use under the hood of the Jeep, in the trunk of my Charger, and also in the Tourpak on my Harley.
They put out a tremendous amount of light, are really thin, have a nearly 180° light pattern, and are IP67 rated.

IMG_8877.jpg
 
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CharlesHS said:
Purchased a circuit board with 48 SMDs for approximately $3 shipped. I made use of the factory under hood light fixture, removed the incandescent bulb and installed the circuit board and wired the circuit board to the internal level switch; the setup illuminates 80% of the engine compartment.
No need for an additional switch....

View attachment 288476
Click to expand...
Link please!
 
WestCoastDan said:
The lights that I have used are not commercially available. I used to work at a company that builds street lights, and we had custom circuit boards made for our 12VDC solar fixtures. I was able to acquire a few of the boards and I put them to use under the hood of the Jeep, in the trunk of my Charger, and also in the Tourpak on my Harley.
They put out a tremendous amount of light, are really thin, have a nearly 180° light pattern, and are IP67 rated.

View attachment 288576
Click to expand...
Very nice!
 
TJ is the first vehicle I have owned with an under hood light so I dont mind tapping it now and then! I am actually thinking about unplugging it because I don't trust it to stay off! What's it actually for? Jeeps dont break down :)
 
I installed a manual switch where the oem light used to be and ran the oem wiring to a KC Cyclone led. Works great.

06FFC73C-47E6-4CEF-BB02-6CF4B203B499.jpeg
64AAFA57-3044-403F-977A-6151D33A96E4.jpeg

Just remember to pull the fuse or disconnect the battery when using the oem hood light wiring since it is an unswitched hot wire.
 
CharlesHS said:
Purchased a circuit board with 48 SMDs for approximately $3 shipped.
Click to expand...
That looks great.
Wingback73 said:
Link please!
Click to expand...
If you search for 5050 48 smd led on aliexpress you can find it for less and it'll arrive a bit sooner than the ebay alternatives. If I'm buying from China then I just buy from China and cut ebay or amazon out of the deal.
 
WDE said:
I installed a manual switch where the oem light used to be and ran the oem wiring to a KC Cyclone led. Works great.

View attachment 288732
View attachment 288733

Just remember to pull the fuse or disconnect the battery when using the oem hood light wiring since it is an unswitched hot wire.
Click to expand...
How do you like the KC light and is one enough ?
 
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