Back up LED

[TJ Rubicus]

Just installed an aftermarket rear bumper with LED back up lamps. Can I wire the back up lamps into the existing circuit and then add an additional dash switch with another power source to use the lamps as auxillary rear lamps Thought it might be a handy option if possible.

 

[TJ Rubicus]

Sorry about the duplicate posts...didn't think they were taking

 

[LONGJP2]

You can.
You would need a relay to separate the circuits for times when you don't need the oem reverse lights to come on with the auxiliary lights.
Additionally, I would have it wired so you can turn the aux.lights off (in reverse). I noticed mine were very annoying to people when backing out in a crowded parking lot.
Maybe use an ON/OFF/ON switch for the 3 different scenarios.

 

[dbbd1]

Yep, very doable. Easiest is to cut your reverse wire going to your new lights. Put that on the common of a single pole/double throw switch. The other end of the wire that you just cut goes to one to one of the switched sides of the switch (which is fed from your stock reverse lights, right?), the other switched side goes to +12 volts. With at least a fuse, if not a relay. Looks like your lights are 18-20 watts each, so a 5 amp fuse and a switch rated for 10 amps.


You could even have a single pole/double throw "center off" to keep them off.

 

[TJ Rubicus]

You can.
You would need a relay to separate the circuits for times when you don't need the oem reverse lights to come on with the auxiliary lights.
Additionally, I would have it wired so you can turn the aux.lights off (in reverse). I noticed mine were very annoying to people when backing out in a crowded parking lot.
Maybe use an ON/OFF/ON switch for the 3 different scenarios.

Thanks for the repy...I'll have to decide what my priorities are and then wire it accordingly. My biggest concern was whether it was doable or not without causing other problems. Now I know tht I can.

 

[TJ Rubicus]

Yep, very doable. Easiest is to cut your reverse wire going to your new lights. Put that on the common of a single pole/double throw switch. The other end of the wire that you just cut goes to one to one of the switched sides of the switch (which is fed from your stock reverse lights, right?), the other switched side goes to +12 volts. With at least a fuse, if not a relay. Looks like your lights are 18-20 watts each, so a 5 amp fuse and a switch rated for 10 amps.


You could even have a single pole/double throw "center off" to keep them off.

Thanks for the repy...I'll have to decide what my priorities are and then wire it accordingly. My biggest concern was whether it was doable or not without causing other problems. Now I know tht I can.