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-   -   Led light bar switch (https://www.f150forum.com/f83/led-light-bar-switch-424440/)

Chinatown Boy 04-09-2024 02:26 AM


Originally Posted by 4x4TruckLEDs.com (Post 7580580)


make your own wiring harness/relay system (i've done it in the past). It's not that easy and requires you to have a lot of wiring.

make your own wiring harness w/relays.




You will need parts, and some tools. None of these items are hard to find. You should be able to find everything locally, if you don't want to wait for shipping.

A wire cutter and crimping tool is necessary.

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First thing that someone needs to understand is what a relay is, and how it works. A relay is simply a switch. Pin 85 and 86 are the coil. If power goes into one pin, and the other pin is grounded, the coil will activate the relay. Pin 30 is known as "common", Pin 87 is "normally open" When pin 87A is available, it is normally closed. What that means is that when not activated, pin 30 is connected to pin 87A. When the relay is activated, pin 30 connects to pin 87.

The below diagram is the simplest installation for lighting. Power to pin 86 is usually via a simple toggle switch. An easier installation is to tap it into the high beam wire. Then the light bar simply turns on and off with your high beams. No need to drill through the firewall, drill into the dashboard, or run more wiring.
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I prefer heavy duty switches for my installations. You can use whatever you want.


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I prefer to use fused relays. I won't need to install an inline fuse. Again, that's just me, being lazy.



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Find a place to mount it. This could be the hardest part. You may need to get creative.



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You do need wire. At least in red & black. You can always use phase paint or tape to note which wire goes where. Use a wiring guide to determine the correct wire gauge for your wire run.
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https://afe.solutions/wp-content/upl...-wire-size.jpg





















This is where it is important to determine your actual amp draw.


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I am lazy. I use solder seal connectors.



https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...bb21b11d30.png

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Protect your wires with split loom and wire loom tape.



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Not necessary. But I like to use weather resistant connectors between the lights and the harness.


https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1500_.jpg






Another option is to use a remote control switch, which hooks up between the battery and light bar. Very little effort to install.


https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...LWzhL._AC_.jpg



Mikes1stF150 04-09-2024 04:12 AM

The led light bar I installed came with an install harness. I installed the switch just below the headlight switch in my 05.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...998b56109f.jpg

[F2C]MaDMaXX 04-09-2024 01:55 PM

Another option for location if you have the center console and want them discrete.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...f50839fbca.jpg

Chinatown Boy 04-09-2024 06:15 PM


Originally Posted by Devin4x4 (Post 5885242)


Curious as to see where everyone is mounting their switches on the dash.





Not that it would matter to the original poster, but it might help someone else looking for the same information.





https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...3ffcae85ff.jpg


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