Cali raised dual switch backlight. And relay location.

[PNWkip]

I searched and didn't find my answer, sorry if I missed it.

I have the Diode dynamics lightbar sitting in my garage. It come with a 3 way rocker. Red = power, Blue = backlight, Yellow= main beam. Pretty straight forward. Cali raised switch wire colors make no sense, but whatever, at least they have a diagram.

My question is, where is the best place to get backlight power/ dash circuit if I want to so that the button is illuminated when the chosen light is on ? Should I just add-a-fuse ? If so, where would be the best spot ?

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[AspenThicket]

I'd like to know this as well.

 

[PNWkip]

I'd like to know this as well.

I got an add a fuse, so maybe that will do it. I'm gonna find out today!

 

[PNWkip]

I'm just gonna use the switch as is. Lights up when it's on. Nor running backlight.

Can anyone tell me if this spot is an ok place to mount the light bar relay ? Don't really have another option nearby

 

[Ruckus]

I just shove those things down the driver's side fender. Out of sight out of mind.

 

[PNWkip]

I just shove those things down the driver's side fender. Out of sight out of mind.

I burnt up some length, so can't really stuff it down there, but hopefully that spots good. Awesome I'm lightbar ! So bright

 

[PNWkip]

I just shove those things down the driver's side fender. Out of sight out of mind.

Got another question for you. What would you need to do to get the light bar to shut off when the truck is shut off ? I have a feeling one day I'll walk away with the amber backlight running lol

 

[Will721]

Got another question for you. What would you need to do to get the light bar to shut off when the truck is shut off ? I have a feeling one day I'll walk away with the amber backlight running lol

That would just require changing the switch power source. Instead of using constant power, you would need to switch to keyed on power. If you are using an add-a-fuse then just use a test light to find a circuit that only has power when the truck is running. BTW, if you do go to keyed on power, according to your diagram you could then connect the red and yellow wires together to achieve backlight. Of course the black ground wire would need to be grounded aswell.

As far as the relay is concerned, location doesn't really matter with generic 5 pin relays, as they don't ground through their own body. However you want it mounted as vehicle as possible when mounted to the firewall as to minimize water intrusion. They are not water resistant at all and if they get wet they corrode and fail.

 

[PNWkip]

That would just require changing the switch power source. Instead of using constant power, you would need to switch to keyed on power. If you are using an add-a-fuse then just use a test light to find a circuit that only has power when the truck is running. BTW, if you do go to keyed on power, according to your diagram you could then connect the red and yellow wires together to achieve backlight. Of course the black ground wire would need to be grounded aswell.

As far as the relay is concerned, location doesn't really matter with generic 5 pin relays, as they don't ground through their own body. However you want it mounted as vehicle as possible when mounted to the firewall as to minimize water intrusion. They are not water resistant at all and if they get wet they corrode and fail.

Thank you!
I might DM you. I was just about to send my add-a-fuse back as I didn't use it for backlight, but might just do this.

For the relay I moved it rear of the battery and mounted to the the firewall at an existing point. Hopefully it stays dry under there

 

[PNWkip]

Thank you!
I might DM you. I was just about to send my add-a-fuse back as I didn't use it for backlight, but might just do this.

For the relay I moved it rear of the battery and mounted to the the firewall at an existing point. Hopefully it stays dry under there

I'll just ask here in case anyone else needs this info.

So all I need to do is run the power from an add a fuse instead of directly to the battery ? Does it matter which fuse I tap ? Does it need to be a specific # of amps ? I think I got 5amp fuses I'll have to check

 

[Will721]

It would be nice if it had a proper wiring diagram. Since I'm not familiar with your specific kit, I can explain the basic concept. When wiring accessories, the relay holds the actual load of the circuit. The switch simply triggers the relay. Any accessory that pulls more than 5 amps typically uses a relay because they are designed to hold a much larger load, and sustain it, than a regular switch. The relay works as a switch itself, but uses an electromagnet to make the connection instead of you physically doing it. A typical relay only requires around 5 amps max to trigger. The back light on a toggle switch is also typically a very low powered LED.

So in theory you should be able to use an add-a-fuse on any circuit of your choosing as 5 amps is hardly anything at all. As for selecting a circuit, you'll need to find you'll either need to use a test light or find someone here to locate which fuse in your box to tap for ignition power only. Typically it will be something like the radio circuit.

 

[PNWkip]

It would be nice if it had a proper wiring diagram. Since I'm not familiar with your specific kit, I can explain the basic concept. When wiring accessories, the relay holds the actual load of the circuit. The switch simply triggers the relay. Any accessory that pulls more than 5 amps typically uses a relay because they are designed to hold a much larger load, and sustain it, than a regular switch. The relay works as a switch itself, but uses an electromagnet to make the connection instead of you physically doing it. A typical relay only requires around 5 amps max to trigger. The back light on a toggle switch is also typically a very low powered LED.

So in theory you should be able to use an add-a-fuse on any circuit of your choosing as 5 amps is hardly anything at all. As for selecting a circuit, you'll need to find you'll either need to use a test light or find someone here to locate which fuse in your box to tap for ignition power only. Typically it will be something like the radio circuit.

Thank you!

yea currently harnress runs from light to relay, the +/- runs directly from the battery (+ has a fuse) to relay. From relay to the switch: Power, amber, white.

 

[AZTacoStand]

I'm just gonna use the switch as is. Lights up when it's on. Nor running backlight.

Can anyone tell me if this spot is an ok place to mount the light bar relay ? Don't really have another option nearby

Are you saying that you can't get the backlight to work? Mainly asking bc I have a Baja Designs light bar using their wiring harness and the backlight function just will not work for me. Wondering what I am doing wrong or if it is just faulty

 

[PNWkip]

Are you saying that you can't get the backlight to work? Mainly asking bc I have a Baja Designs light bar using their wiring harness and the backlight function just will not work for me. Wondering what I am doing wrong or if it is just faulty

No I don't care about the backlight really. And I have Diode Dynamics, so can't help you there! I would guess it's a faulty switch if it's supposed to be plug and play ? Hit them up!

Discussing how to wire the lightbar on/off with rest of the lights. Currently I can leave the lightbar on even when the truck is off.

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