Limitations to factory AUX buttons?

[GoldInThemThrills]

I'm new to wiring my own electronics, but have a couple of different lights either ordered or on my list. I've read there are some limitations to what you can use the AUX buttons with without modifications for larger lights.

Can someone explain this to me and tell me what I need to look into if I want to power a larger light bar?

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[Yotota]

The owner's manual lists the current capacity of each Aux Switch circuit. I would stay under 80% of that value. If you want to use that switch for more current, use the Aux Switch circuit to actuate a relay that is fed straight from the battery.

 

[maxx075]

Max amperage for the switches (Aux1) is 15A, so you can't wire anything into them above that.

Each switch is a different rating.

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

Max amperage for the switches (Aux1) is 15A, so you can't wire anything into them above that.

Each switch is a different rating.

There are add-ons to increase the amperage to them, right? Unless I misunderstood when looking.

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

The owner's manual lists the current capacity of each Aux Switch circuit. I would stay under 80% of that value. If you want to use that switch for more current, use the Aux Switch circuit to actuate a relay that is fed straight from the battery.

Oh it looks like my last question was answered here. So I'll need to look into a relay.

 

[Yotota]

Oh it looks like my last question was answered here. So I'll need to look into a relay.

Yep. Easy peasy. Get a quality relay harness with a socket, and a quality brand name relay (not some cheap China junk), and you can just use butt connectors between the relay harness, aux plug, ground wire to a bolt in the engine bay (a bracket on the inner fender works well), and a power wire to your battery. Make sure to use big enough wire for the power wire - 12ga can handle 25A up to 6ft. Run a 40A fuse connector on the power wire too, right after it connects to the battery.

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

Yep. Easy peasy. Get a quality relay harness with a socket, and a quality brand name relay (not some cheap China junk), and you can just use butt connectors between the relay harness, aux plug, ground wire to a bolt in the engine bay (a bracket on the inner fender works well), and a power wire to your battery. Make sure to use big enough wire for the power wire - 12ga can handle 25A up to 6ft. Run a 40A fuse connector on the power wire too, right after it connects to the battery.

Super helpful! Thanks so much!

 

[Sagebrush]

So I'll need to look into a relay.

Exactly.

For my Cali ditch lights (which came with the wiring harness and relay) I bought their switch and installed it in one of the blank spots so I would have a blue light on when the ditch lights were on.

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