OK you electrical GURUs out there, I'm trying to wire my dust lights that are mounted on my bedcage to a second fog light switch. I grounded the lights and connected the positives from each light together and ran a single positive behind the dash to a new fog light switch I added into the bezel. I know the lights work because I tested them. My problem is I can't figure out how to wire it up so that the new switch controls the dust lights the same way the stock switch control the fog lights. So if anyone could help me out with some wiring tips so I could get these things going I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance

-Rob

 

Man, I wired exactly what you are needing, but it's been so long I have completely forgot how to do it. I don't even have my computer anymore right now, so I can't even get the diagram.

Basically, you need the switch to turn on and off a relay, not the lights themselves. Once the relay is powered on, the lights will get the juice.

Man I wish I remembered. Let me look around.

 

I cannot find it, I swear I had the whole scheme written down in a PM someplace from John [n3elz]. I need the info [again] as well to wire my new Splash the same way. Once I get in there and play around, I might be able to remember and/or figure it out... I also think I have pictures of the way it was wired, so I might be able to figure it out from them -- but like I said -- I don't have my computer, so I cannot look at them.

 

Maybe RWENZING will chime in and help ya out!!! He knows everything!

 

The factory Ford foglamp switch works by grounding and you cannot use it to switch a hot wire. Add a SPST or SPDT automotive relay and be sure to use adequate wire gauge for the load and correctly sized fuses to protect all circuits.

 

Thanks Bob, that makes things alot easier. I'm sure I can handle it now. Much appreciated


-Rob

 

Thanks Bob! Here we go with the newbie question fo the day...

What can we use for constant and switched power? I forget. I am trying to get everything needed for the Splash.

 

The constant power would probably be best run as a new circuit from the battery. It would need heavy wiring and a matched fuse to handle the current of a set off aux lights.

There are at least three options for the wire labeled "keyed 12v" in the diagram. More generally, it should be labeled "trigger":

1) Keyed power switched by the ignition switch. I would be inclined to tap off the Red/Yellow to the instrument cluster. Lights will be on whenever the ignition is on and the dash switch is on.

2) High beam circuit tapping off the Light green/black to the high beams. This allows the aux lights to be only when the high beams and the dash switch are on.

3) Exterior lamp circuit tapping off the solid brown wire at the main light switch. This allows the aux lights to be on whenever the parking lights, high beams or low beams are on (provided that the dash switch is also on, of course).

There are other possibilities for color codes to use. I chose these because they should be good from 1997 through 2003.

 

Mine is a 95. Looks like I'll be grabbing either a Haynes or Chilton book! Or just a wire tester thingy with the light. I can't remember the name right now. A test light? 'Eh, either way...thanks buddy!!

 

Those codes may be good for your 95, too, but I don't have any wiring manuals before 1997.

(1995 Ranger - cool - last year with a real oil pressure gauge!)

 

Awesome! No dummy guage!

I am excited to get back and drive it. I have plans for this thing.

 

I did mine simple so I wouldn't have to run wire everywhere and connected the constant to the cigarette lights wire (don't remember color) and the key 12v to the red wire on my stereo harness. Probably not the best but it works and I wanted to keep it simple. Besides my dust lights are going to get used very often.

Thanks again Bob


-Rob