Backup light wiring

[BambiBasher]

how much extra lighting can the reverse light circuit handle without causing any issues or needing to use a relay? Been having an issue with salt and relays tied into the reverse lights mounted in my bumper. I’ve got the halogen taillights currently. I know the other option is to tie into the trailer plug but I just don’t want to go that route.

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[ChrisNLA]

how much extra lighting can the reverse light circuit handle without causing any issues or needing to use a relay? Been having an issue with salt and relays tied into the reverse lights mounted in my bumper. I’ve got the halogen taillights currently. I know the other option is to tie into the trailer plug but I just don’t want to go that route.

It can handle a bit. I have the Oracle lights in my rear bumper using their inline harness to the reverse lights with no issues. I doubt any reasonable LED lights you put in your bumper will cause an issue.

Also, if corrosion is an issue on relays, try something like this if you haven't already:

https://www.jegs.com/i/Painless-Performance-Products/764/80129/10002/-1

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/10556/10002/-1


Better protected than the relays with exposed terminals. Use heat shrink splices as well. Put a little dielectric grease inside the relay connection, too. Something to consider for future projects...

 

[BambiBasher]

It can handle a bit. I have the Oracle lights in my rear bumper using their inline harness to the reverse lights with no issues. I doubt any reasonable LED lights you put in your bumper will cause an issue.

Also, if corrosion is an issue on relays, try something like this if you haven't already:

https://www.jegs.com/i/Painless-Performance-Products/764/80129/10002/-1

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/10556/10002/-1


Better protected than the relays with exposed terminals. Use heat shrink splices as well. Put a little dielectric grease inside the relay connection, too. Something to consider for future projects...

yeah if the circuit couldn’t handle the load I was going to go with waterproof relays but I’d just like to avoid use them if at all possible. All of my stuff gets waterproofed with tape, heat shrink, or the equivalent etc. The lights I’ve got are about 7w a piece so I’d have an extra 14w on that circuit.

 

[ChrisNLA]

yeah if the circuit couldn’t handle the load I was going to go with waterproof relays but I’d just like to avoid use them if at all possible. All of my stuff gets waterproofed with tape, heat shrink, or the equivalent etc. The lights I’ve got are about 7w a piece so I’d have an extra 14w on that circuit.

That's about one extra amp - I'd say no worries there.

 

[BambiBasher]

That's about one extra amp - I'd say no worries there.

i was thinking the same thing. I just want to clarify they are 72w per light but being led the draw should be only 7w per light.

 

[BambiBasher]

Alright so I wired this all up and this is the issue I’m getting. All I did was remove the relay from the circuit. The reverse light comes on but then blinks twice then goes off completely. Not too sure exactly what the issue is. I’m wondering if either a wire isn’t connected properly or if the extra lights are pulling too much and the BCM isn’t liking it.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

how much extra lighting can the reverse light circuit handle without causing any issues or needing to use a relay? Been having an issue with salt and relays tied into the reverse lights mounted in my bumper. I’ve got the halogen taillights currently. I know the other option is to tie into the trailer plug but I just don’t want to go that route.

Following!! I have LED tails with an additional back up light bar thing but I want to add in a back up beeper too. Maybe another light eventually. We shall see.

 

[BambiBasher]

So I did some testing and unplugged one of the rear led lights and now it’s working as intended. So I’m assuming that both of my lights are too much for the BCM to handle and sets a soft code. No to figure out why the 2 to 1 diode setup I’ve got isn’t letting the factory aux switch control the lights.

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