Wiring harness question

[ColoMojaveX]

Hey guys, I need your help with a quick question.
I purchased some Harbor Freight lights for the A pillar and also the wiring harness. The lights have an amber backlight which I guess would come on with the ignition/other lights. Instead of tapping into a wire, can I just wire it to one of my Aux switches?

If not then what wire would I tap into? I need specifics on what wire, I only know enough to be dangerous.

TIA

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[JeepOfTheseus]

You could use an aux switch tap, but I'd argue...why? Do you really want to waste a switch on backlights? Will you really feel the need to switch them on/off often? Also, the lower rated switches are still 15A, which is way more than these would need. Not sure what that "bracket" on the wire is, but I'd just go for a fuse tap on an ignition/running fuse and be done with it.

 

[ColoMojaveX]

You could use an aux switch tap, but I'd argue...why? Do you really want to waste a switch on backlights? Will you really feel the need to switch them on/off often? Also, the lower rated switches are still 15A, which is way more than these would need. Not sure what that "bracket" on the wire is, but I'd just go for a fuse tap on an ignition/running fuse and be done with it.

I was looking for simplicity, ya, don’t really NEED to use a switch. That bracket is a wire tap.

 

[ColoMojaveX]

Ok, so I’m learning about these fuse taps. I’ve never used one. could someone tell me which type are on the Gladiator, and possibly the fuse I could use?

 

[CKayaks]

Ok, so I’m learning about these fuse taps. I’ve never used one. could someone tell me which type are on the Gladiator, and possibly the fuse I could use?

You can get a fuse tap at just about any auto store. Micro size fuse. Tap into the "cigar" fuse in your fuse box. I cannot recall the number off the top of my head, but there is a diagram on the inside of the lid to the fuse box.

Fuse taps are simple. Pull the fuse from your fuse box. Plug in the tap. Run your light's wire into the wire on the tap. (Both lights go into the same tap.) Read the directions on the fuse tap. Make sure the size fuse you are pulling goes into the correct slot on the tap. For the fuse for the running lights, 3 or 5 amp fuse. They do not draw much power and the fuse is really there to protect the circuits/wiring in case of a short.

 

[ColoMojaveX]

You can get a fuse tap at just about any auto store. Micro size fuse. Tap into the "cigar" fuse in your fuse box. I cannot recall the number off the top of my head, but there is a diagram on the inside of the lid to the fuse box.

Fuse taps are simple. Pull the fuse from your fuse box. Plug in the tap. Run your light's wire into the wire on the tap. (Both lights go into the same tap.) Read the directions on the fuse tap. Make sure the size fuse you are pulling goes into the correct slot on the tap. For the fuse for the running lights, 3 or 5 amp fuse. They do not draw much power and the fuse is really there to protect the circuits/wiring in case of a short.

Thank you so much, that’s the type of information I needed.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Any ACC fuse in the box will work. Try to pair with a like amperage fuse for simplicity. There should be specs in the box of what the amber backlight will draw in watts. Just match up an ACC to that same level of power draw and you’ll be A-OK.

Edit: this is using an Add-A-Fuse type thing. Get em on Amazon in the correct size. I keep a bundle of em around for “wild hair” installations.

 

[maninblak]

I put the harbor freight roadshock edge lights on my a pillar with KC mounts. Used the harbor freight harness too. Wired the amber backlights using a fuse tap to spot 52, I believe. Amber backlights come on with the other factory lights at startup. Looks great.

I replaced the harbor freight harnesses switch with a switch with wireless remote. I then programmed that remote to my homelink buttons on the sunvisor. Now one button turns the lights on and one button turns them off. I only use the high setting, do not use the low setting. Its a sweet setup imo

 

[maninblak]

Picture for reference. Didn't take this picture to show off the lighting, but you can see it nonetheless.

 

[ColoMojaveX]

Picture for reference. Didn't take this picture to show off the lighting, but you can see it nonetheless.

THANK YOU!

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

So ready to get some cool lights on my truck. Cant decide which ones and I’m in the “Lockers before light bars” stage at the moment.

 

[NC_Overland]

My bumper lights have that feature. I used the aux switches and didn’t hook that wire up. My headlights have halos. That’s enough. Plus my lights are “for offroad use only”.

 

[ColoMojaveX]

You can get a fuse tap at just about any auto store. Micro size fuse. Tap into the "cigar" fuse in your fuse box. I cannot recall the number off the top of my head, but there is a diagram on the inside of the lid to the fuse box.

Fuse taps are simple. Pull the fuse from your fuse box. Plug in the tap. Run your light's wire into the wire on the tap. (Both lights go into the same tap.) Read the directions on the fuse tap. Make sure the size fuse you are pulling goes into the correct slot on the tap. For the fuse for the running lights, 3 or 5 amp fuse. They do not draw much power and the fuse is really there to protect the circuits/wiring in case of a short.

Micro or Micro2? I’m shopping on Amazon and all I’m seeing is Micro2

 

[CKayaks]

Micro or Micro2? I’m shopping on Amazon and all I’m seeing is Micro2

I had no idea what a Micro2 was!

From Google...
" In summary: "Micro" is a family term for sub-miniature fuses, while "Micro2" is a specific, widely used two-prong, 5-30A fuse standard in newer vehicles. They are not interchangeable with other types like Mini or standard ATO/ATC fuses. "

Have see mini, maxi, micro, and standard fuses. Now this nuance.

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