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Thread: Back Up Light Wiring

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    Back Up Light Wiring

    As far as I can tell there is no power wire for a backup light in the rear harness. Where is the best place to pick up power? I'm assuming it is just a loop that puts the backup light switch that is in the TKO in series with the circuit?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Senior Member edwardb's Avatar
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    Correct. No wires for backup lights in the Ron Francis harness. Also correct, the switch in the transmission just completes the circuit when shifted into reverse gear. If the current draw of your intended fixture is low (e.g. LED) it could be piggybacked onto another circuit. Or onto an unused circuit, if you have one. Just make sure it's a ignition key switched circuit. Not an always on battery circuit. You don't want leaving it in reverse with the ignition off to drain the battery.
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  3. #3

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    Joel
    Is your backup light permanent? Where did you mount it and what light are you using? If i need it for registration i might make it permanent or replace it with a permanent third brake light... or just remove it altogether. I do like the idea of a third brake light. On youtube videos from CSX’s in europe, ive seen light fixtures under the body or attatched to the bumper
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  4. #4

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    Hi, Sorry that I missed this post and question initially. I have the wiring in place for the back up light which I think we will need to go through the registration process in California. As yet, I have not chosen the light or made the decision whether or not it will be permanent. If I found the right light fixture that fit the car I might make it permanent. My car has gone to paint and so I won't see it for a bit. Maybe in the meantime I will start looking around for a light. If you find something you like, let me know. Joel

  5. #5
    Straversi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by japollon View Post
    Hi, Sorry that I missed this post and question initially. I have the wiring in place for the back up light which I think we will need to go through the registration process in California. As yet, I have not chosen the light or made the decision whether or not it will be permanent. If I found the right light fixture that fit the car I might make it permanent. My car has gone to paint and so I won't see it for a bit. Maybe in the meantime I will start looking around for a light. If you find something you like, let me know. Joel

    My plan was to find something that complied and then remove after inspection. I bought a Grote #60721 Micro Nova DOT LED light. Grote is a good brand that we use on our commercial vehicles. The Micro Nova is 1" diameter. I had it zip tied to my bumper but my brake and light inspector wouldn't let that fly. Said it had to be permanently mounted. I made a small L bracket, cut the 1" hole and riveted to the bottom rear trunk aluminum. Now I plan to just leave it in place since you can't see it unless it is on. When it is on, it is very bright.



    -Steve
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  6. #6
    Senior Member AC Bill's Avatar
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    I found a couple of bee hive lights, that felt matched the style of the existing lights. Lower wattage bulbs didn't require a relay, as the witch is heavy enough. Couple of Z shaped brackets mounted to the lower trunk frame, holds them in place.

    I look at the safety aspect of having them. It's a small car, and when backing out of a parking spot, I want it to be as obvious as possible.

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  7. #7

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    Thanks you guys for the back up light fixture input. Both of these are great solutions! Joel

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