Cargo Lamp

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MoparMan88_96

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1996
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Magnum 5.2
Hi everyone,
I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 and I wanted to rewire the cargo light to a toggle switch so that I can have the bed lights on without the interior lights on.
I was thinking all I need to do is cut the pink wire from from the original switch and putting in the toggle switch instead. I was wondering if anyone here has done this or would know how to do this?

Thanks
 

dapepper9

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Can't say anybody here has but it should be pretty straightforward. I would suggest a relay or swapping to LED bulbs that don't draw **** for amperage.
 
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MoparMan88_96

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So I am guessing I would connect a wire from a positive point (maybe right from the fuse box?) to a switch and then the pink that goes into the old switch will connect to my new one?

Also, what relay would I need?
 

dudeman2009

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2001 1500 Sport with enough electrical modifications to make my brain hurt
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Magnum 360
So I am guessing I would connect a wire from a positive point (maybe right from the fuse box?) to a switch and then the pink that goes into the old switch will connect to my new one?

Also, what relay would I need?

The solid pink wire is battery positive. The wire you need to run into your switch is the pink/dark blue wire. Switching the pink/dark blue wire to ground will turn on the cargo lamps.

As for the switch, as long as its rated for at least 10A (to match the fuse) it will be fine. However, it will get hot if you push the switch near its limit, i'd recommend a 25A switch for the bigger contacts. The larger switch isn't very much bigger in size but will remain a lot cooler. Also, the larger switches can come with little illuminated images on them so others know what the function is and it doesnt look at jerry rigged.

You can keep the incandescent bulbs in there given a switch of the proper rating is used. Most LEDs for that size will be a fraction of the brightness, or a fraction of the running hours. The ones that will last a while and are also just as bright or brighter than the factory bulbs are upwards of $7 a bulb, but its well worth it.
 
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