Light install question

[evomega08]

I picked up some Hella 500FF's I found on clearance for $62 a pair with wires, relay and switch. My question is what is the relay for and why do you hook them up to your factory lights? Can't you just hook it up to the power and ground with a in line fuse and be done?

 

[AWE Daniel]

The relay is there to help keep the power drain off your main system. You need to run a 12V trigger wire from a good spot (I used the cig lighter in the cab) to a switch, then out to the relay. Then the relay gets power straight from the battery and sends that to the lights, hang on a sec and Ill make a little diagram of how I did mine.

 

[RubberFrog]

If you don't use a relay, you will have full current runing through whatever you use as a switch. Not a good idea. A relay allows you to use a low amp source as a trigger.

 

[AWE Daniel]

Hope that makes some sense.

 

[Redtruck-VA]

I believe they say to to trigger (switch on/off) the aux lights by connecting to your OEM lights is a combination of being legal and it's simplifys the install as another switch is not required. Note: our Gen 3 rams are controlled by the PCM/FCM and the switches only have 5 volts on them to signal the modules what to do. The modules control signal is done by the various switches terminating different resistances to ground. Which is a pain in the ass, but also provides some opportunities to manipulate the PCM.

 

[4.7Ram5.7Rango]

Great diagram Daniel! Ive had my Hella's since Christmas, time to chop chop on the install!

 

[AWE Daniel]

It always sounded hard to me until I saw a diagram and figured it out, some people make those diagrams a little more complicated then they need, I hope that helps you guys out some, save you a headache. Your relays should have pins that are numbered, and the bos should tell you what numbers are for what.

 

[txbass06]

Did it not come with a harness that had a connector that plugged into the bottom of the relay?

 

[AWE Daniel]

Mine were not hella brand but if the hellas do than that is hella cool



sorry

 

[evomega08]

I believe they say to to trigger (switch on/off) the aux lights by connecting to your OEM lights is a combination of being legal and it's simplifys the install as another switch is not required. Note: our Gen 3 rams are controlled by the PCM/FCM and the switches only have 5 volts on them to signal the modules what to do. The modules control signal is done by the various switches terminating different resistances to ground. Which is a pain in the ass, but also provides some opportunities to manipulate the PCM.

^^Over my head. You are correct the instructions do say to hook up to the OEM lights. Daniel says I need a 12v trigger but you say this will only have 5v, will this work or should I find another source?

 

[AWE Daniel]

use the cig lighter, that way the lights can only be on with the key in

 

[evomega08]

My next question, I bought 2 sets can I hook both up to the same switch or not?

 

[AWE Daniel]

You should be able to

 

[evomega08]

Thanks, the second set is going to be on a bull bar I just got so as soon as I get that on I'll wire them up. I'm going to fab some brackets so it mounts on my plow mount for easy install and removal for plowing so it might be a few days.

 

[evomega08]

Thanks alot Daniel you've been on top of all my questions.

 

[AWE Daniel]

Fer shizzle! Make sure to take pics!