So I've been running a couple auxiliary lights for about a year now on my 2012 1500 Laramie. About a couple weeks ago I noticed my headlights and dash lights flickering. Yesterday, my truck was completely dead. The lights are wired directly into the battery. Any thoughts on how to rewire the lights so I don't kill my battery? And what kind of upgraded alternator should I get to keep this from happening again? Thanks.
Wiring problems
- Thread starter ssgswole
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PCA4208
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Relays. If they're on relays, the lights will get full battery power while being able to not drain the battery.
PCA4208
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And an alternator upgrade isn't necessary, with relays, lights can handle full amps.
You can do the big 3 upgrade, that will help with charging the battery.
You can do the big 3 upgrade, that will help with charging the battery.
PCA4208
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Give me a minute and I'll find just what you need.
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This should be all you need, wiring is pretty simple, and it should have instructions how to do it.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/9...oglemerchant&gclid=CL_P4PvY6rsCFe1xQgod3XIARg
http://www.quadratec.com/products/9...oglemerchant&gclid=CL_P4PvY6rsCFe1xQgod3XIARg
WhiteExpress
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The use of relays will make sure the aux lights are receiving full battery power.
If the battery was dead / lights flickering, you have a short somewhere.
When you say you've wired it to the battery. Do you have power from the battery to the switch in the cab and then straight to the lights outside?
Somewhere you've got a connection that's grounding out. Even as ill-advised as the above mentioned is, it should not really cause any issues (provided the switch/wiring is properly sized & installed).
The above linked kit is nice, $46 for a relay and some wire is pretty excessive in my book. You can buy a 40AMP relay from Autozone for under $10.
If the battery was dead / lights flickering, you have a short somewhere.
When you say you've wired it to the battery. Do you have power from the battery to the switch in the cab and then straight to the lights outside?
Somewhere you've got a connection that's grounding out. Even as ill-advised as the above mentioned is, it should not really cause any issues (provided the switch/wiring is properly sized & installed).
The above linked kit is nice, $46 for a relay and some wire is pretty excessive in my book. You can buy a 40AMP relay from Autozone for under $10.
NYCruiser
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Ssgswole, Relays may sound complicated to the uninitiated, but they really aren't. Read this:
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/hweb2.pdf
and then look for one to buy here:
Amazon.com: 12v 40a relay
Let us know if you have questions.
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/hweb2.pdf
and then look for one to buy here:
Amazon.com: 12v 40a relay
Let us know if you have questions.
