How to wire a home-brew CDL switch.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

1000-oaks

1000-oaks

10 Year 15 Year 20 Year
Joined
Mar 5, 2005
Threads
23
Messages
203
I picked up a Toyota Tacoma diff lock switch on eBay for cheap and went to install it today, but the multi-pin connector on the back is different than the FZJ-80 switch. The switch is the right size to snap into the dash, so I'm tempted to wire it in anyway.

If I omit "luxuries" such as switch illumination, how simple can I make the wiring? The plug/jumper currently on the CDL connector simply connects two of the wires on the harness, maybe all I have to do is wire my switch to break that circuit when I want the CDL engaged?

:idea:

Or is there more to it than that?

Anyone know?
 
1000-oaks said:
I picked up a Toyota Tacoma diff lock switch on eBay for cheap and went to install it today, but the multi-pin connector on the back is different than the FZJ-80 switch. The switch is the right size to snap into the dash, so I'm tempted to wire it in anyway.

If I omit "luxuries" such as switch illumination, how simple can I make the wiring? The plug/jumper currently on the CDL connector simply connects two of the wires on the harness, maybe all I have to do is wire my switch to break that circuit when I want the CDL engaged?

:idea:

Or is there more to it than that?

Anyone know?
Click to expand...

Search CDL, CDan posted the way to lock it up when you don't have the CDL switch, for an emergency situation as a way to limp home in 2wd if needed. I bet those instructions would help.

Edit- Or...are you sure you have the correct connector in the dash? Even on my 94 there are like four or five loose wire bundles with a connector on the end of them behind the dash that aren't used. You might need to dig a little more.
 
TX_TLC said:
Edit- Or...are you sure you have the correct connector in the dash? Even on my 94 there are like four or five loose wire bundles with a connector on the end of them behind the dash that aren't used. You might need to dig a little more.
Click to expand...

Good point, the only one I noticed was taped to the wiring going to the radio. There could very well be more back there. But it does look just like the one in Slee's instructions, and even has an identical plug and jumper wire. I'm betting it's probably the right one.
 
Dang it, I simply can't find CDan's post on the emergency limp-home mod....gotta be here somewhere.
 
I thought the linp home mode was put it in low, pull the fuse and then put it back in high? alternate is using the hazzard switch.

there are muany contacts in the factory switch, it is not just a simple on off switch. breaking that jumper connection just puts the CDL switch in control as oposed the the CDL relay pack.

you will need the EWD from a 91 or 92 to figure out the wiring.

IMO it is best to just call dan and get the right switch, about $50 IIRC and you wiring will be propper and un-molested.
 
RavenTai said:
I thought the linp home mode was put it in low, pull the fuse and then put it back in high? alternate is using the hazzard switch.
Click to expand...

IIRC, the old school method was to crawl up underneath the truck and disconnect the signal harness from the transfer case.
 
Might have to go with the cheap emergency flasher switch, just can't bring myself to spend $50+ on a plastic switch...
 
Do It!!

I did the hazard swith mod... just trimmed a tiny, tiny bit of the female connector of the truck... so worth the $20 I spent on ebay... I have another if interested...
 
Beat this for a CDL deal:

$5

Gambled and bought an emergency flasher switch for a 91-94 Tercel on eBay for $1 plus $4 shipping. Yup, it's the same part number as the FZJ-80 flasher switch.

Trimmed the tiny bit of plastic off the connector with a pocket knife and I'm in business. The hardest part was deciding where to locate all the switches; I'm going to fill one of the blank covers with the remote control for a hard-wired Bel radar detector.
 
On my 45 I used a marine switch and 3 of the original wires. 1 power in, 1 for lock, 1 fo unlock. It is very simple to do keeping the factory ECUs in tact. Unfortunately I am out of town and don't have my schematic, but it is easy to figure out.
 
1000-oaks said:
Beat this for a CDL deal:

$5

Gambled and bought an emergency flasher switch for a 91-94 Tercel on eBay for $1 plus $4 shipping. Yup, it's the same part number as the FZJ-80 flasher switch.

Trimmed the tiny bit of plastic off the connector with a pocket knife and I'm in business. The hardest part was deciding where to locate all the switches; I'm going to fill one of the blank covers with the remote control for a hard-wired Bel radar detector.
Click to expand...

th_wallbash_2.gif
th_wallbash_2.gif
th_wallbash_2.gif
th_wallbash_2.gif
th_wallbash_2.gif
 
I can beat $5. I used the existing hazards switch. Cost me nothing but 5-10 minutes to take the dash appart and dremel some plastic off the switch harness. And yes I lost my hazards but I can alway swap it back.

How many time do you use your hazards anyway.
 
RedmondCruiser said:
How many time do you use your hazards anyway.
Click to expand...

Only when you need them. :rolleyes:

-B-
 
MLX450 said:
pics....pics.....pics........!
Click to expand...

What would you like pics of? Trimming the little bit of plastic off the connector? It's about 1mm wide, 1mm thick and 3mm deep, nothing to it with a thin file (your wife's nail file might even work) or a razor blade.
 
Nope...everything works fine.
 
FWIW- On my '96, none of my signals work unless the Hazard switch is plugged into the harness. But Hazard switches are cheap used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom