FJ40 Plow lights wiring question... picture

[Bennett]

I have a meyer plow on my 76 Fj40.

In the past I have not used then factory plow lights as pictured. I just used the Fj40 headlights and signals to keep thinks simple. When I raise the blade, I cant see jack at nights ..... so..........
I would like to use the Beehive style factory Plow lights and want to just run pigtails from the base of the plow lights and into the engine bay and plug into the stock Fj40 3 prong headlights. In doing so I will not be using the Fj headlights but be plugged into the harness via the headlight plugs.
My question is for you wiring guys... where can I find a male version pigtail ( outdoor quality)l setup that would plug into the stock Toyota headlight plugs which are female 3 prong ?.....

I drew in red where I need to run the the pigtails. I know I could make something but I wanted something that was weather proof and outdoor rated for automotive use. Pigtails need to be about 24'-30" long with a molded male plug.... is there such a thing taht will plug into that headlight socket?
PS I will not be using the amber signals on the beehive lights... just the headlight. Trying to keep it simple.


thanks

 

[Pin_Head]

My question is for you wiring guys... where can I find a male version pigtail ( outdoor quality)l setup that would plug into the stock Toyota headlight plugs which are female 3 prong ?.....

I don't know, but you don't want one. Adding two more lamps will exceed the already minimal current capacity of the stock wiring. Run a new circuit from the battery or alternator and use a relay operated by the stock headlight wires to operate it. Put a plug in it so you can remove the plow lamps.

 

[Bennett]

By unplugging the socket plug from the stock lamps... I will be using just the plow Lamps. Thats where I will get my power for the 2 plow lamps.

I tried running both ( 4 lamps)and hardly had any oomph left for the hydraulic lift. Not sure they even make what I am looking for. A male end 3 prong to fit the female end on the stock headlights.

 

[Weedhopper]

I have a 6.5 foot Meyer plow on my 40 and have had no issues with height.

But like the guys said above, make it a separate circuit for the plow lights. You will have to turn off your truck headlights manually instead of having the circuit do that for you as in a normal plow setup. You should not have any more drain on the system, as you are just using different lights.

Edit: Better check your elec. system. I use my long range lights when I plow for the fun of it and have no voltage issues. Totally stock 40.

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

Disconnecting the headlights and connecting the plow lights in their place will work just fine.

My foggy memory says there there was an adapter sold for just that purpose.......................but that was quite a while ago (in the days of paper catalogs). The plug itself will never be weatherproof, that's the nature of that connector. All else fails, 1/4" male spade connectors will work just fine.

 

[73FJ40]

Wiring Adapter kit

I had a Meyer set up on my truck for a while. When I got the headlight assemblies, similar to yours, they came with a wiring harness adapter that put a toggle switch on the dashboard to switch between the plow lights and the normal lights. It was pretty handy, switch up, plow lights on. Toggle down, regular lights.

Attached is a link to an example wiring diagram from the Meyer website. I picked one at random, but it kind of gives you the idea. http://www.meyerproducts.com/upload/forms/1-555 07855 Kit.pdf I'm sure if you look harder, you'll find a better example.

Note that to be street-legal, you need to have the marker/directional lights on the plow lights operable, because in most cases the raised plow blade obscures the standard front directionals. I don't know where you live, but here in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts, many of the law enforcement personnel think details like this are important.

 

[Coolerman]

Find someone on here who has upgraded their headlights and ask for their old light harness. That will get you exactly what you need.

Another option is to splice into the harness and add a 3 or 4 pin connector. Trailer light connectors, available anywhere, would be ideal for this. Since these connectors will be under the hood they do not need to be weather proof. That way you can unplug your headlights and plug in your plow lights.

The relay idea is the best one though. Wired straight to the battery, switched by a relay, and triggered by the existing headlight wires will give you the brightest lights.