HOW TO: Adding an underhood light (1 Viewer)

[hzavarce]

Where did you tap into to power it up?

For the hood light I have a fuse box and I added another circuit. The door switch is wired to the ground lead

For the lift gate I have another fuse box in the rear and I got power there. The ground I tapped into the ground circuit for the lift gate so it turns on when I open the gate

 

[rolliges]

Hey NLXTACY, any updates with pics on switch used and wiring? Any problems? improvements?

 

[NLXTACY]

Hey NLXTACT, any updates with pics on switch used and wiring? Any problems? improvements?

crap just realized I haven't updated this since I started it. I have it wired up but I still need to get the switch in. I have not found a good way to mount the OEM switch so I still need to work on that. For now I actually use the fuse as the "switch"

Pix coming in a few.

 

[ironhippy]

I've done something similar with a couple of led strips from ozinium

Waterproof Ribbon LED Strips

I also used a door pin switch on the ground so it only comes on when the hood is open

Adjustable Door / Hood Pin Switch

Mine is always live, I figured it's not pulling enough power to worry about switching it, I can easily disconnect the wires or pull the fuse if I have the hood open all day.

 

[rolliges]

What about using a mercury switch so the light's on when the hood opens? $4-5 online.

 

[86tuning]

Awesome thing about a mercury switch is that it will also turn the light on if you shake it, like when you hit a bump in the road.

I would suggest a pin switch like what the car alarm guys use.

Much more reliable than a mercury switch. And less toxic too

 

[rolliges]

Reliability is for the light to turn on when the hood is open AND, I'm assuming, you aren't driving and won't hit any bumps.

Driving over bumps wont turn on the lights and burn the LEDs out. Perhaps a flicker or two.

The main thing is that the light come on in the dark woods when you open the hood.

Mercury switches are used primarily with car security systems.

 

[lordbater]

in case yall didn't read the whole thread, and at the risk of repeating myself..
This is still kicking ass, 2+ years later..

A

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...es-gm-retractable-trouble-light-mod-fj80.html

 

[Kcax0what]

rear 2 ft hatch light workd pretty well too

 

[Manuelsv]

Awesome mod!!!

I just did the underhood with the original poster's exact same installation!!!
WOW That is very very bright!!
Love it... It's the only mod my actually said she liked!! Go figure.. I got from the about the lift.. for the front TJM with 16000 LB winch.. Double About the rear swingout for the spare and Cuadruple for the roof rack.. But she really liked the underhood light??

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I just did the underhood with the original poster's exact same installation!!!
WOW That is very very bright!!
Love it... It's the only mod my actually said she liked!! Go figure.. I got from the about the lift.. for the front TJM with 16000 LB winch.. Double About the rear swingout for the spare and Cuadruple for the roof rack.. But she really liked the underhood light??

How did you switch it?

 

[NLXTACY]

Yeah switching it is the only thing I haven't done. Currently I just move the fuse to turn it off/on

I don't really want to use the standard alarm switches but I haven't figured out how to implement the factory Toyota switches I have now.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Yeah switching it is the only thing I haven't done. Currently I just move the fuse to turn it off/on

I don't really want to use the standard alarm switches but I haven't figured out how to implement the factory Toyota switches I have now.

How about something unique maybe

http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-Clap-Off-Switch-Kit/dp/B0011E7566/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_2

 

[Timpanogos Slim]

This sounds like a good idea for the unexpected things that can happen with an old truck, so i bought a 1M length of waterproof self-adhesive flexible white LED strip from some chinese ebayer last night for about $5. It'll be here in 2-6 weeks.

Can't decide if i need it to come on automatically. I may be fine with just mounting a switch somewhere.

Edit: this one, fwiw: http://www.ebay.com/itm/220967486046

 

[NLXTACY]

How about something unique maybe

http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-Clap-...pd_sim_sbs_e_2

That would be sweet!!!

 

[western flyer]

How about something unique maybe

http://www.amazon.com/Velleman-Clap-Off-Switch-Kit/dp/B0011E7566/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_2

That is really funny. I can see Grandma Clampett out on the lawn (in a chair) clapping to get the LC to light up.

 

[Manuelsv]

Switch

How did you switch it?

Just used a simple car alarm switch.. http://www.deiproducts.com/servlet/the-263/Pin-Switch-Universal-Alarm/Detail
I figure keep it simple and it works great

 

[Otter]

Yesterday I added the led strip to my rear hatch using the door a jar circuit. The light comes on whenever the hatch is opened, but the door ajar light doesn't come on anymore. Another problem is whenever another door is opened on the vehicle, the hatch light turns off, and the door ajar light comes on.

Any ideas?

It works great, but I foresee situations where I will have multiple doors open and need the rear hatch lit.

 

[Stevesnj]

Hooked mine to the rear hatch dome circuit so it turns on when the hatch is opened. Gonna put it on a switch though since it turns on even when the rear doors open.

 

[NLXTACY]

Hooked mine to the rear hatch dome circuit so it turns on when the hatch is opened. Gonna put it on a switch though since it turns on even when the rear doors open.

Any updates? I just ordered a second one to add to the rear.