Rear hatch light (1 Viewer)

[Zimbwanabe]

i saw a lot of mods for wiring in an LED light for the rear hatch, but wondered if anyone has found a decent removable battery light? I have hung lanterns and flashlights etc, but would like a sleek, durable, semi permanent light that won't fly off when the latch is closed or when wheeling, or that will got lost amongst all the other gear on a trip. I prefer not to tap into the wiring harness, mess with the headliner, or risk battery drain. Ideas? Thanks, Mark

 

[Spokruiser]

Mark, I just added the additional OEM light with a PFRAN LED bulb to the rear and it was not too bad. Yes I did have to mess with the headliner a bit which made me nervous but in the end I am very happy with it I even ran additional wiring through the gromet and down into the hatch for one more light in the future.

Someone will correct me if I am wrong but in my 1993 and I believe in your 1994 there is the factory wiring harness clip to plug into on the drivers rear pillar. I know you said you are looking for a different option but thought I tell you my experience since I just went through this a few weeks ago...

 

[Zimbwanabe]

No, I really appreciate that, thanks! I put those LEDs in everywhere else and it's awesome. Like a surgical suite! I looked at all those cheap closet light type things and they are crap. Maybe I'll copy you and use a red lens to keep the bugs away. That was the problem with the lantern. One cat fishing trip in the backwaters and my blood was most sucked dry and I was vacuuming out moth carcasses for two months! Thanks again! mark

 

[Dirty Cruiser]

I also researched tailgate lamp ideas, and decided to go with an LED placed behind the hinge door. The LED is small enough to fit and it doesn't hit against the bottom lid. For the wiring I spliced into the existing rear light power source, then I ran the wire through the upper left wire sleeve that runs to the top tailgate. The install was pretty basic, you just have to feed a direct power wire from the rear light and attach to the top tailgate negative switch. I am considering adding two more LED to the sides, that would give you light on the sides and rear. Also when I go back in to add the other two lights I'm going to add an off switch, so if you don't need all the light you can shut them off.

 

[thedoughboy]

I also researched tailgate lamp ideas, and decided to go with an LED placed behind the hinge door. The LED is small enough to fit and it doesn't hit against the bottom lid. For the wiring I spliced into the existing rear light power source, then I ran the wire through the upper left wire sleeve that runs to the top tailgate. The install was pretty basic, you just have to feed a direct power wire from the rear light and attach to the top tailgate negative switch. I am considering adding two more LED to the sides, that would give you light on the sides and rear. Also when I go back in to add the other two lights I'm going to add an off switch, so if you don't need all the light you can shut them off.

Where did you source the LED?

 

[Dirty Cruiser]

Bought them from a local auto light place. They do have a website;
DDM Tuning: HID and LED Lighting
Price point is good. $20 for a set.

 

[NLXTACY]

Fricking wire is soooo delicate on those lights

 

[lumbee1]

I bought the same lights from Amazon for $7 a pair. The first thing I did was desolder the original wires and soldered in my own. The original wires were maybe 30 gauge and had one or two conductors the size of a hair. I used stranded 24 gauge wire. I am looking for a normal closed switch so I can use the lights under the hood.

For the tailgate, I used a OEM dome light and mounted it right beside the handle. I bought some warm white LED's off ebay for $3. The hatch light is super bright and very useful.

 

[The Proton]

I found these LED bolt lights at Oznium Flush Mount LED Bolt (no affiliation) and installed them into the hatch as shown. Install was pretty easy, I tied into the existing rear light wiring in my 94, and ran the wires down the D Pillar to a switch I mounted under the D panel. From there a single wire into the hatch thought the existing grommet to install the two LED bolt lamps. I grounded them to the exiting wiper motor ground. They are super small and rugged looking. For the switch i used an "anti vandal" switch from the same place, as it would be less likely to get damaged or turned on by shifting cargo in the back. Plus in this location it easy to reach.

Very happy with the install as I can now use my tailgate at night camping for food prep, washing up, etc. As well as see what is in the drawers. Light output using two of the LED's was spot on, not blinding, but plenty of light.

 

[baldilocks]

I found these LED bolt lights at Oznium Flush Mount LED Bolt (no affiliation) and installed them into the hatch as shown. Install was pretty easy, I tied into the existing rear light wiring in my 94, and ran the wires down the D Pillar to a switch I mounted under the D panel. From there a single wire into the hatch thought the existing grommet to install the two LED bolt lamps. I grounded them to the exiting wiper motor ground. They are super small and rugged looking. For the switch i used an "anti vandal" switch from the same place, as it would be less likely to get damaged or turned on by shifting cargo in the back. Plus in this location it easy to reach.

Very happy with the install as I can now use my tailgate at night camping for food prep, washing up, etc. As well as see what is in the drawers. Light output using two of the LED's was spot on, not blinding, but plenty of light.

I saw only one LED in you photo. All that light from one LED?

 

[The Proton]

I installed two of them in the hatch, but just took a pic of the one. I spaced them equally from the center of the hatch. Still a lot of light even for two.

 

[Brentbba]

I found these LED bolt lights at Oznium Flush Mount LED Bolt (no affiliation) and installed them into the hatch as shown. Install was pretty easy, I tied into the existing rear light wiring in my 94, and ran the wires down the D Pillar to a switch I mounted under the D panel. From there a single wire into the hatch thought the existing grommet to install the two LED bolt lamps. I grounded them to the exiting wiper motor ground. They are super small and rugged looking. For the switch i used an "anti vandal" switch from the same place, as it would be less likely to get damaged or turned on by shifting cargo in the back. Plus in this location it easy to reach.

Very happy with the install as I can now use my tailgate at night camping for food prep, washing up, etc. As well as see what is in the drawers. Light output using two of the LED's was spot on, not blinding, but plenty of light.

Are you saying you spliced into the existing molex connector that's in the back by the hatch designed for a rear hatch light? It's over on the DS side under the headliner right? Did you splice or source the matching molex connector? I've been wanting light back at the hatch for years, but balked at getting the oem one fearing as another poster the cutting and messing with the headliner of a '94! Got any more pics?

 

[The Proton]

Yes, I did use the connector for the rear light, located unfortunately under the headliner. I spliced as I had no real need for the connector once this was installed anyway. Did not take too many picts during the install, but I have one of the switch and the two lights. Switch is wired to only illuminate when on, which is somewhat obvious, but no battery drain..

 

[Brentbba]

Nice. Thanks!!

 

[categorytheory]

Yes, I did use the connector for the rear light, located unfortunately under the headliner. I spliced as I had no real need for the connector once this was installed anyway. Did not take too many picts during the install, but I have one of the switch and the two lights. Switch is wired to only illuminate when on, which is somewhat obvious, but no battery drain..

View attachment 1166527

View attachment 1166528

Hey Sorry to bump the thread but which size LEDs did you end up getting (the flush mounts I mean)? 11mm, 16mm ? Thanks! Also just saw you are in SF! Im in the east bay. Thanks! Cheers!