Cab Clearnance Lights OFF HOW?

[PJay9]

I would like to turn off the roof top lights on the pickup as they shine on the overhang and then relect back into the cab creating a glare at night. I have the wire plan for the truck and looked in the post leading up looking to install a micro switch on the post, but there is no wire that color code and I have the manuals and took off one of the lights it is WT/GY... no such wire. THEN someon told me Dodges are wired hot so that would not work! Then I Looked to cut the BK wire Ground and realized it probably is G for all the overhead stuff so I don't want to do that. I don't want to paint he bottum flat balck or put tape on the lights either... so none of that if you don't mind! :>)))



Any Ideas, see truck below?

 

[WestTN]

The problem with turning them off is that a vehicle as wide as your dually are required by federal law to have those lights. An astute police officer would ticket you if he sees they are inoperative.

 

[SSolderitch]

add the lights to the top of the camper...

or don't worry about it.



I dont know how they are wired, but I would pull a bulb and probe the contacts with them off, you should find a ground. note the color of the wire. turn on the lights the other contact should now have 12v when on. note color of wire. there has to be a splice for that wire to the headlight switch. I only have a 2001 FSM and a wiring CD for 1996 if you need more help adding a switch, someone with the correct year manual would be better. I do not have 2004 info. I believe the wires run up the A pilar.

 

[Larry Willard]

I agree that they are reqiured to be on for DOT regulations, but if you insist on turning them off why not pull the bulbs then it would be easy to turn them back on if needed.

Larry

 

[NCovey]

If I remember correctly, the wires run up the passenger A-Pillar, but I don't remember the wire colors. -Nicholas

 

[DShore]

Why not paint the bottom of the camper overhang flat black?



This would cut down on the glare and still be legal and would be a cheap fix with no wiring hassles.

 

[JApol]

The clearance lights are wired off the right parking/signal light and fuse 32.

There is a white/grey and a black wire running up to the clearance lights. You can put a switch in either wire to control if you want them on or not.



Probably the easiest thing to do is switch the ground for a couple of reasons.



1. you won't need to run a wire from the right side of the truck to where you want the switch and back if you switch the power wire.



2. You can cut and insulate the ground on the right side, cut an run a new ground to your switch and run a ground to either the battery terminal or find a ground in the dash.



Happy wiring

 

[DonTX]

The lights are required, but not on the camper AND the truck, only on one. Every pickup camper I ever owned had the lights on the top of the camper.

 

[PJay9]

JApol... ahhh the passenger pillar. The colors you mention are what the manual states, but didn't see the run placement. Why can't I just split either wire and interupt the circuit with an open or closed switch?



The DOT only requires one set of 5 lights forward and the camper has a complete set all around in perfect working order. So I want them to do the ID for the rest of the world. Then when running MT I can flip the switch for the dooly to be legal... very easy thought, but doing this is a chore so far, but what else.



In the morning I'll pop the pax pillar and see if they are there. THX to all the replies and more to come.

 

[JApol]

JApol... ahhh the passenger pillar. The colors you mention are what the manual states, but didn't see the run placement. Why can't I just split either wire and interupt the circuit with an open or closed switch?

The colors are what the 05 manual states, I forgot to mention that but I don't think that would have changed. My best guess is that they are under the right side. You can switch either wire, its doesn't matter. The nice thing about switching the ground is that it is impossible to short across the lights and possibly blowing the fuse.

 

[Grizzly]

I had the same problem with my Lance camper and the clearance lights. I thought about removing the bulbs, but we decided to avoid night driving as much as possible for other safety reasons. However, sometime you still have to drive at night and we just got used to it.

 

[PJay9]

JApol, YES! the wirse are in the right pillar and the color is the same. It took about 15 mins to do the job. I bought a micro switch and soldered wire to it about 6", then took the pillar off with 10mm socket, didn't have to remove it as it hangs down just far enuf. Stripped the tape from the wires and cut the ground (black) joined the two ends to the switch wire, drilled 1/4" hole for switch up near the top by the roof out of the way and it is hardly noticable. Then tucked wires together, a little tape and it tests just fine. Pillar back on and tighten down... hardest part is getting the rubber door post strip from under the pillar, you'll see if you ever take the pillar off.



Grizzly... it is easy... one of the easiest things I have done to this truck, so go back to driving at NIGHT!!! Except get some better headlights... hopefully they are coming SOON!!!



ALL, thx for the suggestions and warnings, if anything I might get pulled over for my new driving lights. If I could post an image I would. I wish someone would explain how to do it.



THX PJ

 

[PJay9]

Hi all again this is an experiment to see if the images come thru. They are images of the new lights and bumper, no I didn't switch off the 5 forward. THX PJ

 

[DonTX]

If you try all those lights in S Texas, they will kindly stop you and charge you some money for telling you to turn them off. I got a set of Perlux ones but don't even have them hooked up for that reason.

 

[DonTX]

Would it not be possible to trace the ground wire somewhere below the pillar and break into it?

 

[JCostello]

I want cab lights and will be going to the dealer to get them installed next month. Think they are great and love the way they look.

 

[Grizzly]

I want cab lights and will be going to the dealer to get them installed next month. Think they are great and love the way they look.

My brother-in-law calls them Macho lights. He has them on his f-250 ferd.

 

[JCostello]

Ok, this definition sounds about right, thanks
ma·cho Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mah-choh]Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciationadjective, noun, plural -chos.
-adjective <TABLE class=luna-Ent minmax_bound="true"><TBODY minmax_bound="true"><TR minmax_bound="true"><TD class=dn vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">1. </TD><TD vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">having or characterized by qualities considered manly, esp. when manifested in an assertive, self-conscious, or dominating way. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent minmax_bound="true"><TBODY minmax_bound="true"><TR minmax_bound="true"><TD class=dn vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">2. </TD><TD vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">having a strong or exaggerated sense of power or the right to dominate. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>-noun <TABLE class=luna-Ent minmax_bound="true"><TBODY minmax_bound="true"><TR minmax_bound="true"><TD class=dn vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">3. </TD><TD vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">assertive or aggressive manliness; machismo. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent minmax_bound="true"><TBODY minmax_bound="true"><TR minmax_bound="true"><TD class=dn vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">4. </TD><TD vAlign=top minmax_bound="true">an assertively virile, dominating, or domineering male. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[dcoffman]

Hi all again this is an experiment to see if the images come thru. They are images of the new lights and bumper, no I didn't switch off the 5 forward. THX PJ

The new lights are plenty bright enough. What in the world do you need with all those lights? I just hope I never meet you at night. You're a danger to on coming traffic. MHO

 

[FLynes]

Maryland will give you a ticket if you have the covers off those lights, doesn't matter if the lights are on or not.