Attention: TDR Forum Junkies AMP STEPS LIGHT INSTALLATION
After years of procrastination I decided to finally do something about illuminating the truck steps. The final push came after my wife opened the door and the AMP step failed to extend. She noticed before stepping out so no harm was done. It could have been much worse. Newer AMP steps have an option to add lights but to add them to mine would require acquiring a new controller module.
I found a set of 4- 12V LED strings for under $10 on Amazon. They are very small, looking almost like a half size, 36“ long strip of caps from an old style cap pistol. They have lead wires on each end so they can be connected together if desired. They are not self adhesive so I used E-6000 glue to adhere them to the truck body, under the ledge below the doors. They are bright enough for a single strip on each side to do the job.
LED Light Strips Magnetic Switches
I also ordered 2 pair of magnetic switches commonly used in home alarm systems. They are sealed and when the switches come within an inch or so of the magnet portion, the contact is broken.
I located an always hot source wire under the seat leading to the power seat control and tapped into it for power. I felt no need to include an additional kill switch, a matter of personal preference. Current draw is minimal and shouldn’t cause an overload in any circuit. I ran the wires through the channel at the bottom of the door jamb and out to the switch through a rubber cup in the bottom of the channel. Power is directed to the other side via wires hidden under the carpet below the rear seat and out the rubber cup below that door.
Power Seat Connector Below door jamb wiring
I fashioned “L” brackets from scraps of aluminum extrusion and attached it to a frame bracket. I mounted the switch portions to that and the magnet portions to the back side of the step itself. When the step extends, the magnet moves away from the switch and the light comes on. A pretty simple method turning the lights on and off.
Switch- Step retracted Switch- Step extended
Now whenever one of the AMP steps extends the LEDs come on and light up that step.
Driver’s side step retracted. Driver’s side step extended.
I already had wire and connectors so my total cost was about $20 for the LEDs and switches from Amazon. I spent a few hours on the project, mostly hunting for connectors and fasteners and deciding where to mount everything.
Now when the steps extend, they are well illuminated as is the ground near them for a safe egress to and from the truck.
I spent far too much time trying to format this article and pictures and never did get the pictures a consistent size but gave up and submitted it anyway.
Dan
After years of procrastination I decided to finally do something about illuminating the truck steps. The final push came after my wife opened the door and the AMP step failed to extend. She noticed before stepping out so no harm was done. It could have been much worse. Newer AMP steps have an option to add lights but to add them to mine would require acquiring a new controller module.
I found a set of 4- 12V LED strings for under $10 on Amazon. They are very small, looking almost like a half size, 36“ long strip of caps from an old style cap pistol. They have lead wires on each end so they can be connected together if desired. They are not self adhesive so I used E-6000 glue to adhere them to the truck body, under the ledge below the doors. They are bright enough for a single strip on each side to do the job.
LED Light Strips Magnetic Switches
I also ordered 2 pair of magnetic switches commonly used in home alarm systems. They are sealed and when the switches come within an inch or so of the magnet portion, the contact is broken.
I located an always hot source wire under the seat leading to the power seat control and tapped into it for power. I felt no need to include an additional kill switch, a matter of personal preference. Current draw is minimal and shouldn’t cause an overload in any circuit. I ran the wires through the channel at the bottom of the door jamb and out to the switch through a rubber cup in the bottom of the channel. Power is directed to the other side via wires hidden under the carpet below the rear seat and out the rubber cup below that door.
Power Seat Connector Below door jamb wiring
I fashioned “L” brackets from scraps of aluminum extrusion and attached it to a frame bracket. I mounted the switch portions to that and the magnet portions to the back side of the step itself. When the step extends, the magnet moves away from the switch and the light comes on. A pretty simple method turning the lights on and off.
Switch- Step retracted Switch- Step extended
Now whenever one of the AMP steps extends the LEDs come on and light up that step.
Driver’s side step retracted. Driver’s side step extended.
I already had wire and connectors so my total cost was about $20 for the LEDs and switches from Amazon. I spent a few hours on the project, mostly hunting for connectors and fasteners and deciding where to mount everything.
Now when the steps extend, they are well illuminated as is the ground near them for a safe egress to and from the truck.
I spent far too much time trying to format this article and pictures and never did get the pictures a consistent size but gave up and submitted it anyway.
Dan
