2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rewire rear turn signals

[JEmmons]

Ok, I know I've read this before, but can not find it. I want to convert my rear factory back up lights into turn signals. Can someone remember how this is done?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Curious but why are we doing this again?

 

[bighammer]

Shoot Evan Beck a PM. I think he was the one with a good wiring diagram.

 

[AggieJustin]

Here's the diagram on how to hook it up...



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[tbrudder]

I recently did this, and I'll share some info on a stupid little thing that had me scratching my head for a while.



If you do your rewiring of the backup light socket at the bulb, you'll notice that the socket has the wires labeled (i. e. --signal and ground). On mine, the one labeled GND was actually the signal. Needless to say, that didn't work right...



After I got that straightened out, I was very pleased. The amber turn signals look nice, and I think it's a much better change than, say, those eurotail lamp assemblies that I see everyone running. Having the red bulbs only come on for the brakes, and not flash with the turn signals, gives it all a cleaner look.



Besides--if you've added real backup lights, the two OEM ones do you no good, so might as well find a use for them.



--Ty

 

[JEmmons]

I want to thank everyone for their input and especially the wiring diagram. Will help greatly.



Tim: If you would have read my thread, I asked for help because I submitted this question about a year ago and never got around to the job. I since have lost my information and needed it again. But, thank you for your concern.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I DID read the thread. I am curious as to WHY someone would want to do the mod.

 

[bighammer]

Don't worry Tim, you're exempt.

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

I am not electrically inclined by any means and the wiring diagram looks like Hindu to me. I like the idea of converting my back up lights to amber turn signals and I think that would be really cool. Can someone explain this in terms that a lay person like me could figure out? Snip a wire here, splice this wire there, etc. .







Brian [><]

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Originally posted by bighammer

Don't worry Tim, you're exempt.

Am Naawwwt

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by tbrudder

I recently did this, and I'll share some info on a stupid little thing that had me scratching my head for a while.



If you do your rewiring of the backup light socket at the bulb, you'll notice that the socket has the wires labeled (i. e. --signal and ground). On mine, the one labeled GND was actually the signal. Needless to say, that didn't work right...



After I got that straightened out, I was very pleased. The amber turn signals look nice, and I think it's a much better change than, say, those eurotail lamp assemblies that I see everyone running. Having the red bulbs only come on for the brakes, and not flash with the turn signals, gives it all a cleaner look.



Besides--if you've added real backup lights, the two OEM ones do you no good, so might as well find a use for them.



--Ty

What a great idea!! I always hated my truck not having those bright amber rear turn signals. Hats off TDR you done it again!

 

[tbrudder]

Originally posted by Rebel_Horseman

I am not electrically inclined by any means and the wiring diagram looks like Hindu to me. I like the idea of converting my back up lights to amber turn signals and I think that would be really cool. Can someone explain this in terms that a lay person like me could figure out? Snip a wire here, splice this wire there, etc. .







Brian [><]

Okay--first off, all props go to Evan here, as I'm pretty sure he's the first one to have done this mod, or at least document it.



Anyway, the basic idea:



Start off by removing each taillamp cluster--lower the tailgate, remove the screws (two Torx on each side, IIRC--an allen wrench worked for me), and pull the assembly away. Now cut the wires going to your brake/turn signals (leave the taillight wire alone). Make sure to leave at least a few inches of wire on the bulb socket to play with. Seal off the truck-end of those wires--they're not good for anything now (leave the ones going to the trailer connector alone so they still work). Now, connect the bulb-end of each signal together, then connect this to the brake switch up front (the white/tan wire in the schematic, I believe)--this wire is hot whenever the brakes are on. Or, like I did, find the wire back there marked 'CHMSL'. It's for the third brake light on a topper to connect to, and you'll probably want to use this to trigger a relay instead of straight to the bulbs--it's a smallish wire. Now, your brake lights will both be on whenever the brakes are on, and will never flash with the signals.



Okay, next step. First, replace the backup bulbs with amber ones--these are either 1157NA or 3157NA--same bulb as was in there, only amber. Note there are two filaments in there, but only the bright one is connected in the socket. Now, cut the wire that is hot when the backup lights are on (I believe it's violet, but check). Use the truck-end of one of these to actuate a relay to turn on your real backup lights (I won't go into that, there are plenty of other threads).



Now you have full-time red brake lights, tailgater-blinding backup lights, but no rear turn signals. Onward!



Connect a wire to the bulb-end of each backup-light that you just cut, and run these two wires up front and through the firewall (what a PITA that is--not hard really, just takes time with all those zip-ties). Once you have these wires coming out under the dash, you're almost there. Remove the kick panel under the steering wheel (three screws at the bottom, and pull the panel out). In the nest of wires running up the steering column, you need to find the two wires that run to the front turn signals. I'm pretty sure mine were the same as Evan's--tan and light green, 18ga. Be sure and check with a test light or meter with the signal on, as I'm pretty sure there's more than one wire of the same color in there. Once you've found the right ones (make sure you don't get them reversed!), tap the wires you've run from the bulb sockets in, replace the kick panel, and you're done!



Check everything, make sure all your lights work, etc. I think Evan went one step more, and also put in an amber LED marker light on each side connected to the signals. I'd like to do this, but haven't gotten up the nerve to drill a hole in the side of my truck yet. Maybe later.



Anyway, it's not that hard, and I think you'll be pleased with the result. I know I am. Amber just gets more attention than red, it seems.



--Ty

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Here's a reason Tim.....

Originally posted by ToolManTimTaylor

I DID read the thread. I am curious as to WHY someone would want to do the mod.

Over her ein Europe they stipulate amber t/s, so to pass the annual inspection, you gotta do this thing.