How to wire up additional running lights?

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JerkyChew

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Sorry if this is a dupe but all my searches come up with how to turn a regular F-150 into a Raptor...

I have a 2017 Raptor. I picked up some of the Rigid Radiance foglights that have the amber backlighting. I'd like to wire the amber light leads into my truck so that they come on and shut off at the same time as my existing grille running lights. The power on/off leads for the main lights will be separate and run to my upfitter switches. Could somebody tell me how to do this?
 

goblues38

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relay from parking light to amber backlight.

When you turn your parking lights on, they will trigger the relay to provide power to the backlights. Pretty simple.

If you understand basic low voltage electricity, it would take about an hour to wire up and fuze correctly.

if not, pay a shop $50-$100 to do it for you.

If you already have the lights, you need less then $20 in parts.
 
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JerkyChew

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Thanks. I've found some other threads that say similar things but can you expand on what you mean by the relay? Are you saying to tap into an existing relay in the fuse panel, or do you mean add another relay between one of the parking lights (The passenger fender one seems to be a good choice) and the foglights?
 

Dane

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Thanks. I've found some other threads that say similar things but can you expand on what you mean by the relay? Are you saying to tap into an existing relay in the fuse panel, or do you mean add another relay between one of the parking lights (The passenger fender one seems to be a good choice) and the foglights?
He's saying add a new relay.
 

goblues38

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can you expand on what you mean by the relay? Are you saying to tap into an existing relay in the fuse panel, or do you mean add another relay between one of the parking lights (The passenger fender one seems to be a good choice) and the foglights?

Not trying to be a jerk. this is basic stuff. (once you know it). but there is the problem, you either know it or you don't. I would go to a 4x4 shop, or a car stereo shop, and let them do the work for you.

If you want to figure it out on your own, there should be plenty of you tube videos explaining how a relay works.

It is simple stuff, but not really conducive to typing out in a post.
 

wheelman55

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If you have someone else do the work, or if you do the work yourself, DO NOT USE THE 3M SCOTCHLOK CONNECTORS! Or anything like them.

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These are guaranteed to fail at some point. Do a proper splice into whichever wire you choose.

If you are handy, tackle it yourself. If you would rather fix it with the AMEX card, have a shop do the work. Just make sure to do proper connections and don’t use a connector that slices into the wire like the SCOTCHLOK.

Tony Candela has written a couple of books on automotive wiring, which I recommend. Here’s a link: https://ceautoelectricsupply.com/wiring-and-efi-conversion-books/

Tony sells all of the supplies that you would need to DIY this project. Tony will custom wire a waterproof relay for your specific project. Then all you would need to do is to hook up the wires. Tony takes phone calls, and is very good at explaining things.

He helped walk me through wiring up my Raptor AUX wires and backup lights.

You’ll need some tools: wire cutter, wire stripper, wire crimper, adhesive lined heat shrink, something to heat the shrink with, 3M Super 33 adhesive tape, wire ties, wire cover, etc.

Check the size of the wire that you’ll be tapping into and buy a stripper that’ll work with that size wire. Many of the wires on our trucks are on the small side, so buy a crimper to match the size. Home Depot sells a good stripper that goes pretty small.

It is not that hard. Best of luck!

PS. At one point or other all of us knew nothing about how to wire up DC. Gotta learn sometime.
 
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SS308

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Smart info here. I lost a truck to a fire due to improper wiring.

If you are not 100% confident in doing it yourself, take it to a competent shop! Your Raptor is worth it.
 
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