Hi Guys,
I just decided to mod my grill surround this weekend for a modest custom look. It is also so my friends will know my truck at night. I have a 2012 with the extra bit at the top. I added a dozen little LEDs, 6 on each side. I haven't wired them into the truck yet. I just tested them with a battery before I installed the accent piece back into the surround. The LEDs aren't really all that bright. I don't know why they look so bright in the pic, so ignore that. I doubt they will give off any real light, but they will certainly still be visible at a distance which is my goal.
I wanted to ask a few questions before I wired it to make sure I don't get myself into some trouble that someone else may have discovered already. I have two ideas for operating these. The first one is a simple set-up that just powers the LEDs when the truck is turned on. The second is to wire them with the DRLs so that they will act as an accompanying directional indicator.
I wanted to know if anyone here can tell me where the easiest and most reliable connection can be made for each set-up. Also wanted to know if either option is a bad idea for whatever reason.
1. Where do I tap in to configure the first option, where they come on with the truck? (like the DRLs, but without the turn signal function).
2. For the turn signal option, do I just splice into the DRLs' red wires? or is there a better, safer place to get the same result?
I am probably going to add a quick disconnect too, right behind the accent piece so I can easily add it to another surround if I buy a color keyed one or if I have to replace the grill for any other reason.
Thanks.
Chuck
I just decided to mod my grill surround this weekend for a modest custom look. It is also so my friends will know my truck at night. I have a 2012 with the extra bit at the top. I added a dozen little LEDs, 6 on each side. I haven't wired them into the truck yet. I just tested them with a battery before I installed the accent piece back into the surround. The LEDs aren't really all that bright. I don't know why they look so bright in the pic, so ignore that. I doubt they will give off any real light, but they will certainly still be visible at a distance which is my goal.
I wanted to ask a few questions before I wired it to make sure I don't get myself into some trouble that someone else may have discovered already. I have two ideas for operating these. The first one is a simple set-up that just powers the LEDs when the truck is turned on. The second is to wire them with the DRLs so that they will act as an accompanying directional indicator.
I wanted to know if anyone here can tell me where the easiest and most reliable connection can be made for each set-up. Also wanted to know if either option is a bad idea for whatever reason.
1. Where do I tap in to configure the first option, where they come on with the truck? (like the DRLs, but without the turn signal function).
2. For the turn signal option, do I just splice into the DRLs' red wires? or is there a better, safer place to get the same result?
I am probably going to add a quick disconnect too, right behind the accent piece so I can easily add it to another surround if I buy a color keyed one or if I have to replace the grill for any other reason.
Thanks.
Chuck
