4th Gen Amber Marker Grill Lights Mod questions

[4wordSOUL]

I'm doing this on my 4th gen and I'd like to tie into the DRLs using a T-Tap (2 amber markers). I just realized if I tie them into the DRLs, will they flash off when I use my turn signal? If not great, which wire do I tap in to for power in the engine bay/bumper?

If they will flash I'm gonna have to tie them into another circuit in the cab (rather keep this in the engine bay/bumper if possible). I've got a few lights already running through the driver's side wiring grommet. I've got three wiring harness controls going through the rubber now and its getting tight. Kind-of a side question: previously when I went through the firewall grommets into the cab, should I have just cut out the rubber seal (sounds like a bad idea to me, wondering if anyone else has done that)?

Looking to achieve a clean effective install and get the desired result (the markers working all the time when the DRLs are expected to function w/out ever flashing) without having to go into the cab.

Thanks!

 

[Rodtheviking]

I did this exact thing. The DRL's are in the headlight assembly, and the signal lights are in the bumper. Just splice into those with LED's and they work as intended. The headlight ones are the biggest pain as the wires are kind of hard to get to.

I used these.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1195/45622/Tusk-Round-L.E.D.-Turn-Signals-(4-Pack)

 

[4wordSOUL]

I did this exact thing. The DRL's are in the headlight assembly, and the signal lights are in the bumper. Just splice into those with LED's and they work as intended. The headlight ones are the biggest pain as the wires are kind of hard to get to.

I used these.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1195/45622/Tusk-Round-L.E.D.-Turn-Signals-(4-Pack)

Thanks but I have a 4th Gen 2004 Sport V8. The DRL/turnsignals are in the bumper.

Anyone else know which wire in the DRL/turnsignal assembly is the right one to tie into?

Will the markers flash off when the turn signals come on?

 

[J-Roc]

I’d say they will definitely flash. Why not tap into the side marker lights in the headlight housing?
Then you’d have them switchable with the light stock dial...just an idea.

 

[Rodtheviking]

I guess I said that wrong, the driving lights are in the headlamp. I tied that to one set of LED's on the front of the bumper. I then did a set for the DRL/signals on the side of the bumper for side markers as the ARB bumper lights are recessed and you cant see them from the side.

 

[4wordSOUL]

I’d say they will definitely flash. Why not tap into the side marker lights in the headlight housing?
Then you’d have them switchable with the light stock dial...just an idea.

That is an option I like, but I'd rather the markers be on when the engine is on...similar to how the DRLs are. Basically when the key is in the on position.

If this just isn't possible w/out tying in to the DRLs and that circuit will make the markers flash (I agree this will happen)...or it's too much of a PITA to figure out where to tie in the add circuit in the cab in a circuit that will allow for this...then yes, tying in to the side marker lights is probably the best option.

So either I:
- tie in to the side marker light in the headlamp
or
- add a circuit in the cab and find one to piggy-back on that runs when the key is turned on

Any other way to do this?

 

[dta1984]

Just use the side markers. Leave the light switch in the first position so that the side markers are on with the engine running.

 

[Ed_C]

Any other way to do this?

Yes. Tap into the DRL wire going from the body ECU to the flasher relay (there should be some write-ups here about bypassing or making DRLs switchable). It's a ground, not 12v positive. Using a standard Bosch/Tyco style relay connect that tapped wire to terminal 85, terminals 86 and 30 to a 12v positive source (can be constant hot) then terminal 87 to your LED's positive wires. Your grill lights will now turn on only as DRLs then shut off with the parking lights or headlights on.

 

[4wordSOUL]

Just use the side markers. Leave the light switch in the first position so that the side markers are on with the engine running.

I think all in all this is the best way to do it for me.

So which wire then would be positive? Or could I simply tap into both + & ground wires and be done with it? I know where I ground it doesn't really matter, I guess grounding somewhere in the engine compartment and not taking an additional wire back up to the side markers is a cleaner method anyway.

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[Rodtheviking]

Just use the side markers. Leave the light switch in the first position so that the side markers are on with the engine running.

This is what I do.