Diode Dynamics SS3 backlight question

[mrkothegigolo]

Sorry if this was asked already but I tried the search function and google and got nothing.

I just got the SS3 fog lights with backlight function. Is there anyway to wire the backlight function to turn on with DRLs AND headlights?

 

[hoppyjr]

Sorry if this was asked already but I tried the search function and google and got nothing.

I just got the SS3 fog lights with backlight function. Is there anyway to wire the backlight function to turn on with DRLs AND headlights?

Since you have a 22, I’d go a different route….and ditch the halogen DRL altogether.

I would unplug the DRL’s, then tap the SS3 backlight to them.

If desired you could add a secondary LED DRL using the same method, tapping existing DRL circuit/connectors.

Then I’d pick up a 9005 relay harness, install some quality 9005 LED bulbs into the DRL (former DRL / high beam on 21 prior) position. Trigger those using either a separate switch, accessory panel (like Switch Pros), or from a tap on existing high beam circuit.

This gets rid of the ugly halogen DRL, but maintains DRL function. It also gives you supplemental high beams, which could be very useful.

YMMV

 

[mrblah]

I was able too but I hacked apart a Toyota relay box that isn’t financially feasible. I only did it because I already had the relay box from a old led fog light that had built in halo’s utilizing a factory switch

 

[mrkothegigolo]

Holy crap I seem to have gotten in over my head. It's like you guys are speaking another language with your harnesses and relays. Lol. I hope I can figure this out with some googling

 

[honda250xtitan]

tap both power wires (drl and headlight) with the trigger wire from the DD backlight? just gotta make it get the signal from the OEM wire(s).

test light and poke the OEM wires to figure out which ones you gotta tap into. I did something similar with a headlight retrofit and demon eyes on my titan back in the day. its definitly not "plug and play" and kinda fubar's the oem wiring.

 

[88maroon]

I had to do a bunch of research when I was installing my diodedynamics elite series fog lights with amber backlighting. I decided to buy SS3 pros to put behind my grille with a 3 way switch in the cabin. Tapped into the SS3 with the elite series foglights so I can control both with a flip of a switch.

 

[mrblah]

I had to do a bunch of research when I was installing my diodedynamics elite series fog lights with amber backlighting. I decided to buy SS3 pros to put behind my grille with a 3 way switch in the cabin. Tapped into the SS3 with the elite series foglights so I can control both with a flip of a switch.

That’s not exactly what the op was asking

 

[88maroon]

That’s not exactly what the op was asking

I just gave him another way I turn on the backlight function. If he ever wants to put ditch lights with the three way switch he can tap into the ditch lights. Or he can get a brite box and do it that way.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

A little off topic, my apologies. I am going to be getting a pair of DD SS3 yellow fogs to replace my own fogs(2018 4Runner). Living in So Cal and running with my fogs on all the time, would I be better to go with the Sports or Pros? TIA

 

[NB17Limited]

A little off topic, my apologies. I am going to be getting a pair of DD SS3 yellow fogs to replace my own fogs(2018 4Runner). Living in So Cal and running with my fogs on all the time, would I be better to go with the Sports or Pros? TIA

You shouldn’t run your fogs all the time. If you want the look of the lower lights on, get the backlit ones and run the backlight all the time. If you’re going to run them full blast anyway, be less of an ******* and get the Sports. The Pros have a taller pattern IIRC and are therefore more blinding

 

[mrblah]

A little off topic, my apologies. I am going to be getting a pair of DD SS3 yellow fogs to replace my own fogs(2018 4Runner). Living in So Cal and running with my fogs on all the time, would I be better to go with the Sports or Pros? TIA

id get the sports, if you want to use it all the time legally on the road. I have other off-road lights, i can count on for offroading.

If you want to run with fogs on all the time, go for it bro, just make sure you are considerate of others.

the backlighting on the ss3 is not as bright as pictures show. They are not bright enough to act like DRL lights, so running fogs on during the day time as a DRL is a good idea.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered the Sports without the backlit option. I will have them aimed low so I don't irritate anyone. I like the fill in light for night driving, inclement weather and dust when following off road. And the safety and cool factor during the day.

I am going to install these at the same time as my Warn Lo Pro and put my PIAA LP560's on top of the bumper. I like the traditional round look.

I need to upgrade my headlights, low and high beams. I don't want to spend $1000 on headlights. Any feedback would be appreciated. 2018 4Runner.

Anything else I should think about doing with the front fascia/bumper off?

 

[patkelly4370]

You shouldn’t run your fogs all the time. If you want the look of the lower lights on, get the backlit ones and run the backlight all the time. If you’re going to run them full blast anyway, be less of an ******* and get the Sports. The Pros have a taller pattern IIRC and are therefore more blinding

Just my opinion as a professional driver

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[NB17Limited]

I need to upgrade my headlights, low and high beams. I don't want to spend $1000 on headlights. Any feedback would be appreciated. 2018 4Runner.

Anything else I should think about doing with the front fascia/bumper off?

H9 with trimmed tabs will be the best performance in your low beam. High beam already does well but if you want to change it, get a high performance 9005 halogen. I think there is an upgrade path for that bulb but I can’t remember what it is. You can also troll FB Marketplace, forums, and CL for some ‘21+ OEM takeoffs. Usually under $700 and are the best performing headlights for the 4Runner. It will require a harness from Headlight | FBC Harness Solutions.

If you are dead set on putting LEDs in your headlights to make them look more modern and don’t want to wait for some OEM headlights, according to this very thorough thread of testing (3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights | Tacoma World), the Morimoto 2 stroke and Hikari Ultra are decent. They will underperform compared to the H9.

If you don’t want to take the bumper off often, maybe add some auxiliary high beam pods?

 

[TRD PANTHER]

H9 with trimmed tabs will be the best performance in your low beam. High beam already does well but if you want to change it, get a high performance 9005 halogen. I think there is an upgrade path for that bulb but I can’t remember what it is. You can also troll FB Marketplace, forums, and CL for some ‘21+ OEM takeoffs. Usually under $700 and are the best performing headlights for the 4Runner. It will require a harness from Headlight | FBC Harness Solutions.

If you are dead set on putting LEDs in your headlights to make them look more modern and don’t want to wait for some OEM headlights, according to this very thorough thread of testing (3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights | Tacoma World), the Morimoto 2 stroke and Hikari Ultra are decent. They will underperform compared to the H9.

If you don’t want to take the bumper off often, maybe add some auxiliary high beam pods?

Thank you for that information. I was trying to remember what the bulb (H9) mod was called with the trimmed tabs. 9005’s in combination would be an inexpensive mod. A 21+ upgrade would be nice, but is a little out of budget, although I will keep looking prior to installing everything in 12 days.
Which type of auxiliary high beam pods are you referring too? Are you thinking about an SAE/DOT option that can be wired into the high beams to work in synchronization?

 

[NB17Limited]

Which type of auxiliary high beam pods are you referring too? Are you thinking about an SAE/DOT option that can be wired into the high beams to work in synchronization?

Yeah an SAE driving light. Not needed, but could be nice.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

You shouldn’t run your fogs all the time. If you want the look of the lower lights on, get the backlit ones and run the backlight all the time. If you’re going to run them full blast anyway, be less of an ******* and get the Sports. The Pros have a taller pattern IIRC and are therefore more blinding

id get the sports, if you want to use it all the time legally on the road. I have other off-road lights, i can count on for offroading.

If you want to run with fogs on all the time, go for it bro, just make sure you are considerate of others.

the backlighting on the ss3 is not as bright as pictures show. They are not bright enough to act like DRL lights, so running fogs on during the day time as a DRL is a good idea.

Got my DD SS3 Sports (no backlight) installed over a week ago, along with the 4raptor lights. They are hooked up to the auto headlight function, so they both come on automatically in low light and night conditions. Aimed properly, not getting flashed and they make a very nice difference at night. Very pleased. Thanks for your input.

 

[DarthYota]

did you ever figure this out?

 

[JDMstop]

Tried tapping the ss3 pro backlight into the 2021 4runner DRL harness. The driver side has a pink (positive) black and white wire (ground) and passenger side DRL is pink and green. However, after tapping into the pink wire on the driver side harness, the backlight feature won't turn on unless the harness itself is disconnected from the DRL bump. When plugged in, the DRL is operational but the backlight on the ss3 fog will turn off. Not sure why that is.

 

[hoppyjr]

Tried tapping the ss3 pro backlight into the 2021 4runner DRL harness. The driver side has a pink (positive) black and white wire (ground) and passenger side DRL is pink and green. However, after tapping into the pink wire on the driver side harness, the backlight feature won't turn on unless the harness itself is disconnected from the DRL bump. When plugged in, the DRL is operational but the backlight on the ss3 fog will turn off. Not sure why that is.

Probably not getting enough power to run both DRL’s.

I’d dump the ugly halogen DRL in favor of the SS3 backlight (or anything else lol)