Relay or no Relay on lights and other ?'s

[Axis]

I just bought 2 pro comp lights and this wiring harness:

Amazon.com: Explorer Pro Comp 9301 Single Mini Switch Kit - 2…

which shows relays in the pic, but did not actually come with a relay and the diagram for wiring on the back of the box shows no relay, just battery to fuse (which was provided) to switch, and then from switch out to lights.

Also, the fuse that came with it has a red wire that loops around and is attached at both ends of the fuse case (there are 2 of them in the pic, but mine only came with one-I think that pic is for more than 2 lights). Do I cut this loop and attach wire to it from battery and the to switch and does it matter which end goes to the battery?

Thanks for any help!

 

[moneypit]

Relays

Looks like you did not get what was ordered if that was the advertisement you ordered from. Contact the vendor for the one advertised or purchase another with relays.
Relays are always used on high amperage equipment to control functions with out passing high currents through the switch. The relay allows control with the only draw being the relay coil.

Good luck

 

[Axis]

Looks like you did not get what was ordered if that was the advertisement you ordered from. Contact the vendor for the one advertised or purchase another with relays.
Relays are always used on high amperage equipment to control functions with out passing high currents through the switch. The relay allows control with the only draw being the relay coil.

Good luck

After doing a search I realize that the pic in that ad shows the "Dual heavy duty w/ relay for 4 lights part# 9400", but I ordered the "Single mini for 2 lights part# 9301" which does not come with a relay. I bought this switch:

Toyota OEM Fog Light Switch

but it sounds like you're saying I need a relay, so I guess I have to buy one seperately? Why do they sell, and instruct to install, with no relay? It's never easy is it?

 

[Axis]

troubleshooting AUX lights install

Well, after some trial and error I finally got them installed. I thought I'd post a bit of a write up in case there are any other clueless people out there like me who may want to try this.

First off, I did end up going with a relay. Actually, I bought a whole other kit from Canadian Tire, since it came with all the colour coated wiring and instructions. Unfortunately, I did not realize that in car world, red is hot and black is ground (the fact that the wire going from the relay to the battery is black did not help), so I attached the black wires to the hot wire and blew the fuse in the wire running from the relay to the battery. D'oh! I realized the error of my ways when I found this site with some nice diagrams:

How To Wire Fog And Driving Lights Harness Wiring Diagram

So, back to Canadian tire to buy a 3rd kit-I wasn't sure if I blew the relay, and I figured I could use the extra wires that came with it.

When attaching the wires to the switch (I used the old Tacoma switch, part # 00550-35976 ) I found this site quite useful:

Wiring Up Auxiliary Lights - 2nd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

After the 3rd try at install, I flipped the switch and TADA! they worked! I then moved some of the wires to make for a cleaner install and after that NO LIGHTS

I realized that one of the grounds had shifted ever so slightly, and was no longer providing a ground. So, important note-everything must be properly grounded to function. Also, switch will not illuminate if not properly grounded.

Well, there it is. Hopefully someone can use this info to make for an easier and cheaper install than me!

 

[810moto]

I never run a relay on my lights or anything extra I add. Just don't see the real reason in adding one. Just turn it off if you are not using it.

 

[GiXeR007]

I never run a relay on my lights or anything extra I add. Just don't see the real reason in adding one. Just turn it off if you are not using it.

When your lights are dim and your burn up your wires you will then know why you need a relay.
You need one on hight amp items.

 

[810moto]

When your lights are dim and your burn up your wires you will then know why you need a relay.
You need one on hight amp items.

thats why they make wire in different sizes. I have been in the electrical construction biz going on 10 years....i think i understand the basics of wiring. No relay desired on my runner.

 

[GiXeR007]

thats why they make wire in different sizes. I have been in the electrical construction biz going on 10 years....i think i understand the basics of wiring. No relay desired on my runner.

That’s great.
Are you just worried about the wire or do you size the switch correctly also.
There are more issues than just wire.
Just saying. I know a few electricians that can’t wire a 12 volt system.
Good luck with it.

 

[Nodd]

I made the mistake of not using a relay once. Well actually its even worse than that...

I tapped into the wires running to my high-beams & simply ran those directly to my off-road lights. Worked great for about a minute & then ALL my lights would go out... turn the brights off... wait a few secs & my lights would come back on. Drove the car like that for a year until I smartened up & wired it correctly using a relay. Sure gave my headlight thermal breaker a good workout.