Using stock light switch for accessories?

[kuhn315]

First time poster here. I have been searching for this but doesn't seem it has been covered. I am installing amber led lights on my air dam. I want them to come on with the parking lights. However I'm not trying to splice into the parking light wires or fuse since I don't trust myself enough for that.

[kuhn315]

Whoops, accidentally hit send, so I'm wondering if I can hook up the wires to the switch for the lights? Has any one done that? Either that or I'm just going to run it to a rocker switch in the cab.

[Jim+]

Maybe this post will help guide you towards a solution. I recommend that you don't try to tap into the headlight switch itself.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/162734-foglights-on-with-high-beams/

[TJay74]

I would be cautious of tapping into the switch as well, the CANBUS system are really sensitive to voltage changes. I would think if you are using LED lights you could tap into the parking lights circuit if you can locate it and get the lights in your air dam to come on with the parking lights with minimal issues.

[kuhn315]

Yeah I think for now I'm just going to wire a rocker switch. I wanted to splice into the parking light wire at the bulb, but it seems like I would have to remove the grille and than the headlight to access that wire. I have a 2014 chevy silverado 1500. I was also going to go the route of connecting it to the fuse but like I said I'm not that confident enough to try that, I know somewhat decent amount about electrical, just not for automobiles.

[kuhn315]

[kuhn315]

So this is what I just finished up, just put a rocker switch in the cab for now.

[darkfox1]

I was considering doing just this and decided against it for the reasons folks have already listed here. The BCM is "smart" in these trucks. So I'd rather leave it alone than freak it out by tampering too much.

 

If you do not have the factory trailer brake controller this is an excellent place for switches.

 

See my thread on what I'm working on.

 

Also, if you want to run lights, but have the battery drain protection, consider using the RAP circuit beneath the e-brake as your power signal for your switches, and a relay off the battery with a fuse old school style for actual power.

 

RAP thread:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/155775-2014-rap-retained-accessory-power/

 

 

Switches thread:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/171351-accessory-switches-in-upper-left-cubbypocket/

[darkfox1]

Yeah I think for now I'm just going to wire a rocker switch. I wanted to splice into the parking light wire at the bulb, but it seems like I would have to remove the grille and than the headlight to access that wire. I have a 2014 chevy silverado 1500. I was also going to go the route of connecting it to the fuse but like I said I'm not that confident enough to try that, I know somewhat decent amount about electrical, just not for automobiles.

 

You can reach the driver side pretty easily. The passenger side is tricky because theres an air dam even if you take the airbox out. I still wouldn't recommend it though because the BCM listens for voltages to determine if a bulb is out.

 

You do need the girll out to remove the headlights.

[kuhn315]

Yeah I still have to find a good place to mount the switch, thanks for all the suggestions though! I do not have the electronic trailer brake, however I bought the kicker hideaway Subwoofer and it comes with a bass controller and it fits perfectly in that cubby! I like your idea with the RAP circuit, definitely could have used that lol thanks for all the info,it will definitely come in handy.