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Auxiliary Light Wiring...where to on CJ5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Tbone, Jan 3, 2011.

  1. Tbone

    Tbone New Member

    I am new to this whole forum and my 1959 Jeep CJ5. I recently purchased a hardtop for winter plowing that has four auxiliary lights on top. These need to be rewired to the Jeep. What is the best way to do this. Should I connect them to the voltage regulator with separate switch and fuse...if so what terminals... or should I connect them to the terminal block where the head lights are connected ??? Any advise ?
     
  2. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    I would run a separate large wire (10-12 gauge) to the lights through a relay. Not sure what you have on a F134 Jeep, but the usual place to connect this on newer Jeeps is at the starter solenoid. I'd use a relay, and put a fuse http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=070-675 or circuit breaker as close to the source as possible. You can get a Bosch relay for a few dollars http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=330-070 and then wire the relay power to the accessory terminal on the starter switch (lights go off when the key is off) or to your light switch (lights on whenever the headlights and the switch are on).

    The advantage of a relay is that it takes very little amperage to activate it, so you can choose pretty much any circuit to power the on-off switch. Then the current for the lights comes direct from the battery and through the relay contacts.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2011
  3. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    What Tim said. All my aux. lights are wired through a relay, with the switch power through the ignition. Can't forget to turn them off that way.,
     
  4. Tbone

    Tbone New Member

    Thanks Guys : )