I wired up a set of KC backup lights using a relay and a DPDT switch. I also wired in the dash light to the switch so that I could have it backlight (A contura DPDT). I may not be getting this right. The backup lights com on in position 1 in reverse, not at all in the off position, and completely on in position 3. But,,,,,only if the dash lights are on......I'm thinking I need to have a SPDT and not a dualpole switch.... I'm also noticing that the lights are very dim when the dimmer switch is low....What the heck did I do? I did wire in diodes and in line fuses betewwn the 12v+ and reverse light tap... I will try to put up a diagram soon.


edit: Diagram below:


Diagram:

 

Sounds like you may have landed your backlighting circuit in the wrong position. By the way, neither a DPDT nor a DPST switch will work like you want it to. You need a "3 Position" switch. So this may be a problem also.

 

Hmm Ok.. The switch I'm using is a Contura VJD1D66B-ALC77-18B DPDT ON/OFF/ON switch, which I thought was the correct use in this application. What do you mean by "landed" my backlight circuit in the wrong position? Thanks for the help JK Ford.....

 

Here is how the "3 Position switch" needs to be wired. IDK if Cauntra makes a switch like this?


I was thinking that your back light circuit may be shorting with another one of your 12+ sources. I didn't notice your drawing before. And I'm not sure of the pin-out for that switch. Give me a minute to research. I do know that the best that you can hope for with a DPDT switch is only 2 functions:1) ON. 2) on with reverse lights. There should be no OFF with this arrangement.

 

OK. Got it. Yes you are getting power from the dash circuit for "source power" @ position 3. Lights will only come on when your dash lights are on. NOT RECOMMENDED. Replace this circuit with power from an accessory power source. .

 

I edited my post. I did say "power from battery". I meant to say "power from accessory circuit".

 

Position 3 being the 3rd position in the on/off/on , or position 3 on the switch (ie 3rd pinout?) I'm running a fused and dioded wire from a 12v+ source to pin 6 on the switch, If I get what you mean, I should also be running a "non dimming" accessory power lead to pin out 3 on the switch?

Here's the switch wiring diagram:




I just want to make sure I'm clear before I go and rewire.


Thanks for your patience JKFord.....

 

Remove the wires from your dimmer circuit that are connected to terminals 1 and 3. Power for the lights in the switch is provided by the jumper connected from terminal 5 to terminal 2.

 

Ahhh Ok. Thank you. I had thought I could wire this to be backlight when the headlights were on.... Extra wiring for nothing. Thank you for the help, I am starting to understand more than just the basics now...

 

No. You have everything correct except for pin #6. This pin needs clean power from an accessory source. IE cig lighter / fuse box.