im new at wiring lights so I have a few questions. First off, whi does the battery have to be disconnected to run wires through the firewall(read this on another write up)? Second, what should I do for the switch power. I have an open ended wire connected to the switch which is supposed to be for the switch power, where and how do I connect it. Thanks for the help.

 

It is recommended to disconnect the battery anytime you are messing around with 12v wire(s). If you leave it connected and accidentally short the open 12v wire to ground (touch any bare metal part in the vehicle), you could do some damage, or at least blow a fuse. Once all your 12v wires are connected, it is safe to reconnect the battery.

I don't know what kind of lights you have, but the most basic connection would go like this: run 12v wires (+) from your lights straight to your battery (you can join them into 1, and then have just 1 wire to connect to the 12v at the battery). It is a good idea to put an inline fuse on this wire, near the battery. That way if this wire gets pinched for whatever reason (ie, accident), it won't go up in smoke and risk starting a fire. Then take the negative wires from your lights, join them into 1, and pull this wire into the cabin. You can use the foam filled hole just to the outside and below both tweeters. Run this negative wire directly to your switch terminal. The 2nd pin on the terminal should be connected to any available ground nearby. Once you flip the switch, this will ground your lights and they will turn on. That's pretty much it, very easy. But double check with the wiring instructions for your lights, in case they call for something special due to their design.

 

You can tap into the lighter for a switched power source. What are you hooking up?

 

Is your switch supposed to light up when the lights are turned on?? If so then you have to run a small jumper wire from the switch's on position (also where the positive wire would be running to your lights) back to the switch for it to light up when the lights are used

 

It isn't necessary to disconnect the battery just to run new wires. Just make sure that you have a fuse in place before you cannect the new wireing to the battery. Disconnect the battery before you connect your new wires to any power source. Or, anytime that you are working on anything that is conected to the electrical system.

The switch power needs to be connected to an accessory power source. When connected this way, the new lights will only work when the key is in the ignition. And turned to the ACC position. Or the RUN position.

There are two different areas to look for accessory power:
1) The "switched" cig lighter socket.
Tap the power off of this circuit.
2) The fuse box.
Purchase a fuse tap at your friendly local auto parts store. Plug it into an open "switched" slot.

 

ive got some piaa 510 drivings, hopefully install them this week. Thanks for the help

 

how do I tap into the lighter for a power source, ive never really worked with wires before

 

Take a utility knife and cut away all the way around the wire insulation of the wire you're going to tap into. A 1/4" length would be enough. Then tap into that open spot with the wire you're trying to connect. I recommend you solder this connection. If you simply twist it around, then make sure you don't pull on it or it might seperate. Once done, insulate it with an electric tape, or use a heat shrink wrap. You can also use quick connects, if you really don't care about making a strong and secure connection.

 

Solder and tape solder and tape always when connecting 12v wires!!!! If your going to cut the case off the wire there is no point in chancing it coming off from just wrapping and taping.

 

so do I reconnect the negative terminal after I've completely installed the lights?