Led Light Bar Using A 2nd Off Road Lamps Switch

HanCholo

Test Drive
Here's a little project I'm working on. Most of it's done now that I have the wiring figured out. Not the prettiest job but it'll get cleaned up after I get the light bar mounted. I wanted to find a switch that would fit the blank next to the factory Off Road Lamps button. Couldn't find one that didn't look goofy. I wanted a stock appearance and the switches with curves and bumps and stuff just didn't sit right with me. So I did some research and the nice fellows at Titan Talk had completed something similar using our Off Road Lamps button. So I bought one. And then pooped myself trying to figure out what to do next.

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The switch has 6 pins on the back and is a momentary switch; it doesn't latch...Just creates a short to activate the lights. To simplify, the 6 pins are actually 3 pairs - top 2 create the short to activate the lights, middle two are for the illumination and the last 2 are for the orange 'lights on' indicator LED.

Here are some pics of my process:

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You can see my initial notes are incorrect. This one stumped me a little bit.

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Inserted pins and then used 5-minute epoxy to secure them in place.

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Testing...

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Testing...

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I dig the look...

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Always keep your fuses close to the source!

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Bosch relay fits perfectly in the relay box.

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Here's what I used instead of a latching relay. The latching relay was $25, in the UK with a $25 shipping charge. Nope. This little gem does the same thing and is $16.

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The grounds.

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Strapped down.

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My initial kit...The old latching relay thing is 5V, so I have a 12V to 5V converter. Bought the 12V version because I didn't want to have an additional failure point.

Here is what I wired up:
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Now I just have to mount the LED bar in the mouth and run the power wire. Positive lead connects to the same lead of the relay that is connected to the Lamp On Indicator of the switch. Negative to ground. Then it's done!
 

Solarisphere

Test Drive
I was looking at doing something like this because I wanted the OEM switch look, but I found these switches in Australia. They're meant for the Navara but they snap right into the switch blanks on the Xterra. I've been using them for a year now with no issues.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Dude. Nice shiat! I love the schematics and the work that went into this!

I will say, that I dumped all the OE switches for an aftermarket Carling switch. As long as they are consistent, they can all be changed.
 

HanCholo

Test Drive
This is an awesome write up man! How did it turn out?

So how did it work out? I’m thinking about doing this with some driving lights on mine.
I apologize for not replying for so long! It turned out great! It lights up with my dash lights, the on indicator turns on when the LED bar is on and it's been very solid and reliable. I'm glad I did it because it keeps the OEM look. In the time that I did this to now, someone found the actual wire harness that clips right into the switch. I wish I had that, but it's a bit moot because it's not like I'll be taking the switch out...
 

XterraRising

Bumpers Installed
Location
Utah
I found one that will fit, but it doesn’t lock. Did you find one that actually clicks? I’m planning on just using epoxy to hold it in otherwise. But I have most of mine assembled, inspired by your setup, which I appreciate. I bench tested it six ways from Sunday to make sure it works. I just have to run wires to the latching relay and wire in the relay I’ll use for the lights and I’m done.
 

HanCholo

Test Drive

XterraRising

Bumpers Installed
Location
Utah
It wasn't me that found it, but here's the info I received:


There's also this one:

Yeah those are the same ones I bought. They don’t lock down. You have to cut the lock tab off so it will fit. But with some super glue, they will be secure.
 

XterraRising

Bumpers Installed
Location
Utah
So I ended up supergluing it with gorilla glue. Holds it in just fine. I’ve had no issues turning them on and off with the OEM switch.
 

HanCholo

Test Drive
I used epoxy and it's been solid. I had fears that some of it would seep in and prevent a connection, but I've never had issues with it.
 
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