So you wanna have your backup lights come on even when you are not backing up? OK, who am I to argue...
These instructions are specific to a 2001, but they should be close to all 1st Gen Xterras. Post up if you have issues and I'll try to dig up an answer. Also, note that I do NOT have the extra backup lamps, so the pics included are proof of concept. I leave it to you to figure out the best place for the lamps and how to run the wires back to them.
Needed:
14mm socket
#2 Phillips
2x wire tap
SPDT Switch for your dash (like this
)
Insulated crimp terminals (If you're using the above, they offer a connector housing too)
Aftermarket backup lamps (why else would you do this?)
Wire
Procedure:
Here's the wiring diagram: (may need to click to enlarge)
Basically, we're tapping off the connector under the driver seat, and the fuse panel and using a switch to select weather the lamps run off the reverse control, or when you want them on.
Figure out where you'll mount the switch. This'll vary greatly from 1st Gen to 1.5 Gen, and based on what electrical mods you've already done.
Remove the driver seat by unbolting the four 14mm bolts. Tilt the seat so you can get to the underside and unplug the seat belt sensor.
Remove the steering wheel and lower dash covers. They are both held in by #2 screws (2 on dash, 5 on steering wheel)
Remove the lower trim on the left side. It's the thing you rest your foot against.
Also remove the kick plate by GENTLY unscrewing the pins. Any pressure on the pin and they will not unscrew.
Peel back the carpet to expose the connectors. The one we're looking for is the one in the middle.
Find the Yellow Wire with the Red stripe and place a wire tap on it
Run the wire under they white cover
and connect the other end to one position of your switch
Next, we'll tap off a fuse for the 'Manual Reverse' signal. Note that depending on your transmission you'll tap from a different place
All Auto Trans:
Find pin 6R, which is a White wire with a Black Stripe; this will fuse the reverse lamps on Fuse 12. (Bottom right of connector I'm pointing to)
Manual Trans:
Find pin 9R, which is a White wire with a Black Stripe; this will fuse the lamps on Fuse 11. (it's 4 over, right at the end of my finger. Notice I don't have that wire). If you don't have this wire, you'll have to use 11P, which is on the BACK of the fuse panel
Whichever wire you use, place a tap there
and run a wire to your switch and attach to the opposite end from the 'auto' line.
At this point, I advise sacrificing a bit of wire to test the setup. Wire up one lamp temporarily to the center pin of the switch. If your lamp has a Red lead and a Black lead, wire the red one to the switch. (see above)
And temp wire the other lead to the vehicle chassis. If you like, you can hold it to the metal under the steering wheel; 12V won't hurt you.
Now, turn your key to 'on' and see if the lamp switches with your switch.
Good? Now put the switch to 'auto reverse' and verify the lamp goes out, then put your X into reverse.
Congrats! You've successfully wired up your manual override for your new reverse lamps. Now figure out where to mount and run the wires to them. Oh, and you might want to consider replacing all the stuff you ripped out.
These instructions are specific to a 2001, but they should be close to all 1st Gen Xterras. Post up if you have issues and I'll try to dig up an answer. Also, note that I do NOT have the extra backup lamps, so the pics included are proof of concept. I leave it to you to figure out the best place for the lamps and how to run the wires back to them.
Needed:
14mm socket
#2 Phillips
2x wire tap
SPDT Switch for your dash (like this
)Insulated crimp terminals (If you're using the above, they offer a connector housing too)
Aftermarket backup lamps (why else would you do this?)
Wire
Procedure:
Here's the wiring diagram: (may need to click to enlarge)
Basically, we're tapping off the connector under the driver seat, and the fuse panel and using a switch to select weather the lamps run off the reverse control, or when you want them on.
Figure out where you'll mount the switch. This'll vary greatly from 1st Gen to 1.5 Gen, and based on what electrical mods you've already done.
Remove the driver seat by unbolting the four 14mm bolts. Tilt the seat so you can get to the underside and unplug the seat belt sensor.
Remove the steering wheel and lower dash covers. They are both held in by #2 screws (2 on dash, 5 on steering wheel)
Remove the lower trim on the left side. It's the thing you rest your foot against.
Also remove the kick plate by GENTLY unscrewing the pins. Any pressure on the pin and they will not unscrew.
Peel back the carpet to expose the connectors. The one we're looking for is the one in the middle.
Find the Yellow Wire with the Red stripe and place a wire tap on it
Run the wire under they white cover
and connect the other end to one position of your switch
Next, we'll tap off a fuse for the 'Manual Reverse' signal. Note that depending on your transmission you'll tap from a different place
All Auto Trans:
Find pin 6R, which is a White wire with a Black Stripe; this will fuse the reverse lamps on Fuse 12. (Bottom right of connector I'm pointing to)
Manual Trans:
Find pin 9R, which is a White wire with a Black Stripe; this will fuse the lamps on Fuse 11. (it's 4 over, right at the end of my finger. Notice I don't have that wire). If you don't have this wire, you'll have to use 11P, which is on the BACK of the fuse panel
Whichever wire you use, place a tap there
and run a wire to your switch and attach to the opposite end from the 'auto' line.
At this point, I advise sacrificing a bit of wire to test the setup. Wire up one lamp temporarily to the center pin of the switch. If your lamp has a Red lead and a Black lead, wire the red one to the switch. (see above)
And temp wire the other lead to the vehicle chassis. If you like, you can hold it to the metal under the steering wheel; 12V won't hurt you.
Now, turn your key to 'on' and see if the lamp switches with your switch.
Good? Now put the switch to 'auto reverse' and verify the lamp goes out, then put your X into reverse.
Congrats! You've successfully wired up your manual override for your new reverse lamps. Now figure out where to mount and run the wires to them. Oh, and you might want to consider replacing all the stuff you ripped out.
