I am about to install some driving lights on mt '97 ram, as it didn't come with any (Base model). The bumper does however have the factory mounts for them. Instead of adding an independant switch and possibly having to modify the dash to have the switch look good, I would like to tie into the headlight switch. I think I can get to the back of the headlight switch fairly readily, but I was hoping for some info or experience before I get too far into something that I maybe shouldn't be trying. Thanks!

 

Do you want them on as daytime running lights or just when the parking lights are on? Or both? Either way a relay will be necessary.

 

I just want them to turn on when I turn the headlights on. I don't really feel I need them to work independantly, I would just like a bit more light at night time.

 

So if you just want them on with the HEADLIGHTS and not RUNNING LIGHTS then you must tap into the headlight (+) wire and use that lead as a trigger for your relay. You will also need a constant 12v (+) lead from your battery going to your relay, a ground, and a (+) out that will go to the positive lead of your new lights.

 

Driving lights or fog lights?

Wire them independently. The factory wiring/switch suck.

 

yeah, I want to do it as properly as possible, but I really have no where logical to put the switch and it seems im going to have to cut my dashboard to make it work, that kinda scares me.

 

There are pleanty of places. I have a no cutting/no drilling policy on my truck. If I can't mod it without molesting factory components, I don't do it.

There are a variety of ways you can do it. You could use a remote relay switch, meaning no wires, just a remote you can velcro to your interior somewhere. Do you have power mirrors? If not, the spot where the switch would go on the drivers door frame has a nice little knockout for a switch.

As for connecting to your headlight circuit, get/ make a 9004 splitter, tap in there with a relay, (fused) and you will have a safe means of controlling the lights w/ your headlight circuit. DO NOT CUT/ TAP INTO YOUR FACTORY HEADLIGHT WIRING!!!!111oneoneone Do not do it. EVER.

If you need a schematic, let me know. It seems that people on here are always asking questions like this and I never have a schematic for them.

You will be up and running in no time.

 

no switch will be needed with a relay. The relay is an electronically controlled switch activated by the 12v (+) coming from the headlight source.

 

Not unless you want to be able to turn them off independently.

 

im in the middle of hooking the lights up right now, but i have another question. I am supposed to hook one wire to either the low or high beam wire going to the headlight depending on wether I want fog or driving lights. I assume the difference is brightness. Anyways, how can I tell which is which? I think I want the lights to be as bright as possible.