Backup Lights

[dshark1]

it’s on the OP that was linked…

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...unt-led-pod-kit-the-best-5-minute-mod.103255/

I missed that. Thx a bunch!

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[jromanmd]

Stupid Question....if you want to wire these right from the Aux Switches, do you need a Diode? Or can you just wire from the cabin spot to the rear bumper. I don't want to use with the reverse lights. I would rather turn them on and off as needed with the Aux Switches. Thanks

 

[dapipp]

No diode needed if going straight to Aux switches.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Stupid Question....if you want to wire these right from the Aux Switches, do you need a Diode? Or can you just wire from the cabin spot to the rear bumper. I don't want to use with the reverse lights. I would rather turn them on and off as needed with the Aux Switches. Thanks

@jromanmd

I would not wire from the "cabin spot".

Run the 12v power wire from an Aux wire in the engine compartment...

You can run this power wire through the passenger side frame rail. Very easy to do.

You ground your light(s) at the rear of the JL.

No, you do not need a diode when doing the install as mentioned.

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[jromanmd]

@jromanmd

I would not wire from the "cabin spot".

Run the 12v power wire from an Aux wire in the engine compartment...

You can run this power wire through the passenger side frame rail. Very easy to do.

You ground your light(s) at the rear of the JL.

No, you do not need a diode when doing the install as mentioned.

.

Thanks Man, thats what I thought. But I was reading 3 different fourm posts here where people were talking about diodes (now they were looking to tap into the reverse light & an aux) but I dont care about that.

Really, thanks for clearing that up. Saved me a lot of frustration. And @dapipp thanks for the confirmation. You guys rock.

 

[TKL223/3]

I still need to adjust them but here’s some @BajaDesigns backup lights.

 

[21JLURDG]

Ok, so after reading and digesting forever I finally got the balls to attempt it all.
I used a 1 3/4' bi-metal hole saw, drilled the two mounting holes and installed the lights above the parking sensors, I wanted them away from the middle to avoid wash-out.

I researched a solution to the terrible reverse light situation on the JL for a few months and settled on the flush mount Rigid Ignites after seeing @SSVi installation. Huge improvement and I highly recommend!!!

@SSVi and @Speedy3 , can you post pictures from outside and of the backup camera to show the light pattern? I'm curious how it differs from closer mounting spots, like both below the tire.
Any other pointers you have, please share them. I have the same bumper and sensors and want to mount the same lights as both of you. Any long-term problems with sensors? Hints on how to best do the install, as in taking the bumper off without affecting the sensors, etc.

Many thanks.

 

[JaxPilot]

Thanks for all the info, tips and tricks for making this work. I ended up with a hybrid solution. Since I was in the light well anyway installing the light guards, I tapped into the 7 pin tow harness wire in the passenger light well with a posi-tap, ran a wire from the light well to the interior aux switch wire inside the cabin (I already had the rearmost panel removed for other work), and both of those wires to a 2 in - 1 out diode, and grounded at the trailer hitch. Switched and reverse activated lights are great. I used Scorpion 3" cubes that I got for $57 when I purchased the rear HammerHead bumper.

 

[21JLURDG]

I installed the Rigid Industries Ignite diffused flush mount backup lights (SKU 20641) in my OEM metal bumper corners and I’m very happy with the way it turned out. The biggest thing I changed from the standard installation was removing the flush mount plastic cover so the installation would look smaller and cleaner. This significantly added to the installation process, but I think it was worth it.

The directions say to drill a 1.75” ID hole, insert the light, and drill two 3/16” holes to mount the light. I instead removed the plastic flush mount. The problem is that the lens below is loose and held by the pressure of the plastic flush mount against a rubber gasket, and behind the lens is the reflector (loose) which holds the focusing lens (also loose) against the led and circuity. I used silicone glue to hold it all together, but I’d probably go with a silicone gasket (blue rtv?) if I had to do it all over again. I used the plastic flush mount as a template to drill a 1” ID hole and four 1/8” screw holes around it. The left side ended up 1 7/8” center of light above the center of parking sensor and fit perfectly. The right side ended up closer to 2” and it was a little too tight with a bumper bracket and I had to mount the wiring harness down to clear it. Mounting the light to the bumper replaced the plastic flush mount piece so the silicone glue is only for peace of mind ensuring a watertight seal.

I didn’t bother removing the bumper. Instead, I just removed the plastic finish piece between the bumper and fender flare. This allowed me to insert the light from behind. I tapped into white wire with orange tracer in the wiring harness that connects on the right side behind the bumper. I believe this is the tow wiring harness. The white w/orange wire is ~18-gauge and the Ignite 20641 light wiring is ~22-gauge.

In my opinion, this is a great upgrade. The lights are perfect for backing up in dark parking lots and campgrounds, and should do well for occasionally backing up in 3-4 rated (out of 5) trails. However, I would recommend bigger lights if you plan to regularly use them in 5+ trails or to set up a dark campground. They do get very hot. I covered them with masking tape and blue shop rags to take pictures for this post, and the tape/rags started smoking in just a few seconds. . I was not interested in using the lights independently from the back up lights so it was a straightforward wire tap into the tow harness.

This picture is with the stock back-up lights and taillights, but no brakes. Camera set manually to 1/15 SS & ISO 400:

This picture is with the Rigid 20641 lights added, and still no brakes. Camera set manually to 1/15 SS & ISO 400. Notice the trees lit up across the street:

Left picture with stock back-up and right picture include Rigid 20641:

This is the plastic trim removed to gain access behind the bumper:

Mounting holes (1" & 4x 1/8"):

Finished look:

White wire w/orange tracer visible in the bottom wiring harness. A couple of "christmas tree" plugs need to be popped:

Finished look:

 

[jromanmd]

@21JLURDG Dude, that's an amazing difference! I still think I may just go with the Oracle Bumper LED's...I am just not in the mood to remove the bumper. When it warms up here in the NE I will attempt to install them.

 

[RubiCoug]

I just installed the new Diode Dynamics hitch light. It sits super flush. Pretty tight with the harness on my 392 exhaust. Reverse is a nice light. Can't wait to try it tonight.

 

[Jeep Dude]

I just installed the new Diode Dynamics hitch light. It sits super flush. Pretty tight with the harness on my 392 exhaust. Reverse is a nice light. Can't wait to try it tonight.

How is it?

 

[Mac2457]

OK, I just finished this entire thread because I bought the orical bumper lights and had this crazy idea about wiring them so they worked in reverse and through the Aux switches. I found this forum and many thanks to everyone here who contributed with pictures, solutions and install details. I feel I now have a good plan of attack.
My problem now is I saw early on how alot of members were waiting on this reflector replacement option and I was anxious to get to the end of this thread to see how they looked and maybe to get some opinions on them but it seems after a quick mention of how crappy they are, it was almost like they were being boycott lol. Anyone have anything positive to say about them?
I was looking for something close to stock, I use my hitch alot and don't want to drill into my bumper because I'm a disaster when it comes to modifications lol. I felt this was the greatest thing since sliced bread but now question my decision and am possibly considering other options. Any feedback or advice?

 

[Heimkehr]

My problem now is I saw early on how alot of members were waiting on this reflector replacement option and I was anxious to get to the end of this thread to see how they looked and maybe to get some opinions on them but it seems after a quick mention of how crappy they are, it was almost like they were being boycott lol. Anyone have anything positive to say about them?

If you're referring to these lights, the consensus seems to be that they install easily in just the plastic factory bumper. A bit of fabrication (trimming, etc.) is understood to be necessary when attempting to fit the lights to the steel bumper. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the vendor seems to have acknowledged this only after the affected forum members relayed their installation difficulties here. Their understandable frustration may have led to certain comments like "crappy" making the rounds.

 

[Mac2457]

If you're referring to these lights, the consensus seems to be that they install easily in just the plastic factory bumper. A bit of fabrication (trimming, etc.) is understood to be necessary when attempting to fit the lights to the steel bumper. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the vendor seems to have acknowledged this only after the affected forum members relayed their installation difficulties here. Their understandable frustration may have led to certain comments like "crappy" making the rounds.

So it's more for the instalation being an issue then the quality of the light? I'm just looking for input possibly from someone who installed and uses them. Are they good lights aside from possible installation issues? I do have the plastic bumper (regrettably). I wish I did go with the steel for front bumper issue lol.

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