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Where to tap power for illuminated switches?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by speedevil, Aug 17, 2025.

  1. Aug 17, 2025 at 7:32 AM
    #1
    speedevil

    speedevil [OP] New Member

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    I have a question about my 2015 SR5P. I'm installing a pair of illuminated switches for both front lightbars, and I'd like to have the switch LEDs come on when the lights are on, like some of the OEM switches do.

    Can anyone let me know where I can access power at the switches? It seems simpler to access the power at the switches, then the wiring would only be a few inches in length.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Aug 17, 2025 at 7:36 AM
    #2
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

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    Use the 30A (P/Seat F/L) option. That has constant power:


    [​IMG]
     
  3. Aug 17, 2025 at 7:45 AM
    #3
    speedevil

    speedevil [OP] New Member

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    Sorry, I may not have been clear. I don't want the switches illuminated all the time, I just want them on when the headlights/running lights are on.

    That's why I thought that tapping into a power wire at the switches would be the simplest way to do that. I just don't know which wire has power when the headlights/running lights are on.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2025
  4. Aug 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
    #4
    Saker

    Saker No Quarter

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    Use positaps and be confident on your connection.

    The following is what I did when powering my light bar and switch on my 2014 T4R.
    Circuit illustration provided. IMG_5899.png
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2025
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  5. Aug 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM
    #5
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

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    Someone makes an adapter with two plugs and a pair of pigtails. You unplug the connectors from any nearby lighted switch, plug in the adapter between the two connectors, and then wire the pig tails into the new switch. I can’t remember who makes it.

    @Saker Yes to the Positaps! Friends don’t let friends use ScotchLoks.
     
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  6. Aug 17, 2025 at 11:08 AM
    #6
    Saker

    Saker No Quarter

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  7. Aug 17, 2025 at 11:13 AM
    #7
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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    I used an add a fuse on TAIL circuit inside.
     
    speedevil[OP] and Saker like this.
  8. Aug 17, 2025 at 11:33 AM
    #8
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

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  9. Aug 17, 2025 at 12:02 PM
    #9
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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  10. Aug 18, 2025 at 6:15 AM
    #10
    speedevil

    speedevil [OP] New Member

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    I decided to try the add-a-fuse on the taillight fuse. Electrically it works the way I'd like, so the switches are illuminated when the taillights are on. The advantage I see to this is the power is fused as it should be, and the wiring is still fairly short, even after allowing for enough slack to remove the lower dash panel. Now to run a couple of wires from the relay location through the firewall to the switches. These will be fused as well. I'm switching the ground rather than the +12v side, the wiring is easier that way. I still have to figure out where to mount the relays, but I think this will work but I need to pick up some inline fuse holders for the wires going to the switches. I want to use the same type of fuses as in the fuse block, that way I don't need multiple types of fuses in my spares.

    Also, this way I don't need any positaps to the OEM harness.
     

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