Defender rear rigid light installation.

[Rudy]

Just finished these rigid backup light in the reflector position. These are 1000 lumens and are very bright for the size of the light. I wanted to go for a factory look and I’m happy with the end result. If anything that I may add is a cover plate to strengthen the mount plate. But the plastic is pretty sturdy. 

[Herb]

I am looking to something similar to my 2020 HD8.  Where did you purchase the lights and who makes them? Thanks in advance...

 

[Rudy]

34 minutes ago, Herb said:

I am looking to something similar to my 2020 HD8.  Where did you purchase the lights and who makes them? Thanks in advance...

 

These are ignite backup lights Made by rigid. I got them on amazon. 

[Herb]

Preciate the info

 

[Deadmanwalkin]

Did you just put these on a switch or somehow tie a power wire into the unit when it's put into reverse? 

[Rudy]

14 minutes ago, Deadmanwalkin said:

Did you just put these on a switch or somehow tie a power wire into the unit when it's put into reverse? 

I just put these on a switch since I usually get out of seat when I use rear lights. 

[Woody]

Is there a switch that I can tie to so when I put it in reverse, I can get the back up lights to go on?

[Rudy]

On 10/1/2020 at 10:32 AM, Woody said:

Is there a switch that I can tie to so when I put it in reverse, I can get the back up lights to go on?

Not sure if there is a reverse signal you can pick up off ECU for a micro switch to actuate a relay. Would like to know if you figure something out though. 

[Steelslinger]

Could always rig up a momentary style microswitch on the shifter so that when it is reverse, it triggers the lights. Might do that this winter. I have seen at least one guy do that.

[Woody]

On 10/8/2020 at 11:47 AM, Steelslinger said:

Could always rig up a momentary style microswitch on the shifter so that when it is reverse, it triggers the lights. Might do that this winter. I have seen at least one guy do that.

If you figure it out, let me know please.

[A hunt 2 remember]

On 10/6/2020 at 7:21 PM, Rudy said:

Not sure if there is a reverse signal you can pick up off ECU for a micro switch to actuate a relay. Would like to know if you figure something out though. 

Not sure... but considering in the dash cluster it shows the gear you are in.... so would think a guy could add a relay into that wiring.... MAYBE???? I will check out the manual to see if it shows wiring..... in that depth...

[A hunt 2 remember]

15 hours ago, A hunt 2 remember said:

Not sure... but considering in the dash cluster it shows the gear you are in.... so would think a guy could add a relay into that wiring.... MAYBE???? I will check out the manual to see if it shows wiring..... in that depth...

I looked in the manual but it does not go into depth the shifter sending units color coding... I wouldn't think it would be that tough to figure out. If you gain access to the sensor wherever that may be (most likely around the shifters pivot point) and test which wire goes HOT... pretty sure yer gonna need a relay that fires off a true 12v. I would assume you will find that the switched wire will NOT supply enough power for the lights. 

But..... before I even went anywhere near that HEADACHE!!! Ask yourself.... Do I really want to HAVE TO have the shifter selected to reverse to use these light? 

Answer??? Probly not.... I use my rear pointed led + my door lights (with the doors open it will light up a football field) when setting up decoys or camp as far as that goes.... and when I back up? It only takes a second to realize the light isn't on... 😉

Besides.... I like having it on even before shifting into reverse. I like being able to see...

[Mossyoak]

My question is, is the position sensor at the shifter or in the transmission

ps I really need to get me a parts/service manual, lol

[Steelslinger]

I believe it is in the transmission, or at the very least, not at the shift lever on the dash. I know there was someone that talked about doing the microswitch at the shift lever either here or on one of the many defender facebook groups.

 

A hunt 2 remember - you can always add an alternate power and switch to the lights, so that it works with reverse gear or by use of a dash mounted manual switch for when not in reverse.