new toy on the XLR

[agwondra]

Originally Posted by 05 GRAND DADDY XLR CADDY

HELP! Ok all you auto wiring XLR friendS! Any Ideals? I changed the original interior back side trunk lights to LEDS & also add to 2 small LEDS units up inside of trunk to help put some light in that area when it's dark out, I mounted them with double face tape on to the long center flip up piece, "hope they stay on when it get hot" They work fine on there you just have to run all wiring back in behind and wire tie all loose wires back from moving part. My question is some times all of the LEDS in the trunk are just barley lit & very dim. I did checked to make sure red/black is right because they won't light if they are backwards. I wired them into the back side of the interior light wiring so when the trunk opens they all come on. All connection are soldered with connectors and protected with black tape so it should not be shorting out anywhere. So here's is what I'm not sure about the wire I use from the orignal unit to the 2 new LEDS is like a speaker wire (stranded type not single wire) just wonder if this could cause the dim problem? Like I said only happens sometimes?

Thx Caddyman Dan

You said you tied into the interior lights. Could you be getting the automatic dimming associated with the interior lighting when the trunk is open? Just a thought. I think you would be better off tying into the trunk lights.

[05 GRAND DADDY XLR CADDY]

Originally Posted by agwondra

You said you tied into the interior lights. Could you be getting the automatic dimming associated with the interior lighting when the trunk is open? Just a thought. I think you would be better off tying into the trunk lights.

Hi agwondra:
Thx for responding!
I did wire directly into the wires behind the left side of the interior trunk light unit back where top lift pump area is and it is not always but just sometimes and as soon as I open the trunk they are very dim and seam to stay dim, But I can close and reopen the trunk than they come back on at a normal bright light again! VERY WEIRD!............ Do you think it could be that type of wire I mentioned????? Maybe I should rewire with 2 single stranded wires?

Thx Again!
Caddyman Dan

[agwondra]

Originally Posted by 05 GRAND DADDY XLR CADDY

Do you think it could be that type of wire I mentioned????? Maybe I should rewire with 2 single stranded wires?

Thx Again!
Caddyman Dan

As long as you used automotive stranded 18-22 gauge wire you should be OK. Most auto applications use stranded wire to avoid interruptions should a single standed wire break. Multiple strands provide redundancy for the circuit. Do the other lights in the trunk also dim on initial openning or just your new ones?

[05 GRAND DADDY XLR CADDY]

Originally Posted by agwondra

As long as you used automotive stranded 18-22 gauge wire you should be OK. Most auto applications use stranded wire to avoid interruptions should a single standed wire break. Multiple strands provide redundancy for the circuit. Do the other lights in the trunk also dim on initial openning or just your new ones?

Yep! it is all 4 the 2 original and the 2 new ones all dim!

[agwondra]

Originally Posted by 05 GRAND DADDY XLR CADDY

Yep! it is all 4 the 2 original and the 2 new ones all dim!

OK, I may have a lead for you. I just replaced the insurance cards in my cars and when I replaced the XLR, the glove box light came on 'dimmed'. I adjusted the switch and it brightened to full intensity. Perhaps the switch is going bad or wearing. The first activation only produces a partial closure and the 2nd and beyond have 'loosened' it up enough to fully close. I have no idea where the trunk light switch is located unfortunately.

[05 GRAND DADDY XLR CADDY]

Originally Posted by agwondra

OK, I may have a lead for you. I just replaced the insurance cards in my cars and when I replaced the XLR, the glove box light came on 'dimmed'. I adjusted the switch and it brightened to full intensity. Perhaps the switch is going bad or wearing. The first activation only produces a partial closure and the 2nd and beyond have 'loosened' it up enough to fully close. I have no idea where the trunk light switch is located unfortunately.

Ok sounds like a start! I may also get some 18-22 gauge wire and switch that out also, It's not to hard to do, just a pain after just putting it all back together! It's just WEIRD why it just started after i put in the LEDS!

Thx Again!