Reverse Light Conversion to Turn Signals...

[MCIAD]

Don't shoot me, but I figured I'd start with some of the wiring wizards here about an idea I have. I do not have the knowledge or experience to attempt this blind.

It's been posted in these, and other, forums regarding the lack of amber rear turn signals before, with some agreeing with me and others that it is a real safety issue and others really more meh about the whole thing. Understandable. That being said, I am wondering if anybody with the technical know how can advise on the ability of converting the backup lights to turn signals? Is there a way to modify the wiring harness to accomplish this? With the numerous after-market, bumper or hitch mount reverse lighting available, I think it plausible, if there's a way to convert the harness.

Thoughts, ideas, daggers??

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[Glen Baker LLC]

Don't shoot me, but I figured I'd start with some of the wiring wizards here about an idea I have. I do not have the knowledge or experience to attempt this blind.

It's been posted in these, and other, forums regarding the lack of amber rear turn signals before, with some agreeing with me and others that it is a real safety issue and others really more meh about the whole thing. Understandable. That being said, I am wondering if anybody with the technical know how can advise on the ability of converting the backup lights to turn signals? Is there a way to modify the wiring harness to accomplish this? With the numerous after-market, bumper or hitch mount reverse lighting available, I think it plausible, if there's a way to convert the harness.
Thoughts, ideas, daggers??

MCIAD,
I really like Amber Turn Signals separate from the Red Brake/Tail light setup. I find them easier to see in traffic.
It would great, if you could use LasFit Switchback turn signals that go Amber / White for both backup light and turn signal. That way you wouldn't lose your backup lights. With the camera they should provide adequate light.
Nice idea good luck.
GB
Some say that amber turn signals are more effective at letting others know you're turning, especially when compared to red brake lights. A 2009 federal study found that amber turn signals can significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions because of the color contrast. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also says that amber turn signals can improve safety by 5–28%. However, others say that they don't notice much difference between amber and red turn signals.

 

[Dmat]

So there are a few ways to tackle this project. I would recommend making a small jumper that goes between the two plugs between the tail lights so you can rewire without cutting.

note: The wire that sends the blinker signal is also the same as the brake signal. You cant really remove one without the other. if your unsure which pin is which on the connector. Pin 4 is not used and Pin 1 is next to it on the other row. Pin 1 is blinker/brake. Pin 3 is Reverse. Pin 6 is ground.

1. If you just want the reverse light socket to activate with the blinkers.

Wiring: That would just be taking the power wire for the blinkers (pin 1) and connecting it to the wire for reverse (pin 3). All other wires would stay the same.

The end result of this would be that the reverse bulb also blinks with the rest of the tail lights. Put an amber bulb in and you're good.

2. reverse and blinker lights. So as the other commenter suggested, switchbacks could be a valid option.

Connector: The problem is going to be the connector itself. from what ive seen the existing reverse connectors only has 2 wires. It does appear to support at least 3 but i dont know how to add the extra wire. You could just buy an additional tail light harness and cut off the 2 connectors with 3 wires and connect them in place of the original.

Wiring: The problem here is going to connection. I dont know what pin is what on the bulb or the connector. If you could identify it, you could easily run a wire from the corresponding pin to the the connector and make it work but I cant give the answers for it.

 

[Sticks]

I recommend you install separate amber lights into the rear bumper and power them off the front turn signal.

In theory, you could:

• manufacture switchback bulbs with inverted logic (white overriding amber instead of amber overriding white). To my knowledge, these don't exist. Maybe you could reflow the PCBs and swap the LEDs out on standard switchbacks.
• find a bulb socket to accept the switchback bulb
• then wire the amber to the front turn signals

Standard switchbacks could compromise safety by overriding the reverse light when backing up and turning at the same time.

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