12v constant power for led tail lights

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Old May 17, 2015 | 09:34 AM
  #1  
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12v constant power for led tail lights

I'm installing led tail lights and other than the fuse box is their any other areas I can find a 12v constant power?
Old May 17, 2015 | 10:09 AM
  #2  
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Why do you want constant power? The lights would never turn off.

- Eric
Old May 17, 2015 | 10:58 AM
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It's for the digitalis led lights. I have them hooked up to the dome lights wires (white)in the trunk. Fuse constantly blows.
Old May 17, 2015 | 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Alex72cutty
It's for the digitalis led lights. I have them hooked up to the dome lights wires (white)in the trunk. Fuse constantly blows.
Damn, those are some strange lights - did you mean Digitails?
Old May 17, 2015 | 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Alex72cutty
It's for the digitalis led lights. I have them hooked up to the dome lights wires (white)in the trunk. Fuse constantly blows.
You need to run a wire to the fuse panel and piggyback to a terminal that is constant on.
Old May 17, 2015 | 12:13 PM
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Lol. Yes.
Old May 17, 2015 | 01:35 PM
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wrong wire?
I don't see how digital stuff can exceed the dome lite fuse capacity.

What you call white may be gray GROUND wire from dome lites thru door switches.

I suggest the orange wire that feeds the trunk light. Should be hot all the time. Check the current draw of your load, either by the label/ instructions that came with them or by your own ammeter. I would be suprised if it draws more than 1-2A. LED's are on the order of mA each I believe.
Old May 17, 2015 | 01:39 PM
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Why not use the existing tail light wire it has power all the time and as Octania pointed out LEDS should draw less current than incadecsents
Old May 17, 2015 | 02:00 PM
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I am not sure why constant 12V power is needed, but if it is, the original tail or stop circuit will not do- they are powered only when you activate the tail or stop lights.

wondering what happens if the digital tail lites lose everpresent power?
Old May 17, 2015 | 03:34 PM
  #10  
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battery or fusebox are your choices for always hot but you better have it fused .
Old May 17, 2015 | 05:31 PM
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If I remember correctly, my digitails are powered from the orange wire...
Old May 17, 2015 | 08:04 PM
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Orange to trunk light should be
1) constant 12V
2) fused already

Please consult your car's wiring digram within the factory service manual.
Old May 17, 2015 | 08:44 PM
  #13  
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It seems odd that these lights would require a constant hot (sounds like a design flaw or cop-out), but if that's the case, then, as others have said, the orange wire is the way to go.

- Eric
Old May 18, 2015 | 08:11 AM
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Ok. Thanks everyone. I'll look at it today and post a picture
Old May 18, 2015 | 04:26 PM
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FYI, if the voltage drops, the running lights seem to work, but the directional signals do not.... I found this out due to a bad battery... (2 months old and it had a bad cell!) I doubled checked today and the power comes from the orange wire... (trunk light) The wiring diagram in the service manual is great! you definitely need one! get an original with COLOR wiring diagram!


Alex I like your color combo! That is they wayI will be going with mine...

Last edited by kitfoxdave; May 18, 2015 at 04:37 PM. Reason: more info
Old May 20, 2015 | 11:05 PM
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Well lights are working very good. Thanks everyone for your help.
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Old May 20, 2015 | 11:07 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by kitfoxdave
FYI, if the voltage drops, the running lights seem to work, but the directional signals do not.... I found this out due to a bad battery... (2 months old and it had a bad cell!) I doubled checked today and the power comes from the orange wire... (trunk light) The wiring diagram in the service manual is great! you definitely need one! get an original with COLOR wiring diagram!


Alex I like your color combo! That is they wayI will be going with mine...
Thank you!! At first in didn't care to much for it,but now I love it.
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