tapping into courtesy light circuit

I have a 2008 F250 lariat. My plan is to run a small 6 diode LED bar on each side of the truck below the doors, under the truck to illuminate the ground. I want them to function in the same capacity as the courtesy lights do, when you unlock the doors, open the doors, etc.

Which wire should i tap into, also, some trucks have lighted running boards is there a plug or wire lead for those in the factory harness?

I did the same thing in my 2000. I tapped into the light in the door and had to drill a small hole behind the door pocket, and one at the bottom of the pocket, then put a small dollip os silicone over the holes from inside the pocket. I couldnt find any grommets that would accommodate the thick plastic pannels. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

What LEDs were you planning on using?

I found some marine led bars at wal mart. Gonna make a couple brackets and mount them on the frame rails or pinch weld. Have em illuminte the ground when ya hit unlock or open the door etc.

Gonna try to wire mine tonight. I got 24 led 12" bar lights that do clearance and turn signal just gonna use the turn signal function as the courtesy lights

I just used cheap LED strips from the auto parts house like the one pictured in my glove box. I've been wanting to find something that isn't so cheesey but haven't found anything I've liked.


DSCN0547 by greasyfingers227, on Flickr


IMG_0426 by greasyfingers227, on Flickr

I like the glove box lightz

6point0damn2004 said:

I like the glove box lightz

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Agreed. It's pretty bright looking in the pic.

I really like the idea of led bars under the cab for safe entry and illuminating the ground.

TyCorr said:

Agreed. It's pretty bright looking in the pic.

I really like the idea of led bars under the cab for safe entry and illuminating the ground.

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Exactly my thoughts. Hopefully ill tackle it this week.

I was tired of stepping in slushy mud puddles I couldn't see when I was in Alaska, and then the final straw was when I nearly stepped in a heaping pile of vomit in a bar parking lot. The next day I installed them.