View Full Version : How to convert from 3 to 2 bulb setup


ProspeedCTR
Jan 28 2007, 09:54am
This is the How-To on the 3 to 2 Bulb Conversion.

Thanks go out to MJONES97 from therangerstation.com for being first to write this how-to this is a modified version of his.

1. First you will need a trailer wiring harness kit (the kit with the "T" connector that converts the 5 wire setup to a 4 wire for the trailer lights). You can find them at a auto parts store for about $30. ***If you have one skip this step.***

2. Second you will need 2000 or newer set of tail lights for your truck. I bought 2005 tail lights for mine for $30.00 on ebay.

3. Remove the tail lights and make sure the light sockets plug into the new tail lights.

4. The only light socket that you MIGHT have a problem fitting correctly is the reverse light socket. If so, cut the wires to it and the turn signal socket and switch them. Put the turn signal socket on the reverse wires and the reverse socket on the turn signal wires. This must be done for both sides. Make sure you have good connections and tape the connections to prevent water shorting out your electrical system.

5. Buy a Heavy Duty Flasher Part #EP27 ($10 to $15 and much easier) OR Tape over the turn signal bulb (which should still be in the light socket) so it cannot be seen blinking. Wire tie it in the bed side so it will not fall out while driving. You have to leave the old turn signal socket and bulb installed, If not the turn signals will blink fast.

6. Cut the GREEN wire, far enough behind the bulb socket so you can attach it to another wire, hooked to the tail/brake light bulb socket. Tape the end up that goes into the wiring harness because you wont need it anymore. Do this for both sides.

7. Unplug the wire connector behind the rear bumper that goes to the taillights and install the "T" trailer harness. After the "T" connector there is 5 wires going to another little black box. That box converts the system to a 4 wire system for the trailer lights. Leave it attached.

8. Tap into a turn signal wire, LEFT or RIGHT, in the trailer plug (After the black box that converts it to a 4 wire system) wires and run it to the respective tail light (LEFT turn signal wire to the LEFT tail light). Hook this wire into the green wire that comes out of the tail/brake light socket.

9. Repeat step 8 for the other tail light.

10. Wire tie all of the loose wires so they will not interfere with anything an the wiring is complete.

11. Install the bulb sockets into the correct spots of the new tail lights.

12. Check all connections and make sure they are connected properly.

13. Install the new tail lights.

14. Test to make sure they work properly.

whiteranger_01
Jan 28 2007, 11:25am
Nice, it is very well written.

MJones
Apr 13 2007, 10:10am
hey hey! that was from me!

soccorjimmy
Apr 13 2007, 11:29am
I used those directions and worked like a charm, thanks lifted97. JIMMY

MJones
Apr 15 2007, 10:06am
i thought i already did 1 of these on this site:shrug:

drppdyllwrngr
Apr 15 2007, 04:01pm
Did you still have to leave the turn signal socket in there, or can you just put the heavy duty relay in to take care of it flashing fast? I've been wanting to do this same thing for over a year now, just never have gotten around to doing it.

soccorjimmy
Apr 15 2007, 04:05pm
I left the bulb in the socket and has never failed me yet. JIMMY

drppdyllwrngr
Apr 16 2007, 04:52am
thats my problem, i think i threw all my ranger sockets away when i went to the caddy's....

ProspeedCTR
Apr 16 2007, 05:43am
Did you still have to leave the turn signal socket in there, or can you just put the heavy duty relay in to take care of it flashing fast?

Just use a heavy duty flasher. It works fine for me.

papcie03
May 13 2007, 10:48am
Maybe a stupid question, where does the flasher go if you use it?

acowx
Aug 12 2007, 08:02am
I followed the instructions and it worked like a charm (had to cut some metal away inside the tail-light hole to get the bulb holders to fit in....)

My questions are :

If I put in the heavy duty flasher unit, can I remove the old turn-sig bulbs ?

Can I also remove the old turn-sig sockets ?

Thanks guys

acowx
Aug 12 2007, 08:04am
Maybe a stupid question, where does the flasher go if you use it?

It's on the front of the fuse box, under the panel below the instrument cluster / steering column.