If you have ever towed a trailer, then you know that the reverse lights on the tow mirrors are an essential safety feature. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to see what is behind you when backing up. Luckily, wiring reverse lights on tow mirrors is a relatively easy task that anyone can do with just a few tools and some basic electrical knowledge.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wire reverse lights on tow mirrors.
- First, find the reverse light wire on the tow mirror
- This can be done by tracing the wire back from the reverse light bulb
- Once you have found the reverse light wire, cut it in half using a pair of wire cutters
- Next, strip 1/2 inch of insulation off of each end of the wire using a wire stripper tool
- Now, take one end of the wire and splice it into the positive ( + ) terminal on the reverse light bulb socket
- Finally, take the other end of the wire and splice it into the negative ( – ) terminal on the backup light switch
Reverse Lights on Tow Mirrors Not Working
If you have a tow mirror on your vehicle, you may have noticed that the reverse lights don’t work. This is a common problem that can be caused by a few different things.
The first thing to check is the fuse.
The fuse for the reverse lights is usually located in the engine bay. If this fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.
Another possible cause of this problem is a bad ground connection.
The ground wire for the tow mirror’s reverse lights is located under the vehicle, so you’ll need to get underneath and check it for corrosion or other damage.
If neither of these things are the problem, then it’s likely that the tow mirror itself is faulty and will need to be replaced.
How Do You Wire Running Lights on a Tow Mirror?
Assuming you have a set of aftermarket tow mirrors with the running/turn signal lights built in:
1. Park your vehicle on level ground and shut off the engine. Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench to loosen the retaining bolt.
Isolate the end of the cable away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental grounding.
2. Locate the truck’s wire harness behind the driver side headlight. Unplug the connector by depressing the tab and pulling it apart.
3. Cut 4 inches of sheathing from the end of the wire harness using diagonal cutters. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each individual wire using wire strippers. Match each bare wire to its corresponding color coded wire on your tow mirror’s harness, then twist them together clockwise until tight.
Use electrical tape to insulate any exposed wires and create a watertight seal.
4 Plug in your tow mirror’s connectors to their respective sockets on your truck’s wire harness, then depress both tabs to lock them in place. Reconnect your negative battery cable, then start up your engine and test your new running lights!
What are Cargo Lights on Tow Mirrors?
Most truck and SUV owners are familiar with the standard side view mirrors that are mounted on the doors. These mirrors provide a clear view of what is behind and to the side of the vehicle, which is essential for safe driving. However, when towing a trailer, these standard mirrors may not provide enough visibility.
This is where cargo lights come in handy.
Cargo lights are typically mounted on the top of the tow mirror, providing an extra source of light that can be used to illuminate the area behind and to the side of the vehicle. These lights are especially useful when backing up or changing lanes, as they can help you see if there are any obstacles in your path.
Cargo lights can also be used when loading or unloading your trailer, as they will provide plenty of light for you to see what you’re doing.
If you often find yourself towing a trailer, then cargo lights are a must-have accessory. Not only will they improve your visibility while driving, but they’ll also make it easier to load and unload your trailer in low-light conditions.
How Do You Wire a Tow Mirror on a 2014 Silverado?
If you’re looking to add some extra visibility while towing, then you might consider wiring up a tow mirror on your 2014 Silverado. While it’s not a difficult job, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly.
To start, you’ll need to remove the door panel on the side of the truck where you want to install the mirror.
Once the panel is off, locate the wires that power the factory mirror and tap into them using wire splicers. You can then run your new wires through the door panel and into the engine compartment, where they’ll need to be connected to a relay.
The relay will allow the tow mirror’s lights to operate independently of the truck’s headlights, so you can have them turned on even when your Silverado’s headlight switch is off.
Finally, mount the new mirror onto the door and reattach the door panel.
With these steps completed, your 2014 Silverado will be equipped with a fully functional tow mirror!
How Do You Change a Tow Mirror Light?
Assuming you have a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
To change the tow mirror light, first remove the two screws that hold the lens in place. Next, pry out the old bulb and insert a new one.
Finally, replace the lens and screw it back in place.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever towed a trailer, then you know that it’s important to have working reverse lights. After all, you need to be able to see what’s behind you when you’re backing up! Fortunately, wiring reverse lights on tow mirrors is a relatively easy process.
All you need is a few tools and some basic electrical knowledge.
First, start by disconnecting the battery. This will ensure that there is no power running through the system while you’re working.
Next, locate the wires for the reverse lights on the tow mirrors. These will typically be located near the taillights. Once you’ve found the wires, use a wire cutter to splice into them.
Now it’s time to connect the wires from the tow mirrors to the reverse light wire harness. To do this, simply twist each wire around its counterpart and then secure with electrical tape. Finally, reattach the battery and test out your new reverse lights!