how to install electric for subaru bumper flood lights

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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07-02-2025

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How to Install Electrically Powered Subaru Bumper Flood Lights

This guide details how to install electrically powered flood lights onto your Subaru's bumper. This involves wiring, mounting, and ensuring safe operation. Always prioritize safety and consult your vehicle's manual before starting any electrical work. Incorrect wiring can damage your vehicle's electrical system.

I. Planning and Parts Gathering:

A. Choosing the Right Lights:

• Size and Fit: Measure the available space on your Subaru's bumper to select appropriately sized lights. Consider the bumper's curvature and any potential obstructions.
• Wattage and Brightness: Select lights with sufficient brightness for your needs, considering both the wattage and lumens. Too much wattage might overload your vehicle's electrical system. Lower wattage LED lights are generally a safer and more efficient option.
• Mounting Style: Choose lights with a mounting style compatible with your bumper. Many come with brackets or adhesive mounts.

B. Essential Components:

• Flood Lights: Your chosen pair of LED floodlights.
• Wiring Harness: A suitable wiring harness with connectors for your lights and vehicle's electrical system. Pre-made harnesses designed for automotive applications are recommended.
• Relay: A relay is crucial to prevent overloading the vehicle's switches and wiring. Choose a relay rated for the lights' amperage.
• In-line Fuse: Protects the wiring and lights from short circuits. Choose a fuse with a rating appropriate for your lights' amperage.
• Switch: A toggle switch or other suitable switch to control the lights.
• Wire (appropriate gauge): Choose wire gauge appropriate for the wattage of your lights. A thicker gauge wire (lower number) is necessary for higher wattage lights.
• Wire Connectors and Heat Shrink Tubing: For secure and weatherproof connections.
• Zip Ties and Mounting Hardware: To secure the wiring and lights.
• Drill (if necessary): For creating mounting holes.
• Electrical Tape: To further insulate connections.
• Multimeter (optional but recommended): For testing voltage and connections.

II. Installation Process:

A. Mounting the Lights:

1. Prepare the Bumper: Clean the bumper area where you'll mount the lights. If drilling holes is required, carefully mark and drill them.
2. Secure the Lights: Mount the lights using the provided hardware or adhesive. Ensure they are securely attached and aligned correctly.

B. Wiring the Lights:

1. Run the Wiring: Carefully route the wires from the lights to the location of your switch and relay. Try to keep wiring hidden as much as possible and away from moving parts. Secure wiring with zip ties to prevent chafing or damage.
2. Connect the Relay: Connect the relay according to its wiring diagram. This usually involves connecting to a power source (battery), ground, switch, and the lights themselves.
3. Connect the Fuse: Install the in-line fuse in the positive wire, protecting the circuit.
4. Connect the Switch: Wire the switch into the circuit, allowing you to control the lights.
5. Connect to the Battery: Connect the positive wire to a suitable power source, preferably through a fuse box or dedicated accessory circuit. A direct connection to the battery is usually not recommended unless you're comfortable with electrical work.
6. Ground the Lights: Securely ground the negative wire of the lights to a clean metal part of your vehicle's chassis.

C. Testing:

1. Test the Connections: Before fully installing everything, carefully check all wiring connections. A multimeter can help verify voltage and continuity.
2. Turn on the Lights: Once everything is connected, turn on the lights and check their functionality. Ensure they are working correctly and brightly.

III. Finishing Touches:

1. Secure Wiring: Once tested, fully secure all wiring using zip ties and electrical tape.
2. Clean Up: Remove any excess wire and ensure everything is neatly organized and protected from the elements.

IV. Important Safety Considerations:

• Disconnect the battery's negative terminal before starting any wiring work. This prevents accidental short circuits.
• Use appropriate wire gauge for the wattage of your lights. Incorrect gauge can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
• Always use fuses and relays to protect your vehicle's electrical system.
• Ensure all connections are weatherproof and securely fastened.
• If you're not comfortable with electrical work, consult a professional.

This guide provides a general overview. Specific instructions may vary depending on your Subaru model and the flood lights you choose. Always refer to the instructions provided with your specific components. Remember that safety should always be your top priority.