Tectico LED fender light side marker install

[TxHill]

FWIW I have 2022 BS OBX and just finished installing my side marker lights that I ordered directly from the Tectico site and referenced this guys YouTube video to install. Everything went ok except I ran into the exact same problem that @kyle_conrad reported where the passenger side would only illuminate white. So I made a few vids to share tips and how I did it and ultimately fixed the passenger side which ended up being the black ground wire not being fully grounded. The driver side worked without issue. Hope this helps someone.
-Test the part before you start
-How to get the trim piece out
-How I got the passenger side to work
-Amber lights with hazard/blinkers
-White light with headlights on

v

 

[Osco]

I know it works and people are not having problems but I cannot bring myself to tap onto/into the factory wiring system. Now if I could unplug the headlight, plug that into an adapter and plug that back in the head light I’d feel safe doing it.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I know it works and people are not having problems but I cannot bring myself to tap onto/into the factory wiring system. Now if I could unplug the headlight, plug that into an adapter and plug that back in the head light I’d feel safe doing it.

There is a version now that is plug and play. Side marker only though and no blinker. Has a plug and connector for the front side marker lights.

 

[Elegance]

There is a version now that is plug and play. Side marker only though and no blinker. Has a plug and connector for the front side marker lights.

They offered me a freebie of this new plug and play version to test if I make an install video. Video and review to come next week. They look a lot easier than having to splice into the turn signal wiring.

 

[cario65]

They offered me a freebie of this new plug and play version to test if I make an install video. Video and review to come next week. They look a lot easier than having to splice into the turn signal wiring.

Are you referring to the plug and play into the side marker or a brand-new version that is plug and play off the headlight assembly plug? The latter is what is truly the easy way to get turn signal use.


Also, does anyone know if splicing into the headlight plug wires will void any Ford warranties?

 

[Dude]

Are you referring to the plug and play into the side marker or a brand-new version that is plug and play off the headlight assembly plug? The latter is what is truly the easy way to get turn signal use.


Also, does anyone know if splicing into the headlight plug wires will void any Ford warranties?

This is the TECTICO LED Side Marker Lights: Plug N Play To Blinker Light Warning light Accessories for Ford Bronco Sport Base/Big Bend/Outer Banks/ Badlands/First Edition 2021 2022 2023, Amber https://a.co/d/6tyrevp

it’s an Amber light - plug n play connecting to the side marker light is DRL only so is not a “Blinker” as the product states (not plug n play for turn signal but could be hard wired into a turn signal wire instead).

Btw .. I have not seen any brand-new (dual color) version that is plug and play off the headlight assembly plug but if there were such a product that would be turn signal only. There is no separate DRL circuit at the headlight assembly plug. Would still need to connect to side marker light for DRL. Here I am referring to a dual color version (white for DRL and amber for turn signal) so didn’t specifically answer your question.

 

[Mark S.]

Also, does anyone know if splicing into the headlight plug wires will void any Ford warranties?

Any damage you purposely cause to your car will not be covered by warranty. A splice requires you to cut the wire and/or the wire insulation, so if something connected to that wire stops working Ford would not be obligated to provide warranty coverage. Does that mean you couldn't make a successful warranty claim? Not necessarily. You may find a dealership willing to make the repair and keep mum about your modification(s). But there's no guarantee.

 

[TxHill]

I know it works and people are not having problems but I cannot bring myself to tap onto/into the factory wiring system. Now if I could unplug the headlight, plug that into an adapter and plug that back in the head light I’d feel safe doing it.

FWIW, I was worried at first too but used the quick connects for the job which does not require you to cut or strip the factory wires, it merely knicks the wire enough to make a connection to the metal clip in the quick connect over to the product wire and I was able to remove and redo several times with ease and minimal impact to the factory wires.

 

[Mark S.]

FWIW, I was worried at first too but used the quick connects for the job which does not require you to cut or strip the factory wires, it merely knicks the wire enough to make a connection to the metal clip in the quick connect over to the product wire and I was able to remove and redo several times with ease and minimal impact to the factory wires.

This style of connector is problematic. These are designed to cut through the insulation to get to the wire strands on the inside. Breaks in the wire insulation allow air to get to the wire strands, which means eventual oxidation and corrosion. If you install and remove one of these connectors you leave behind more breaks in the insulation.

If you plan to get rid of the car a few years from now you'll likely be fine--you'll just be passing the eventual problems on to the next owner.

This article explains the problems associated with this type of connector. If you absolutely have to cut factory wiring you should select a type of splice that seals and protects the wire from the elements.

 

[Osco]

All you guys better read what Mark posted.

 

[Major Kong]

This article explains the problems associated with this type of connector. If you absolutely have to cut factory wiring you should select a type of splice that seals and protects the wire from the elements.

color coded options available
found to be a very practical and durable solution

 

[Mark S.]

color coded options available
found to be a very practical and durable solution

This can work. You can also apply appropriately sized heat shrink. Note that appropriately sized means it shrinks to seal tightly around the wire insulation. The other options, in my opinion, are easier to use (less messy), take fewer steps, and once you know how to use them are less prone to installation error. I'm referring to solder-seal connectors, or sealed, step-down crimp connectors. Solder-seal connectors require a heat gun and a bit of skill to install properly, but the splice they produce is as durable as the original wire insulation. Sealed, step-down crimp connectors also require skill, a properly sized crimp tool, and a heat gun to activate the sealant.

To make a splice in existing wiring using either of these connectors you would cut the wire you are splicing into, strip the insulation, and insert the cut ends into both ends of the connector. You then strip the wire you want to add to the circuit and insert it into the appropriate end of the connector.

Note that for both of these type of connectors you must use the proper size. If the connector is too large for the wires you are splicing it will not shrink down enough to provide an environmental seal.

This video explains how to use the connectors described for a three-way splice. It also covers the pros and cons of different splicing devices/strategies.

 

[TxHill]

This can work. You can also apply appropriately sized heat shrink. Note that appropriately sized means it shrinks to seal tightly around the wire insulation. The other options, in my opinion, are easier to use (less messy), take fewer steps, and once you know how to use them are less prone to installation error. I'm referring to solder-seal connectors, or sealed, step-down crimp connectors. Solder-seal connectors require a heat gun and a bit of skill to install properly, but the splice they produce is as durable as the original wire insulation. Sealed, step-down crimp connectors also require skill, a properly sized crimp tool, and a heat gun to activate the sealant.

To make a splice in existing wiring using either of these connectors you would cut the wire you are splicing into, strip the insulation, and insert the cut ends into both ends of the connector. You then strip the wire you want to add to the circuit and insert it into the appropriate end of the connector.

Note that for both of these type of connectors you must use the proper size. If the connector is too large for the wires you are splicing it will not shrink down enough to provide an environmental seal.

This video explains how to use the connectors described for a three-way splice. It also covers the pros and cons of different splicing devices/strategies.

Well now you tell me ?‍ Woulda been nice to know this at the top of the thread but oh well, it is what it is and for my level of expertise, the snap connectors matched my skill level. I’ll do what I can to tape or liquid tape to protect from the environment, but IMHO, I don’t feel like it’s that big of deal. I guess it’s all about risk vs reward and what you feel comfortable with. For now, everything works great and looks good, but do appreciate the info.

 

[Mark S.]

Woulda been nice to know this at the top of the thread but oh well

Post #8 in this thread:

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/tectico-led-fender-light-side-marker-install.6707/post-118042

but do appreciate the info.

You're welcome.

 

[Major Kong]

This can work. You can also apply appropriately sized heat shrink. Note that appropriately sized means it shrinks to seal tightly around the wire insulation. The other options, in my opinion, are easier to use (less messy), take fewer steps, and once you know how to use them are less prone to installation error. I'm referring to solder-seal connectors, or sealed, step-down crimp connectors. Solder-seal connectors require a heat gun and a bit of skill to install properly, but the splice they produce is as durable as the original wire insulation. Sealed, step-down crimp connectors also require skill, a properly sized crimp tool, and a heat gun to activate the sealant.

To make a splice in existing wiring using either of these connectors you would cut the wire you are splicing into, strip the insulation, and insert the cut ends into both ends of the connector. You then strip the wire you want to add to the circuit and insert it into the appropriate end of the connector.

Note that for both of these type of connectors you must use the proper size. If the connector is too large for the wires you are splicing it will not shrink down enough to provide an environmental seal.

This video explains how to use the connectors described for a three-way splice. It also covers the pros and cons of different splicing devices/strategies.

enjoyed the vid
kept waiting for the cadweld demo
forgot to mention
big fan of shrink tube use
last application
old wood rake handle kept dealing out slivers
shrink tubed select sections of handle
slivers no more

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