How to Install Rock Lights as Courtesy Lights with sPOD on the 5th Gen 4Runner

Rock Lights as Courtesy Lights with sPOD Low/High Interface: Step-By-Step Install For the 5th Gen 4Runner

After installing my Victory 4X4 Blitz Rock Sliders that have integrated rock lights I was inspired by the article KC Rock Lights as Courtesy Lights.

This was an awesome idea, especially for living in the desert where rattlesnakes love to hide around tires.

However, I did not want to add another switch as I have already invested in the sPOD Source SE.

I wanted to be able to have the functionality of the courtesy lights with the ease of install and operation from the sPOD touch screen. Not finding any info on the net, outside of some invasive “hacking” of the vehicle wiring, I gave sPOD a call.

I spoke with John and let him know what I was trying to do. His response was yes I could do it using an external relay and 2 diodes, but it may cause damage to the vehicle if I mess it up but he also offered a more simplistic solution.

The 4Runners use a ground signal to trigger the interior lights on/off. The only safe way to trigger the system from the vehicles dome light circuit is to use one of these:

Find It Online:

• 4×4 sPOD Low Side / High Side Interface: Check Price

The Low Side High Side Interface is a Plug-N-Play component with the SE system that allows you to control any of the 8 circuits using external devices such as the signal for courtesy lights.

It can also be used for numerous other projects such as attaching an Arduino unit or raspberry pi and creating a motion sensor alarm. It comes with a shielded ethernet cable to connect to the Source SE.

Those lucky enough to have the sPOD Bantam already have this built into their system!

TOOLS USED:

• 10mm Socket
• 16-14 AWG T-Tap
• 5/32” drill bit
• Micro flat head screwdriver
• Standard screwdriver

PARTS USED (Optional):

• PowerTray
• Red and Black Wire as needed
• 1/2 inch Flexo PET Expandable Braided Sleeving – Black/Red: Check Price
• 1/4 inch Flexo PET Expandable Braided Sleeving – Black/Blue: Check Price
• Heat Shrink Wire Connector DIY Kit Waterproof Marine Automotive Terminals Set: Check Price
• Dual Wall Adhesive Heat Shrink Tubing Kit: Check Price
• Zip Ties: Check Price
• Made In the USA Crimps: Check Price
• Wire Stripper/Cutter: Check Price

How to Install the Low Side High Side Interface On the PowerTray

Having the PowerTray and sPOD Source has made wiring easy for my lights, and adding the Low Side High Side Interface is no different.

Step 1. Drill Two Holes To Secure sPOD on PowerTray

Placing the Low/High onto the PowerTray, to make sure wires have room and connect without harsh bends or sharp edges. I marked and drilled two holes using a  5/32” drill bit. I used some random bolts that fit from the “box o’ bolts” to secure it down. Clean and easy.

Step 2. Build + Run Wiring Harness From Both Rails to Engine

Before I could hook up the sPOD to my rock lights I needed to first build and run a wiring harness from both rails to the engine compartment.

Step 3. Connect Black Wire (+) & White Wire (Ground)

Know your lights, as the included lights from Victory 4X4 are trucker style lights.

These style lights are set up as trailer markers so the black wire is (+) positive and the white wire is ground (-). The majority of traditional rock lights will be reversed in the normal manner.

Step 4. Cut Wires To Match Length & Loom

Running a single wire on both sides as the dry fit is much easier than trying to run both wires at the same time.

Once I got the right lengths I cut the second wire to match.

Afterwhich I loomed the wires to protect them from heat, nature and any sharp edges under the vehicle. I, then, used some male and female connectors to make it easier if I want to change out the lights later on down the road.

When running wires make sure that you are keeping clear of any moving parts and use plenty of zip ties to secure the harness.

Step 5. Remove Front A-Pillar Cover w/ Soft Trim Tool + 10mm Socket

Remove the front A-Pillar cover using a soft trim tool and a 10mm socket.

The next step can be a bit tricky in regards to messing up a factory wire. Disconnect the white FS1 Connector. This will allow more room to work.

There are several green wires in this connector. Locate the green wire in Pin 15 in the diagram shown above.

Step 6. Connect 16-14 AWG T-Tap + Pin 15 Green Wire

Make sure to disconnect the white FS1 Connector to allow for more room while you reroute some of the wires.

Now, locate the green wire that’s on Pin 15, shown in the diagram from Step 5.

Using a 16-14 AWG T-Tap, connect it to that Pin 15 green wire.

Step 7. Run New Green Wire From Side of Dash To Firewall Rubber Gasket

Run a new green wire down the side of the dash to the firewall rubber gasket.

There is a nub that wire can be run through but I can’t ever seem to get it, so I go around. Just remember to go back and seal up the gasket later.

Step 8. Connect New Green Wire To Low/High Side Interface

Connect the new green wire to the Low Side High Side Interface corresponding number that the lights will be activated from the sPOD Source, in this case, #5. Connect the supplied loomed ethernet cable from the Low Side High Side Interface to the Source, it doesn’t matter which port.

Step 9. Trim New Green Wire + Secure T-Tap Connection

Back inside the cab, trim the new green wire and finish the T-Tap connection. Replace the A-Pillar cover.

Step 10. Connect Looms Together with (+) and (-) Wires

I connected the two looms together with a single positive and negative wires, as I will be adding additional rock lights and don’t want a ton of wires cluttering the sPOD.

The final step is to close it up and admire how simple and clean it all looks.

End Results + Overall Review

The total install didn’t take very long, in all, I would say a total of 5 hours to complete.

But really 4 of the 5  was wiring and creating the loom for the rock lights. This could be skipped if you have existing rock lights and sPOD already installed, then this would take less than an hour. The hardest part was trying to find which green wire was Pin 15 on the FS1 Connector.

Once I found the wiring diagram (after a 20-minute internet search for reliable beta) it was cake from there.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I don’t think I would have finished this project without that diagram, not knowing what your doing and the odds of choosing the wrong wire would have forced me to throw in the towel.

Connecting the Low Side High Side Interface with the sPOD is super easy and maintains the clean look initially brought me to sPOD, to begin with.

After having this on the 4Runner it seems like its factory and adds a touch of class and convenience to my normally rugged and utilitarian rig.