How to Wire a Q-Switch

A Q-switch cycles a vehicle's high beams through multiple nonconsecutive flashing patterns. The high beam's flash pattern rotates between alternately flashing, simultaneous flashing and a fast-paced alternate pulse. Each pattern lasts for 5.4 seconds. If the driver turns on the high-beam switch, the Q-switch overrides its flasher and the high beams steadily glow. A Q-switch controls either a two- or four-headlight system and operates on an automobile's standard negative ground, 12-volt direct current -- 12VDC -- electrical system.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal with the correct size wrench.

2

Secure the Q-switch to the vehicle's engine compartment near the battery with two sheet metal screws. Each screw slips through a slot on the ends of the Q-switch. Tighten the screws with the correct screwdriver.

3

Loosen a ground screw next to the battery. Any screw penetrating the vehicle's metal chassis near the battery acts as a ground source; the vehicle's negative battery terminal has a wire that connects to the vehicle chassis. Wrap the end of the Q-switch's green wire around the ground screw. Tighten the ground screw with the screwdriver.

4

Cut the wire powering the vehicle's passenger-side high-beam headlight about 12 inches from the light fixture with wire cutters. Remove 1/2 inch of the insulation from both cut wires with wire strippers.

5

Twist the wire leading to the passenger headlight to the Q-switch's yellow wire. Spin a wire nut onto the wires.

6

Spin the other cut wire to the Q-switch's blue wire. Cover the wire ends with a wire nut.

7

Connect the Q-switch's red wire to the switched side of the vehicle's high-beam light switch. The connection method and location depends on the vehicle make and model.

8

Run the Q-switch's white wire to the vehicle's fuse box. Connect the end of the white wire to an open fuse connection, designating that connection's slot for the Q-switch. Plug a 20-amp fuse into the Q-switch's fuse slot.

9

Connect the Q-switch's black wire to the parking light's power wire. Cut the parking light's wire with wire cutters. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off the cut wire's ends. Twist the two cut ends and the black wire together. Cover the wire ends with a wire nut.