Need to convert pulsing positive to a pulsing ground

[Hyper]

So what i got is a 2004 ford ranger 5.0 swapped from a 2000 ford explorer, the problem im having atm is my anti-theft light not working reason why is because when the pats system was in the 2000 explorer the module sends out the positive voltage and the cluster grounds, however on the 2004 ford ranger, the cluster provides positive power instead of negative so i need some type of module that will convert the theft module lights positive voltage to negative for the light to work

 

[franklin2]

Have you had the cluster apart on the 2004? Can you isolate the light and re-wire it correctly? If it's on the circuit board, can you scratch through the copper traces to isolate it, and then solder new wires on either side of the bulb on the traces and wire it correctly? Here are both diagrams if someone else has any ideas.

 

[Hyper]

I thought about doing that actually and i could do that, problem with that is, i dont have another cluster, i went to a junkyard and pulled a 2007 ranger cluster only to find out afterwards its a 2004 only cluster so i am worried about making it never work again

 

[pjtoledo]

will something like this work? I'm a bit rusty on the electronic stuff, flopping when I should be flipping.
2pcs LMV358 Op Amp Breakout Board with 4 Pin Male Pin Header and Right Angel Pin Header: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[franklin2]

The more I look at it, if the bulb is tied to the wrong power supply or ground, there is no way to make it work besides lifting it out of the circuit.

The circuit traces can be easily repaired with soldering later. But go ahead and admit, this truck will never be put back to the stock configuration will it?

P.S. Or just mount yourself another bulb somewhere and use it as a theft light. That might look better to thieves anyway.

 

[Hyper]

Im thinking about a relay style, using the pulse from the theft module to trigger a relay so the relay sends a ground signal everytime the module wants the light to be on

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Im thinking about a relay style, using the pulse from the theft module to trigger a relay so the relay sends a ground signal everytime the module wants the light to be on

That could work

 

[Hyper]

Yes but i need to find the proper relay, like a solid state relay because a normal relay is not made to be turned on and off repeatedly problem is most of the solid state relays are ground activated been searching all morning for a positive voltage activation solid state relay

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

What about a blinker module, can that be used somehow?

 

[franklin2]

Yes but i need to find the proper relay, like a solid state relay because a normal relay is not made to be turned on and off repeatedly

I am not sure who told you this? Relays are designed to cycle thousands of times. And that little light bulb will be a very small load and be easy for the relay to turn on and off. But a solid state transistor relay would be less parasitic load. This circuit and bulb would be a draw on the battery when the truck sits.

 

[Hyper]

https://www.amazon.com/250Vac-Module-Plastic-Enclosure-Pre-Wired/dp/B0CJ98T6V1?tag=959media-20 do you think this one will work? Looks like a normal relay and wont be under the dash clicking away

 

[4x4junkie]

If this is the anti-theft light that constantly blinks every few seconds when the vehicle is parked, I would not suggest using a mechanical relay there (will be constantly clicking, higher battery drain).

Assuming this is a low-current circuit (looks like it should be if it's LED), a simple transistor & a couple resistors will do what you want:

When voltage is input to the transistor "base" lead through a resistor, the "collector" lead will be switched to ground at the "emitter" lead.

Almost any small NPN-type transistor will work in this circuit. 2N3904 is probably the easiest to find though. The two resistors should be 2200Ω (or 2.2K).

Note that this circuit (diagram attached) is good up to 200mA. (I suspect it'll be more around 15-20mA when it pulses, but check just to be sure)

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=2n3904+transistor&tag=959media-20

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=2.2k+ohm+resistor+1%2F4+watt&tag=959media-20

 

[Hyper]

Yes its the light that flashes, and thank you for that information, ik what resistors are but i dont know what a transistor is so i will google that and ive been tryna find a soild state relay instead of mechanical relays because the clicking and power draw, may look into what you got here and how i can use it

 

[Curious Hound]

Yes its the light that flashes, and thank you for that information, ik what resistors are but i dont know what a transistor is so i will google that and ive been tryna find a soild state relay instead of mechanical relays because the clicking and power draw, may look into what you got here and how i can use it

A transistor is a semiconductor that either "conducts" through emmitter and collector or "does not conduct" through emitter and collector based on voltage applied to the base. It is, in effect, a switch. There are 2 basic types - NPN and PNP. They basically work the same way, but using opposite polarity, usually called "bias". The resistors are needed to provide the proper voltage on the base in reference to the emmitter and collector voltages.

@4x4junkie 's solution is the best idea, if you're comfortable implementing it..

 

[Hyper]

If it will turn the theft modules possible signal into a ground signal then yes this method i can definitely do just need to figure out a wiring method like if i want them to just be soldered into the air and hanging on for dear life or find some kind of board like a breadboard or something i can put them in and go that route or another idea, atm i may just use shrink wrap with naked wires and solder the wires to the components and then use shrink wrap to isolate them mid air