Tail gate indicator light ?

I have a bed cover so I don't see the tail gate out of the rear view mirror. Some times I get a brain fart and drive off with the tail gate open. This is NFG as I have lost tools and they ain't cheap to replace. I thought a solution would be to put a push pin switch somewhere on the tailgate and a indicator light in the dash board. Any help with correct part names, where to buy, wiring, location of switch on tailgate etc. would be appreciated. If there is already a write up please post link. Thanks for any help.

 

Not sure about most of your questions but as far as buying one, maybe a trunk sensor off of another toyota like a camry or 4runner? Just a thought I had. Maybe put an led light somewhere on your dash that will light up if the switch is disengaged?

 

I don't think there is a company that makes one it would have to be custom made

 

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking new but that is an idea. I could check the junk yards or what ever the PC term is for them now - Salvage - Recycling ? Thanks.

 

Yes. That's why I was asking for suggestions for part names. Thanks.

 

If looking new maybe talk to a techy at a dealership and acquire the part numbers from their system

 

Good suggestion. Thanks.

 

if you wanted to keep it simple they have alarm pins for stuff like this. The moment someone lifts the hood/trunk it triggers the alarm and they are cheap and simple. So you could have yours set to light an LED somewhere when the tailgate is open .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Alarm-Security-Adjustable-Pin-Swich-Hood-Trunk-/390339167781

 

Wow $3.75 - I'll have to think that one over - LOL. Thanks for the link. A solution a lot less then I thought it would be. Thank again.

 

Glad to see you're getting some help. But the cheapest solution would be to learn to do a walk-around before you drive off. I'm not trying to shit on your thread, but just offer some common sense advice. But best of luck with your indicator. Remember to post pictures when you're done.

Frank

 

U R Correct Sir ! However I don't always do it. There R a lot of things I should do that I don't always do. It's better for me if I have an idiot light then pretend I'm going to always do the right thing.

 

haha Frank has good advice, but gotta respect you George for being honest and not coming back with a sarcastic comment or something like a lot of others would have done!

Hope you get the tailgate light to work!

 

use the Car Alarm Security Adjustable Pin Swich For Hood Trunk, it is easy to hook up

 

I just got thru reading this
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/239493-cmon-people.html
I am now a kinder more gentle George. LOL. I am usually sarcastic in person but my sense of humor doesn't go over in writing - Some times it doesn't go over in person either.

 

Thanks. Got this link from post above.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Alarm-Se...-/390339167781

Any better suggestions ? Thanks.

 

Wiring diag is look like this.

 

I would imagine a simple push switch like you need would be at radio shack or the like, get a simple led light, prob also from radio shack, and run a wire. I would think, maybe the hardest part would be picking up a steady power. I would think pretty easy install. I thought about doing something like this, not so much cause I forget, but t
o satisfy my mild OCD making me think I left it down.

 

Thanks. You don't get mo simpler den dat. With any luck I won't screw it up. LOL

 

Thanks. X2 on the OCD. Sometimes I check it go down to the end of the street and check it again but then when it's open I don't - go figure.

 

LOL, yep. I also do the same with my garage door. I drive to top of driveway, now I just looked at it closed before I drove up, I back, back down to make sure.