MESO Puddle Light build

Installed my puddle pods over the weekend and I love them! They’re super bright, and look good. But has anyone else had the issue of the lights not coming on when the unlock button is pressed? My dome lights don’t light up either. The lights will only come on when I press the lock button now. (6MT so I don’t have proximity sensor) I haven’t had a chance to go back over the connections yet but I plan on doing that tonight or tomorrow.

 

I'm no expert by any means but it sounds like a loose connection in the A pillar to me.

 

I've not yet installed my puddle pods, and with the ongoing complaints, it seems as though there may be issues with the harness? Some people are reporting loose connections in the harness itself--which if I remember correctly, was also seen in the first gen pods.

Is there anything that can be done to the harness/connectors to keep them from coming loose? Is the problem that the connectors are backing out of the harness, either initially when being plugged-in, or subsequently due to vehicle vibrations? Would a drop of hot glue in each cavity, and the wire-end of the connection help prevent that?

 

Check to see that all the pins are in the correct place before you install?

 

And when you plug in the harness, how are you going to do that? And how do you do that after you've put it all back together and it happens later on?

Many people are reporting that these issues are coming up after the installation is done, after having driven the truck for a bit (which is why I asked about VIBRATIONS.)

 

What I would do if I were you is check the pins, hook up the lights to the wire harness and plug it into the the truck's harness in the pillar just to see if the lights do power up.

 

Re-pasting this as you seem to have missed it: Many people are reporting that these issues are coming up after the installation is done, after having driven the truck for a bit (which is why I asked about VIBRATIONS.)

Meaning that everything worked at the initial installation, but these problems arose afterward. AFTER everything was all put back together.

IF the issue is with the harness, as it was in the 1st gen puddle pods, then this would explain what is happening--all over again.

I'm asking for possible workarounds before I do my own install.

 

The connectors clip together securely. I’m not even remotely concerned.

Do the install and enjoy, we didn’t buy these to have them sit in a box. If there is an issue Meso will correct it very quickly.

 

Well thats my opinion and thats what I did prior to installing my puddles. I don't think there is any "workarounds" to this situation except installing it and see. Just my 2 cents you don't have to follow and good luck with your install.

 

You & the other guy seem to be taking this as an attack against MESO; it isn't. As I stated: I'm asking for possible workarounds before I do my own install.

But... it IS peculiar that these very same issues, which were seen w/ the 1st gen pods, and eventually linked back to bad harnesses, has re-emerged w/ this 3rd gen build. The connectors clipping together securely is irrelevant if the wires are backing out of the rear of the harness, either initially, or after experiencing vehicle vibrations--which is why I asked if dropping some hot glue behind the wires, at the rear of the harness would work.

I'm damned sure not going to rip everything apart to install these, and then have to do it again if/when I experience the same issue many others are reporting!

AND I'm going to continue asking questions, here, to get a better idea of what is actually happening.

 

Perhaps it makes sense to put some e-grade silicone on the rear of all the connectors and letting that cure before installation? Thinking of doing this myself.

 

Now THAT'S a workaround!

Thank you!!!

 

I don't take it as an attack, I don't get a penny off Meso so I don't need to care if you are attacking Meso or not I'm just giving you suggestions to a fellow Tacoma owner thats all.

 

Hey man, I must have come across the wrong way! Not taking it as an attack against anyone. I just don’t want anyone to psych themself out about this.

It’s an easy install. I guess you could check continuity in each line but that would be a pain. Looking for bent pins is easy and it should be easy to determine if a wire is loose in the connector.

You’ll hear more from detractors on here because they want a resolution. I’m just trying to say there are 100x good experiences and any bad experience will be quickly handled by Meso. He’s got awesome customer service.

 

Having been part of a number of harness projects, I don't suspect the issue is pins backing out or vibrations. It is most likely user error with an occasional sprinkling of initial product defect.
Part of the issue we have here is that these harnesses support quite a number of pins in a very small space. This makes them highly susceptible to misalignment and bending. These harnesses were meant for a one and done installation by line personnel. I don't think applying something in the back side is a good idea, as most of these designs are made to offer the pins some movement for allignment. My best advice would be to review and assure all your parts are present. Review the install instructions/documentation/videos. Test the assembly BEFORE you start disassembling your vehicle (opening doors, etc.). Last, but not least - TAKE YOUR TIME. There is no prize for finishing quicker. Do the job, but do it once. Make good proper connections and NEVER pull a connector loose by grabbing/pulling the wires. Always use the connector itself and release the lock/retainer/clip. Good Luck!

 

Ultimately, despite any preventative measures you won’t won’t be aware of issues until you install.

You can just take off the A-pillar, connect all the connectors and test. This might be a good starting point before taking off mirrors and door panels, etc

 

+1 to that.

I took my door panel off & reinstalled it numerous times. To the point that the mirror remote wasn't working any more. Lo and behold, I bent one pin...THE pin that controls the mirrors. Time, patience and being focused on diligent work will pay off. My set had a defect, and when I went through troubleshooting steps, I verified that there was a defect. Contacted MESO, and remedy shipment was in my mailbox in no time.

@Bunk Moreland ... if you can, lay out the materials, and ensure that everything fits and that you have a good understanding of what goes where, and how connectors fit together. Are they loose to begin with? Do you need any other tools that you may not have on hand? If you feel it is overwhelming, send out a message on the thread. There are SO MANY people willing to lend advice and direction if you feel stuck.

And, certainly don't be intimidated by this project, just make sure you aren't rushing or cramped for space. It is nice to be able to open the doors up all the way so that you can have as much access to the door boot and the kick plates without hindrance. I don't think vibrations (or as you put it VIBRATIONS) are the issue, I would guess that connections weren't 100% tight. These are factory harnesses, with wiring made by someone who's profession it is to do this. Working with this type of wiring isn't guess work. It's right or it is wrong. This would be noticed at the initial build. Also, do your own checks prior to installation to ensure that yours is built right and that you won't need to dig back into the truck to fix something that "might" show up later....obviously, we can't predict every outcome, but you can do as much as possible to keep silly things that may have been overlooked by diligence and patience.

 

I appreciate the advice and suggestions, very much.

I'm not actually intimidated by this--it's that I work 2 full-time jobs and have very little extra time for this type of fun. If the install doesn't work the first time, and the windows or door locks don't work, it could be days or weeks before I could get back to it (and that's assuming that the troubleshooting is quick & easy.)

I have dry-fitted the parts, and they all seem to work fine, but many others have done the same, and still had ongoing problems.

I know that MESO will make everything right--really I do--but if I can figure out a workaround/fix/preventative measure before I do the install, that may reduce or remove the need to have to do it twice.

Thanks.

 

I understand time is valuable. Hopefully you are able to get a few hours and not be constrained by having to "just get it done". I have been there before, and that's where mistakes happen. Window and door lock problems are generally user created. I even took pics of the door actuators on the back side the first time I tore it all apart, thinking I was going to mess something up. There's always something that you haven't faced before (at least me) when you get into a project, but there are plenty of resources for most anything. Install for most has gone relatively quick and easy, don't let a few that have had problems slow you down. Best of luck on your install, sounds like you are well prepared.

 

I'm in the same boat it took me almost 2 months. I broke it down into 2 parts ran the wires to into the door boot. Then the 2nd month I had time to run wires down the A-Pillar.