2020 bed lights/OE connectors - using Cargo switch

Hi,

Here are details if you would like to hookup extra lights to your bed using your Cargo switch, on your 2020 Taco.

After some help in this post I created: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2020-bed-led-light-wiring.647121/ I decided to create a new clean one with instructions.

What and Why?
With a tonneau cover installed, I was looking for some lights inside. Some 2020 Taco models can come with EO LED lights each side of the bed or you can buy some for around $60-80USD. $100+CDN. I decided to install LED strip instead, but while installing them, I noticed the wires and plug were already ready to receive the OE lights. Note that a dummy Female connector is installed to seal the male connector, which can be used to connect any 12V bed lights.

Parts:
- LED lights of your choice
- 4 male terminals 090II-PIN2 (I bought mine here: https://www.corsa-technic.com/item.php?item_id=820)
- 4 seals TS 090 SL2 (I bought mine here:https://www.corsa-technic.com/item.php?item_id=668) Seals choice depends on your light wired thickness.


Pickup any 12V lights for your bed.
I went with two 6 feet LED strips (no 5 feet available)


Remove your tail lights by removing those 2 bolts:


Pull the light assembly straight back. Those 2 nobs holds it fairly tight:


You can see the OE light connector. The connector is pined using 2 wings at the back. You can pinch them from underneath the truck or from the hole over it. Unplug the female from male.



The female connector as 2 blue plugs that you can remove by pushing them from the other side or pick with a needle from top. Note that the white insert can be pulled slightly(it will remain inside) in order to lock the future wires.
Save for later.


Install your lights.
Here's how I did my LED strips.
My LED strips were 6 feet, while my bed is 5 feet. You can curve the strip or cut it. I cut mine. Measure and cut where appropriate. The inside LED "wiring" are almost made of paper, you can cut through it with a knife or cutters. I also folded a bit the wiring inside so the cap can fit better.


Re-use the cap at the end by pulling it.
Add some silicone or glue. (Had white silicone in hand)



Install the strip or lights where you want. Note that where it's circled in the pic under, there is a small hole you can pass your wire through. I curved my LED strip towards it so it's not in the way.


Cut ans splice your wire to your preferred length. I left 2-3 feet in order to install the connector easily from inside the taillight hole.


Notice where the red wire is on the male connector and mark the female connector that you will assemble. Red wire LED to red wire hooked to truck.


Using 2 rubber seal (TS 090 SL2) + 2 males terminals (090II-PIN2)
start assembling:


I did not have the pliers, so I bent then and soldered it.


Insert terminal with the raised tabs in the connector with the plastic wing tab up. (might not get in otherwise) you will here a click when entered properly.
Don't forget to insert the red wire where the red wire will be. (If it matters. Not sure, didn't try if the polarity was important on the strip)


Clip both and insert seal into it. (Not sure if the little nipple is supposed to be in or out)
Push back the white clip inside to secure the terminals.


I taped it all.


Clip that female connector to the male. clip the assembly to the truck and secure extra wiring.


Install your tail light by aligning the 2 nobs and push, you should hear 2 click.
Screw back the 2 nuts in place.
Repeat for other side and voila!



You now have more lights when using the cargo switch.

Might not be worth all the effort compared with the the OE LED you can buy, but I preferred the large coverage of the strip and I believe I saved a couple pennies! ahah

I'm no electrician or mechanics, do this at your own risk. It worked perfectly for me, but playing in your truck can come with some surprises.

Cheers!

 

Nice! Tempting

 

Ah!
Thats how its done!
Thanks for correcting me!

 

Great write up,,,thank you.

 

Would this work on a 2019 Tacoma?

 

Does your 2018 have this?

then yes...

 

I will have to check to see if my truck have this. What point of view am I looking at?

 

Rear Driver's side Taillight

 

Thanks a lot. I will look for it tomorrow.

 

Only 2 bolts hold the taillight...and 2 inner stubs.

 

Note that the connectors as pointed by Caribe are on both sides, hidden behind each tail lights. If applicable to 2019, you can run all your wires to either one or both connector. I used both to have shorter wiring.
Let us know if you have those connectors!

 

Thanks. I was planning on taking a look at it today but I will probably have to do it next weekend. Since the weather is beautiful today in Houston, TX I decided to take the family out today instead. Got to get on my Wife good side so she does not give me hell for when I do this mod if I have the connector. Lol.

 

Great post, thanks for sharing, I am doing this mod

 

Ahahah
Yheaaa... I know how it works with them!
You may have more time lately with the freaking virus! I’m in Canada Quebec and we are told to stay home as much as we can. Working from home and spending all my time here...
I need to go buy some paint for my next 2 project. I picked up rock sliders and I’m restoring an old trailer. Got to spend some quiet time in the garage!
have fun if your doing it!✌️

 

Thanks!
Let me know if you have questions. Don’t be shy sharing pics once your done!

 

I started yesterday, I have the 2020 sport with the connector
Before working on the new connector I realized there is no power there, I turn on the cargo switch and nothing, the upper ligths turn on but no voltage on the connector terminals, Maybe there is a fuse exclusive for this output, I will check

 

Thats odd...?
I didn’t thought there would be a fuse exclusively for that one, but maybe.
If you don’t find anything let us know!

 

I am suspicious that there is a missing relay on my truck, I found this part number, TOYOTA TACOMA 2020 BED LIGHT LED RELAY 90080-87026

if not on the relay box probably somewhere in a harness, this is a pic of my relay diagram, Would you post one of yours?

Thanks!