MESO Puddle Light build

So, I'm prepping for the end of the world.....I mean the puddle pod on/off switch! LOL. I took a quick look at my harness and I have to admit, I'm not sure how it fits into what I have set up. I'll need to go pull the wires out again to take a closer look. Let alone how I'm going to stuff it into the A pillar without it looking like a muffin top! The switch I ordered a new cubby for.....ground bolt (previously posted) check.....Puddles in check.....anyone have a link or instructions on the on/off switch? Truth...I have crap memory so don't beat me up over this question.
NEVERMIND...found instructions on their site. So....how bout that corona virus?

 

Puddle pods are live!

 

I’m stoked! Was able to snag a pair!! Should have picked up a chrome delete kit while I was at it, but had to rush through checkout incase they sold out in 30 seconds

 

Woohoo scored

 

did the exact same. Now I’m paying shipping twice lol

 

I jumped on these as well(O#26765)today at work. My first MESO purchase. Kind of wish I picked up the Puddle switch now.

 

Some are claiming these lights get hot when left on, I'd be worried about long term use. I'd rather throw on some rock lights for trail and camp use.

 

How worried should I be about shorting that bare connector in the mirror housing if water gets in, will it fry the body ECU? I don't really want to risk taking off the covers again since last time I broke multiple tabs trying to get them off...

 

Mybad if someone already asked. Need some troubleshooting advice: Just connected the puddle light switch (ground solid) and the switch works in the AUTO position, but the light does not come on when I switch it over to the ON position. Anyone encounter this or can point me to a fix?

 

Thanks! Can u point me to the direction or page# where that switch is at?

 

Do the puddles stay off in the off position? @MESO has said if the on/off isnt working its usually from a bad grounding spot since both those switch options require the ground to function.

Its on his site with info through out this thread. https://mesocustoms.com/collections/toyota-tacoma-3rd-gen/products/tacoma-puddle-switch-kit

 

Thanks found it and bought it

 

Yeah the light stays off when it's in the OFF position.

 

I'll try another ground location just in case once the rain stops

 

I got a pair! I just picked up my 2020 OR today and a little worried about taking off all the trim with all those tabs... has anyone had problems with the door panel not being the same after you remove it? IDK I've never done a mod like this and don't want to hurt the new baby
Also, I would also like to know about weatherproofing, as mentioned above. A LOT of anxiety, first new car!

 

Well you came to the right place for help... now pull those panels off

 

There shouldn’t be any problems if you get all the clips back in place. I’ve pulled my door panels, and dash apart several times and they seem well designed to pull off and go back easily.

Here’s the biggest tip(s): the trim piece that covers the bolts for the mirror has little white clips that secure it. Typically they will stay in the door when the trim is pulled out but then get pushed through into a black hole when you push the trim back on. So the tip for that is to carefully remove the white clips from the door and put them on the trim piece prior to putting back.

Second tip is just to make sure all the door panel clips are still on the door panel and not the door, they should come off easy but if they stay in the door that portion won’t snap back in.

Third tip, from my experience, the panels that cover the wiring going to the door boot were clipped in hard and I broke them when removing but luckily not bad enough that it wouldn’t clip back enough to stay. So I’d just say take your time with that part, someone else might now which direction to pull to make it easiest.

And finally, if you have any questions during install, just ask! Someone will likely see it quick and respond.

Edit: as for weatherproofing, as long as you follow the directions on the install guide (on MESO’s website) it’s all going back like it did from the factory except for where the pod is. Some people seal around the LED pod so water doesn’t get up in, but that seems pretty unlikely that lots of moisture would get in.

 

I would add two things to this, which he covered the major things people forget.
1. I took the window control panel off before taking the door off. Seemed to me it was easier to unplug the connections, instead of having to unplug them while the door is dangling there while you hold it.
2. I took my door speaker off and went through there instead of taking the vapor barrier off. That way I knew the barrier was good and sealed. P.S. it helps if you roll your window down about half way. That way you can grab the mirror when you take the bolts out

 

Also for $10 these are your friends.

$10 Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit - 5 Piece Car Trim Removal Tool Set for Dash, Door Panel and Clip Remover - Scratch-Resist Nylon Pry Tools for Interior Car Trims Work - Panel Prying Tools Included - Blue

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8GHB7O I've been pulling off doors, handles, ect forever worked in car audio shops. Don't get me wrong a long screw driver and pulling hard goes a long way but these are your friend.

 

I would also like to add, lower your windows prior to disconnecting battery