2nd Gen License plate light Disable while In Reverse (DIR)

For background and history, please refer to the 3rd gen DIR thread.



This harness disables the license plate lights in a 2nd gen Tacoma provided it is equipped with a license plate light intercept. I do not own a 2nd gen so I do not know which models this harness will work for. You should confirm a matching connector exists on your truck and that unplugging it disables your license plate lights. The license plate intercept is the 4 position connector (green and white/black) on the left side of the photo. The taillight T harness is the 6 position connector at the bottom of the image.

The purpose of the harness is to turn off the license plate lights while in reverse so they do not affect your rear facing camera. Since I don't own a 2nd gen Tacoma, I don't know which years or models have a backup camera. I assume you know if your truck has a backup camera.

I also have a DIY thread for anyone who prefers to do their own work. Note that the DIY thread was started for the 3rd gen so you'll need different taillight connectors, more jumpers, etc. You'll want to read through the thread and digest it for 2nd gen specific information.

@tkimbar2611 has the first of these harnesses on his truck. The discussion for this harness started in the DIY thread near this post.

These harnesses will be made to order, I won't keep stock on hand. Expect 2-4 weeks before receipt. I will do what I can to get them out as quickly as possible.

Pricing and ordering information in the second post.

 

Purchasing:

2nd Gen DIR pricing: $100 US / $110 Canada / $95 local pickup

To order please use the FBC Website on square.

Spoiler: 2nd Gen DIR fan club

1. @tkimbar2611

Installation:

Please refer to the 3rd gen installation instructions for now. If someone would like to write up 2nd gen specific instructions I would greatly appreciate it.

Please be very careful opening the shipping box so that you do not damage the harness. To cut the tape use light pressure and keep the blade as shallow as possible.

 

likely it should fit all 2nd gens but do you have any input on which one it was tested on if any? def interested

- Robert

 

@tkimbar2611 lists his truck as "2011 Tacoma DCLB TRD Sport"

 

thanks Pretty sure its all the same on the rear. I haven't seen anyone with a different setup. Older ones do not have cameras so likely would only apply to any with a camera. which i thought was 2012+

 

Got a care package today:



Edit: It's a 3rd Gen version ...

 

Uhhh, @Puppypunter thought you maybe had a 3rd gen you were keeping on the DL (perhaps for 2nd gen street cred?)

 

Cat is still in the b....

 

I had a 2009 (since new) before my 2017. My 2009 had the factory camera and the associated wiring harness, but did not have the rearview mirror that provided the display.

 

ahh good to know.

 

Does this only work if the truck came from the factory with a rear view? Or would it also work if you add an aftermarket one to an aftermarket head unit?

 

License plate light Disable while In Reverse... not camera disable

 

Right!! Clearly my question wasn't asking if the camera would be disabled. I'm asking if the truck didn't come with a factory rear view camera would this module still work or are the harnesses different?

 

Look under the bumper, verify if you have a connector (BE2) between the wire to the tag lamps (towing). If not, it not for you.

 

All of these “DIR” designs merely snoop off the reverse taillight signal, as opposed to any camera signals. I believe Caribe mentioned the camera is 6V. If the camera is only on during reverse then we could have potentially used that signal to the relay coil. We chose the more obvious option instead. Also because the relay mounting spot in the taillight cavity seems ideal to me.

The DIR harness doesn’t interact with the factory camera in any way, so you’re OK on that point.

 

Dave, you making a DIR for non-tow 2nd Gen Tacoma? 'cause there's no BE2 connector for the non-tow. Or are you going to intercept at the lamp connector?

 

So far its been crickets for 2nd Gen. probably will focus on Tundra once Johnny gets that train fully up to speed. He will potentially want to pioneer 4Runner.

It likely makes sense that people who have owned their truck for years don’t see a reason to change something like this.

So, no, no plans on 2nd Gen other than build to order if requested on a case by case basis.

 

Otay...

 

Tundra 2003 same as 2nd Gen on most parts.

 

The Tundra intercept connectors, relay mounting and wire gauge are different. The reverse T is more like 3rd gen and I believe is a match to 3rd gen TRD turn connector. Lengths also different.

For Tacoma, 2nd gen is different enough that it can’t share parts other than license intercept connectors and the relay.

Neither 2nd Gen Tacoma nor Tundra is as clean as the 3rd gen Tacoma design-wise. We 3rd Gen guys got very lucky on that.

Oh but first gen Tundra, that’s another topic too. I hopefully work through that in the near future now that I have mine back