3rd Gen (2019) TRD OR bed light install correct wire to tap

I have seen several posts about installing be lights that work from the cargo lamp switch but usually it's a lot of schematics with minimal explanation in dummy language. I'll post links to what I used below.

To get bed lights to work in conjunction you need to tap into the correct negative triggered ground wire. Pull out the switch panel using a trim removal tool then remove the plug from behind the cargo lamp light. Locate the blue wire. This is your ground switch negative.

Next is to run a wire from this Blue wire out through the grommet in the firewall to the engine compartment. You will connect this wire to the 85 pin (Black on my harness) which is the negative triggered ground.

I chose to use a Micro 5-pin relay. Most of the micro's will be labeled 1-7 instead of the 87a labeling. You can easily use a 4-pin but this came as a 5 pack so why not.



Next connect the 30 and 86 (red and white) to an always on power source. I chose the battery.

After this you can connect the 87 pin (Blue wire from the harness) to the positive side of your lights. The negative for the lights will go to the most convenient ground available.

I won't go into running wires etc. but this should get you through the wiring portion.




Relay -

$14 ESUPPORT Car Heavy Duty Relay Switch 12V 30A SPDT 5Pin Wire Socket Plug Harness Waterproof Electrical Automotive Pack of 5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RWV470O?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Lights -

$30 Nilight 3PCS 60" Bed Light Strip 270 LED with On/Off Switch Blade Fuse Splitter Extension Cable for Cargo Pickup Truck SUV RV Boat,2 Years Warranty

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZLWJZLT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Trim removal tool -

$10 245 Pcs Bumper Clips, Car Push Retainer Clips,Car Body Retainer Push Rivet Trim Moulding Fastener,Car Clips Fasteners Fender Clips,12 Most Popular Sizes Auto Push Pin Rivets (B)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZMZH5RW?ie=UTF8

 

Really

 

I know the vampire clip is ugly. It’s what I had to test with. I didn’t get a picture of the final soldered version.

 

Could've done this:

Unlock, De-pin:Snip:Strip:Crimp dual wires:insert:lock

 

P.S. Hope that's a sealed relay

 

Supposedly it’s waterproof but for $15 for five I can spare one if not. What’s the best way to remove the wire from the clip? Never tried that before.

 

I have limited exposure to any kind of wiring relays and tapping into existing wiring. And totally new to switches other than on off!

 

The connector has a securing bar, it is lifted, NOT removed. From the opposite side of the wires on the connector it has very small indentations. That's were you insert a tiny flat tip screw driver and lift.
While you get a 3rd hand to hold the wire with terminal to be removed, you insert a very small flat at the terminal (pin) side, and press carefully in and down. The 3rd hand would pull on the wire, removing it.

the TOOL can be a flat screw driver used on glasses or a needle for cord.

 

Thanks! I’ll make sure to do a cleaner install next project.

 

Try this:

 

Or this:

 

Hijack.
@caribe makaira
What does the tool to remove the .64mm size contacts from the connector body look like? A connector like the small ones in the under hood fuse box.

 

I started my next project but haven’t been able to get this to work yet. I’ll keep trying. @caribe makaira any chance you could help with some footwell wiring?