Access Cab Addition of Factory Bed Light LEDs (Gen 3)

Gen 3 access cabs sometimes have bed lights (the bed lights nearest the tailgate), but mostly don't. I've found they're oddly more common in SR's than in more expensive trims, save for maybe the Pros. No idea why that might be.

And since access cabs also do not have the combo third brake light/bed light, they don't come with the squid launcher switch (love that name).

Here are the steps I took to add the lights to my '22 OR access cab.

Purchased the Toyota parts from toyotapartsdeal.com for $150. This includes:

NOTE: I did not need the relay; it was already installed. I've read that others have had the same finding (some need it, most don't), so my recommendation is to buy the switch and light kit first, install, and then see if you need the relay. I'm not even sure where the relay would get installed.

New kit:


Pulled the taillights and found the existing capped harness on both sides:



My understanding is that every 2020+ Tacoma will have this harness.
I connected the new harnesses and lights to the existing harness, and routed the leads.

Removed the blanks where the lights will go (pull from the bottom):



Installed the new lights in the bed and reinstalled the taillights.

Removed the interior panel where the squid launcher switch will be installed. Just pry around the outside lip and it will come apart.


You don't need trim tools, I used these:


Located the existing harness to connect to the new switch here:


Connected the plug to the switch, successfully tested the lights, and snapped it back together.

Surprisingly easy, and I am happy with the results.


Stuff I removed, and the leftover relay: