Canopy dome light wiring in 2006 tacoma

Does anyone know if there is a "hot" wire in the rear of a 2006 tacoma that I could tap into for a dome light. I want to avoid running a wire to the battery and want to be able to turn my canopy dome light on without having the running lights on. Thanks!!

 

if by canopy you mean a shell on your truck bed, no, not really. If you have hte factory trailer hitch, there's the BATT CHG wire to the trailer connector, but this is only powered when the engine is on.

I ran a 12 gauge wire from the main fuse box under the hood along the top of the left frame rail, back to the left turn signal, snaked it up into the space behind the turn signal, then out a grommet lined hole I drilled in the metal 'box' around the turn signal, and to a 3 pin connector, with ground, always-on power for the camper shell dome light, and 3rd brake light for the shell. I ran all the wires through HDPE black mesh sheathing for protection.



the triple slider dimmer is for my camper shell 'dome light', which in fact is 1 meter of R/G/B LED tape in an aluminum molding with diffuser lens.


now, if you're talking about in the rear of your cab, I dunno. the dome light in my 2008 AC works without any running lights on, it has its own 3-position switch, so its on when doors are open, or off, or on always.

edit: picture taken before I trimmed the mesh sheaths.

 

Nice set-up. Thanks for the reply

 

for the power, I used a fuse tap


in an empty fuse spot that had unswitched power, I think it was the empty fuse labeld '7' on the diagrams, but I'd have to go look.

if I'd done it right, I would have run the wire from a empty fuse slot in the junction box in the cab (under dash on left side), under the driver door sill, and down to the frame under the back seat where the main harnesses are routed. but, I was able to run it under the left fender, and onto the frame such that it is clear of all suspension components, and is secured with G-B black tiewraps, which I've found last a long time.

 

That's a great way to do it. Thanks

I also just realized that my trailer hitch plug has a hot wire I could tap in to.

 

the hitch is only hot when the engine is running. if thats ok with you, go for it. its NOT powered in 'Accessory'.