Pop & Lock Install - Which ****ing side?????????

Got a Pop & Lock tailgate lock kit, planned to install it tomorrow, and thought since I didn't plan on moving off the couch this evening, I'd check out YouTube U. for some installation examples. Both videos I checked out (Clearly 3rd gen installs) show the wiring being run up the passenger's side and the connections being made in the passenger's side kick-panel. The instructions equally clearly say DRIVER'S SIDE.

Someone make up my mind... I know there was at least one really good install post here with pictures, but right now I'm confused as....

 

I went passengers side.

 

Passenger side.

 

You can go either side. Drivers is what the Toyota install recommends because you can tie the new harness to the existing factory harness that also runs up the drivers side. Also the drivers footwell gives you access to all the door opening circuits, where I *think* you can only tie into the passenger circuit in the passenger footwell. Drivers is my recommendation, because it follows the factory harness, but either will work. most go passenger because that’s what was (probability the first document) way someone did it on this forum.

 

I did the passenger's side and had zero issues.

 

I went passenger side also.

 

Thanks all - anyone have photos of the driver's side connector/install?

 

I went with passenger side so that the tailgate lock operated only when the passenger door lock operated. If just the driver getting in with the "smart" door handle (where as only the driver door unlocks), then the tailgate lock doesn't get any unnecessary wear. Same with a single press on the keyfob, where as only driver door operates. Two presses are necessary to unlock everything (including passenger door and tailgate). On my truck anyway... YMMV

 

Search for the Toyota tailgate lock install PDF, it’s all in their and for all models as the wiring is different between double and access cab.

 

I went passenger side, used a oem style plug so I didn’t have to clip or splice. Works flawlessly...

 

Drivers side has access both circuits.

 

This was why I went passenger side. Less wear and tear. It’s the wife’s work truck and she usually is riding solo and only unlocks the drivers side.

 

I did passenger side. The firewall nipple is an absolute bitch to breach. I used a wire hanger and some electrical tape. Also, IIRC the instructions were backwards and I think I spent an hour wracking my brain and on the phone with the support desk to no avail. Then I zoomed in on the YouTube video and reversed the wires and finally got it to work. The takeaway here is, the directions can be wrong... and yes, it was for the Tacoma, not tundra.

 

On and if you are tapping into the circuit, I actually think using the connection at the base of the B Piller is the best option. There is a lot more room than behind the front kick panels, so less stress on the wires. I think a thread that Meso started has that wiring option.

 

Passenger side also doesn't have a steering wheel or foot pedals in the way...

 

Any pics? If given the choice, I’d prefer to use factory hardware

 

I used a harness from the OP in this link:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...lock-tailgate-bolt-n-open-by-ktjo-4x4.592685/

 

This is what I used...

 

That looks exactly like @KTJO 4x4 's harness...

 

I got it off eBay before I saw hers, probably paid more but it worked perfectly...I was very satisfied...