Tailgate Bed Light Switch for 2020 OEM Bed Lights

Hi all... I've had a search but did not find my answer relating to 2020 bed light switch install.

I have a 2020 OR and have installed the OEM bed lights but they are only activated by opening the vehicle doors or by the cargo switch on the dash, not by opening the tailgate. What would be the easiest way to wire in a switch on the tailgate? I also like the idea of having a magnetic contact switch so I don't have to drill holes.

Cheers, Mark

 

Which version is your install? Tied to the lime green wire (going to the Cargo Lamp) or tied to the blue wire of the Cargo Lamp switch?

 

These OEM lamps are plug and play into the rear light clusters.

 

Interesting. I had to walk out to the garage and pop my tailgate just to see. Nope, doesn't come on when you drop the tailgate.

 

Seems just as easy to hit the unlock button on your remote, that's what I use to turn the light on above the cab.

 

So you don't know where they are connected...do you still have the instructions? or were they installed at the stealership?

 

Chris Fix has a good video of installing bed lights. He shows how he routed the magnetic contact switch. Good stuff, might help you out even though he's not installing on a Tacoma!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77t1UW4Qc7g

 

For a 3rd Gen Tacoma and Tundra, use what ever switch you like on the tailgate for on/off...

 

I installed them, just didn't pay an attention to the colors of the wires, plug and play.

I appreciate your input, I've seen you help many others on this site

Thanks, I'll pull a light cluster out and have a look and compare to your diagram and go from there...

It's crap that the tacoma doesn't have a switch as standard!

 

Thanks, I'll take a look!

 

Yeah I get you, my truck is always unlocked at home and it would be nice to just open the tailgate and the light come on, especially if I don't have my keys. I have a tonneau cover so it's always dark under there...

 

@mosccat Any updates on this? I am interested in the same thing.

 

Post if you find a good switch. I hard wired mine with a toggle, but having an automatic option as well would be nice.

 

Bump. Looking for an option also.

 

One of these on the Tailgate:

And a SPDT switch inside the bed to choose ON-OFF-TAILGATE...

 

I have the OEM bed lights that are tied into the cab dome lights. How do I tie a tailgate switch to read as a door open?

 

I added some lights to my truck bed as well, however I went with a regular illuminated push switch

 

Find and interrupt the power side of the bed LED's tap, place a mini 5 pin relay with an add-a-fuse. Run a loomed wire to the tailgate to the pin switch.
You'll get the ON-OFF-DOOR feature to the bed LED's and when all is OFF, @ Tailgate open they come ON.
If you need off during day, you can add a pin lock, to keep it depressed. (off while gate is open)

 

Doesn't look like anything has ever been put in that box.

 

I spent way to much time and money in trial and error but I finally figured out a switch that doesn't require drilling a new hole and is hidden. I noticed that the bump stops are hollow in the center and the shaft of a pin switch fits nicely within the the hole. So I hollowed out the back side of a bump stop so it would fit over the nut of the switch and Plastidiped the tip to blend it in.


Here is the switch I used but it is .5 MM wider in diameter than the bump stop hole so I cut some threads into the bump stop hole and put a nut on the back side. But the original bump stop still will fit perfectly after. If you try this make sure you switch the ground, not the hot, because the switch itself is a grounding source.




Here is the final result...