Adding bed lights

Is the wiring for the bed lights there for the models that didn't come with the lights? If not, what's the best way to tap into existing wiring to have aftermarket lights come on when the tailgate is down or the cargo light button is pushed from inside?

 

You can tap into the cargo light wire circuit underneath the driver-side rear passenger scuff plate. The scuff plate just pulls up from some clips that capture it. Underneath the scuff plate is a wire bundle and one of the wires there goes to the cargo light. On my 20165, the wire is a gray, smaller gauge wire in the bundle. I don't know what the color may be in your truck because it can vary by year model. Tapping this circuit will light up any bed lights any time the cargo light comes on either by unlocking/locking the truck with the fob or by turning on the cargo light switch from the dash switch.

 

Definitely check your wiring with a DMM. These are 2 different trucks. May have different locations too.

 

You can test wires in the bundle by using half of a PosiTap to puncture the wire you are testing, and using a test light to see if the circuit has power with the door open. Clip the negative to a good ground and touch the positive probe to the PosiTap. The PosiTap doesn't tear the wiring up; just punctures it.

 

2022 cargo light schematic.
Page 1 the bed lights
Page 2 where the bed lights tap into the circut

I would look under the bed and see if there is wiring and loose connectors to the area the bed lights would go.
In my 2014 I had to run my own. and tap into the circut.

Good luck..

 

Thanks everyone! I'll start under the bed for any wires and go from there.

 

Im curious to see if the wiring is there already.

 

Keep us updated OP

 

That is the one thing I miss on this truck vs when I had my tacoma. Having a bed cover I need bed lights bad. It was so easy to add them to the Taco. We need a write up.