1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

DIY Guide to installing OEM led Bed Light and Pop & lock for tailgate

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by BlueBottle, Apr 8, 2017.

  1. Dec 26, 2018 at 10:13 AM
    #91
    cantle

    cantle New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2018
    Member:
    #22765
    Messages:
    336
    Gender:
    Male
    Durango, CO
    Vehicle:
    2018 Platinum CrewMax Barcelona Red
    TRD Pro Exhaust, TRD Skidplate, TRD Faux-Pro wheels, Ridge Grapplers
    Nice thanks, going to install mine this weekend. I realized having a tonneau cover and having to put a key in the tailgate was going to be a total pain in the ass.

    Did you run through the floor panel or firewall? Seems like the floor panel is the way to go.
     
  2. Dec 26, 2018 at 2:08 PM
    #92
    KnuckleHD

    KnuckleHD New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2018
    Member:
    #14770
    Messages:
    1,406
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra CM Limited- Cement
    I went through the floor panel. It’s by far the easiest way to go since they connect right there in the passenger kick panel. I also ran my LED bed lights at the same time so it made since.
    If you haven’t installed yet, grab some Posi-Taps for the connections. Much better and easier to use than what they supply.
     
    Fishman57 likes this.
  3. Dec 26, 2018 at 3:51 PM
    #93
    cantle

    cantle New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2018
    Member:
    #22765
    Messages:
    336
    Gender:
    Male
    Durango, CO
    Vehicle:
    2018 Platinum CrewMax Barcelona Red
    TRD Pro Exhaust, TRD Skidplate, TRD Faux-Pro wheels, Ridge Grapplers
    Sweet! Yep I got positaps, Dynamat, and the lock assembly on Amazon all at once. I want shit to be stout when done and last the life of the truck.
     
    KnuckleHD[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Dec 26, 2018 at 5:38 PM
    #94
    Snowcat4360

    Snowcat4360 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2018
    Member:
    #20683
    Messages:
    202
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Sport Crewmax
    Century topper, bed rug, ultimate rod case
    Did anyone actually cut a hole in a piece of dynamat to accomodate the screw hole and place the dynamat between the actuator and the tailgate? I did not and mine still seems a little loud. Makes sense to me that this would dampen the sound the most.
     
  5. Dec 26, 2018 at 5:45 PM
    #95
    Erichudgins

    Erichudgins New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2018
    Member:
    #14593
    Messages:
    2,302
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Murfreesboro, TN
    Vehicle:
    2017 Super white Limited DC
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-un-limited-build.25949/
    what wires did you tap into for the oem bed lights? im going to be installing mine in the next couple weeks
     
  6. Dec 26, 2018 at 6:00 PM
    #96
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2016
    Member:
    #4572
    Messages:
    5,084
    Vehicle:
    '16 Platinum 4x4
    See fine print
    Bro it’s on the first post.
     
  7. Dec 26, 2018 at 6:05 PM
    #97
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,705
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Did this but used the universal actuator for waaaay less. Does the job just as well imo.
     
  8. Dec 26, 2018 at 7:43 PM
    #98
    KnuckleHD

    KnuckleHD New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2018
    Member:
    #14770
    Messages:
    1,406
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra CM Limited- Cement
    I pretty much followed the OPs write up to the T. I do like having Toyota's instructions for reference though throughout the process. Mine was slightly different being a 2018. I didn't use any in-line fuses though..
     

    Attached Files:

    texasrho83 likes this.
  9. Dec 26, 2018 at 8:58 PM
    #99
    Erichudgins

    Erichudgins New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2018
    Member:
    #14593
    Messages:
    2,302
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Murfreesboro, TN
    Vehicle:
    2017 Super white Limited DC
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-un-limited-build.25949/
    Ahhh shit nvm my bad man just saw the 2 attachments. Sorry sir thanks for the info
     
  10. Dec 29, 2018 at 8:27 AM
    #100
    dieselkeane

    dieselkeane New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2018
    Member:
    #12332
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 White Tundra
    Did anyone install the Bed lights into a 2014, the instructions that came with the lights are for a 2015. I followed those instructions and the lights are not working. I am wondering if its the T connector not getting a clean connection or slight chance the wire is different for 2014.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  11. Dec 29, 2018 at 8:57 AM
    #101
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,705
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Check your ground. I’ve done a lot of wiring and in nearly all the cases of things not working it was a ground issue. Check where you’ve grounded your lights!
     
  12. Dec 29, 2018 at 9:03 AM
    #102
    dieselkeane

    dieselkeane New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2018
    Member:
    #12332
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 White Tundra
    I changed out both of the vampire clips to posi taps, I have always had better connections with them. I will pull out the voltage meter and see what the deal is with the lights today, I ran out of time yesterday.
     
  13. Dec 29, 2018 at 9:07 AM
    #103
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,705
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    I ran into an issue with the ground on my OEM bed lights. Instead of tracing wire, pulling it out of the loom, etc I just ran a new one and it worked like a charm.
     
    dieselkeane[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Dec 29, 2018 at 9:17 AM
    #104
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,705
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Yep, posi taps are awesome. I have a kit of various sizes on standby
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  15. Dec 29, 2018 at 9:22 AM
    #105
    dieselkeane

    dieselkeane New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2018
    Member:
    #12332
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 White Tundra
    Thats what I am thinking with the Posi-tap on the positive to the DC connector. I think i have a 16-18 gauge posi- tap and that is probably to big.
     
  16. Dec 29, 2018 at 9:26 AM
    #106
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,705
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Make use of that test light I’m sure you have...
     
  17. Dec 30, 2018 at 9:16 PM
    #107
    dieselkeane

    dieselkeane New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2018
    Member:
    #12332
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 White Tundra
    it was the wire taps, they were not making a good connection. Its now working.
     
    texasrho83 and NewImprovedRon like this.
  18. Dec 30, 2018 at 10:52 PM
    #108
    Inquiringone

    Inquiringone -Blue N Blac- an a little chrome

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2017
    Member:
    #11421
    Messages:
    2,025
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ter
    NorCal 408
    Vehicle:
    U can take the guy out of the garage, But U can’t take the garage out of the guy
    Not many yet, mostly stock.
    Times 2 :thumbsup:
     
    831Tun[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Mar 31, 2019 at 8:41 PM
    #109
    Tundra_Dawg

    Tundra_Dawg Boss Moss

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #9921
    Messages:
    187
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM Platinum
    PPE headers, TRD exhaust, ICON 3" lift, Raceline wheels, Powertrax Tonneau cover; 2019 TRD Pro headlights and fogs; TRD pro grille; Victory 4x4 sliders.
    I installed the tailgate pop & lock today. I took my time, and it worked out very nicely. However, I had a major delay while researching the wiring. The colors of the wires on my 2017 did not match the instructions nor the pictures posted here. I finally decided to use the position of the wires in the pin connector as a guide. I got the correct wires, but made the wrong connections on the first try, so then swapped and it now works like it should.

    See the picture for my wiring for a 2017 Platinum crewmax. I had a tan wire and an aqua color wire - no silver stripes or dashes. I also added pics of the grommet in the passenger footwell. I added a little green liquid electrical tape around where I poked the wires through, just as a guarantee against any moisture intrusion.

    Tundra wiring.jpg Passenger side floor 1.jpg Passenger side floor 2.jpg
     
    acctop6019, texasrho83 and KnuckleHD like this.
  20. Apr 4, 2019 at 1:04 PM
    #110
    BigLoggerhead

    BigLoggerhead New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
    #28606
    Messages:
    129
    Gender:
    Male
    North Shore of Pontchartrain
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Crewmax 4x4 TSS package
    Bought all of the stuff for this and will be installing Sunday, more than likely. Thanks so much for this write up. If this isn’t a sticky it should be.
     
  21. Apr 5, 2019 at 6:39 PM
    #111
    BigLoggerhead

    BigLoggerhead New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Member:
    #28606
    Messages:
    129
    Gender:
    Male
    North Shore of Pontchartrain
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Crewmax 4x4 TSS package
    Did my install today. What great options. If you don’t have these get them. Fantastic options, especially if you plan on rocking a bed cover. Thanks to the OP. Use the provided instructions, though. Wiring changes from year to year.
     
    texasrho83 likes this.
  22. Apr 15, 2019 at 2:23 PM
    #112
    SnrDisregardo

    SnrDisregardo New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    Member:
    #13125
    Messages:
    861
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wade
    IL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Platinum CrewMax 4x4
    TRD Sport Suspension, TRD Front & Rear Sway bar, TRD Pro Shift knob, Charcoal Filter Delete, aFe Pro Dry S w/SABM, LineX bed, Remote Start, OEM tonneau cover, DIY pop'n lock, DIY TRD cold air intake, TRD skid plate, DD SS3 amber fogs, HotShot Offroad Hot Tails, 2020 OE radio with tech12v amp and sub.
    I've had a set laying around for 6 months and can't find myself realizing when I would need them. I see it makes a big difference, but I don't have ton in my bed and with my home made bed divider, most things stay at the back anyway.
     
  23. Apr 28, 2019 at 5:29 PM
    #113
    NoMoTaco

    NoMoTaco New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Member:
    #10479
    Messages:
    370
    Gender:
    Male
    Bluffton SC
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra DC TRD OR Silver
    Thank you. Done
     
  24. Jun 23, 2019 at 6:23 AM
    #114
    mgxsequioa

    mgxsequioa New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2018
    Member:
    #21565
    Messages:
    294
    I'd like to thank all of you that contributed to this how to post and encourage those with limited technical confidence that this really is a DIY project. It took me a little more time than expected on my 2018, but the kits included all the parts including taps and zip ties. The wire colors may be different on the instructions but the pin locations are the same.

    Now to buy some dynamat and make it quieter.
     
  25. Jul 6, 2019 at 10:46 PM
    #115
    What the!?

    What the!? New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2018
    Member:
    #13121
    Messages:
    302
    Vehicle:
    2017 Pro
    Had both the bed lights and the Pop N Lock for almost a year. Finally had some free time and got both done. Thank you for the write up! Saved me some time.

    Note to self, if I ever have to do this again, make sure to either do it before I drive the truck through mud or make sure all of it is washed off before under the truck. Holy crap I came out looking like Arnold in the Predator after I was done. Dirt falling in your face while you’re trying to run cable is no fun.
     
    pmcgeorge1964 and texasrho83 like this.
  26. Dec 2, 2019 at 8:17 PM
    #116
    Travo60

    Travo60 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2018
    Member:
    #14701
    Messages:
    142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Travis
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited CM Cement
    Anyone’s pop & lock freezing up? Mine will fail to unlock I’ve noticed when it gets a little chilly. I’m in Texas so nothing crazy about these temperatures to cause failure. Anyone notice theirs doing the same?
     
  27. Dec 3, 2019 at 8:21 PM
    #117
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,705
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Fellow Texan here and no issues with mine yet...
     
  28. Dec 4, 2019 at 6:03 PM
    #118
    Tundra Fan

    Tundra Fan Got 17's?

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2016
    Member:
    #4489
    Messages:
    2,272
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Toby
    Nor Cal (Placer Co.)
    Vehicle:
    2013 Platinum-SOLD 2022 Sequoia, Celestial Silver Metallic
    A while back , I just happened to try to open the tailgate while it was locked. To my surprise it opened. The solenoid sounded like it was working but it wasn't. I gave it a good spray down with silicone spray and all was right again. :thumbsup:
     
    Travo60[QUOTED] likes this.
  29. Jan 23, 2020 at 8:12 PM
    #119
    coachflip

    coachflip New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2018
    Member:
    #11895
    Messages:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 CM
    Mine did that also, had to grease the joints in there. It would lock, but not unlock.
     
  30. Feb 6, 2020 at 4:58 AM
    #120
    tlpru

    tlpru New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2016
    Member:
    #4163
    Messages:
    83
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    trent
    Southlake, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2016 Trd Pro
    added power mirrors, auto fold mirror, 2019 TRD head and FOG lights, FORTIN remote start, retrax tonneau cover, 18" fuel BFGK02, TRD sway bar, TRD intake
    have 2016.... is there a different version of the "pop lock" out there?.. sounds like this lock is very loud....
     

Products Discussed in

To Top