Phantom Connector

Found this plug behind the spare wheel on my super non equipped SR, right next to the back of the 7 pin connector. It’s plugged into a dummy plastic piece. Wonder if it’s for the market lights that the TRD models have on their tailgate. Anyone can confirm ?

 

I assume when you say "TRD models" what you mean is the TRD Pro. I have an SR5 TRD Off-Road model (which does not have marker lights on the tailgate) and mine plugs into the same plastic dummy piece.

 

Right. TRD Pro then. Either way now I’m curious. If it is for market lights then that would be useful. Could be some after market LEDs to use

 

Looks like there might be connections down inside the "dummy piece", but externally that piece certainly doesn't look like it connects to anything. If I stick my pinkie finger in there as far as I can I don't feel anything. Hard to get a good clear pic of it.

 

Could be for the tail light button that opens the tail gate

 

I don't believe so. That connector is on the taillight itself and models that don't have the option do not have the plug in the harness according to some other posts here. The days of all cars having the same harness regardless of options is gone.

 

Perhaps it's for the license plate lights...or reverse lights they are embedded into the rear bumper

 

Yep, I'm going with this. Was able to get a better pic and there are definitely pins inside the connector, so it's not a dummy plug.

 

Plug a test light into the plug and test all the circuits to see when it lights up.

 

The plate lights have their own connectors, just confirmed it. This one has nothing on the opposite side. It’s right behind the license plate. Tried sticking a voltage meter into the female plug but the holes are too small and the voltage meter prongs are too fat to fit inside.

if the “dummy” plug has pins in it too maybe it’s some kind of sensor? Temperature or something ?

edit: just looked at the “dummy” plug and it said “AISIN” on it. They make parts and sensors and such

 

I noticed something similar in my doors when replacing the speakers. There's 2 larger plugs that just plug into what seems to be a placeholder. However, when I disconnected one of them I noticed the switch illumination lights cut off.

 

Probably required to complete the circuit

 

As in a terminator for a Canbus? I could see that.

 

Ultimate TUNDRA Wiring Diagrams Collection | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

 

That’s such a cool tool to have. There’s so many ports on the SR that look unused that would have been helpful to know if they are on.
Thanks for looking into it

 

It's all in those diagrams. Just gotta spend some time pouring over them, following the asterisks, and doing a little sleuthing.

 

I'm on the TMH side and it's the same way.