Home > Fun Stuff > CAFCNA Magazine - May 2002 > Page 5

Installing A Cargo Area Light Pin Switch
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Overview

I like this modification because it’s quick, easy, and very usable (it’s dark under that cover!). Plus, the way it’s wired, the “Cargo Lamp On” message comes on if there’s a problem with the pin switch or if you leave the tailgate open as you drive off. But wait! We’re not done. If you call within the next ten minutes, we’ll throw in the functionality that the cargo light will turn off if you leave the tailgate open (thanks to the battery run-down protection circuit). The whole modification takes about two hours. The hardest part is installing the pin switch. You’ll need some small hands. Enjoy!

Supplies

- Pin switch. Get one with the longest throw (pin) possible, at least 1-1/2 inches with 2 inches recommended.
- 14 or 16 gauge Wire
- Crimp-on connector for the pin switch (probably comes with the switch)
- Crimp-on tap splice
- Drill
- Multi-meter (optional but highly recommended)

Directions

1) Open the tailgate and remove the back two hard covers (or soft cover) for access. Open and clean out the sidesaddle storage container on the side where you want to do the wiring. I used the passenger side because there was more room in the garage on that side. Real scientific.

2) Remove the three screws holding in the cargo light. Push the light into the side saddle storage area and turn it around so you can see the wire plug. Twist the socket to remove the light. There is not a whole lot of slack in the wire.

3) Make sure you have the right wire by grounding one of the wires. For me it was the blue wire. If the light comes on, you have the right one. If a fuse pops or nothing happens, you have the wrong wire.

4) Mark the wire.

5) On the same side of the truck, remove the handhold (three torx screws).

6) Remove the screws holding the side saddle storage door. You don’t have to remove it. You just have to be able to pry it up enough so you can get a hand inside between the sheet metal to run the wire.

7) Pull away the vertical gasket.

8) Look at the sheet metal the gate seals against. You need to find a place with enough room behind it where you can route a wire and plug it in AND an area where the tailgate is close to it (to push the switch in). After hunting around, I choose the area pictured to the left.

9) Drill the hole.

10) Coat the threads of the pin switch with some sealant and screw it in. You may need to trim the gasket a little as pictured below.

11) Connect the crimp-on connector to one end of the wire.

12) Reach inside the side panel under the side saddle and connect the connector to the back of the pin switch.

13) Route the wire to the top, under the plastic, and in to the storage area. You can use stick-on wire clamps to hold the wire up and out of the way.

14) Use a crimp-on tap splice and connect the wire to the marked wire on the light socket as pictured below.

15) Test it by pushing the pin switch in. The light should go out.

16) Put the socket back into the lens and screw the lens back into the side of the cargo area.

17) Clean everything up and enjoy!

Author Credit:  Bruce Cronquist
Photo Credit:  Bruce Cronquist