Cargo light on while driving with stock button

iamdanieltuck · December 23, 2016

So I finally worked out a way to use the cargo light while driving. You take a latching relay module (I used the pack tr7 set on option 3), power it with inadvertent power controlled by bcm (it stays on 20 min after the truck goes off and can be tapped in the dome light power supply circuit) and hop the negative momentary ground trigger of pack module to the output wire of the cargo lamp switch or input at bcm. Then hook the positive output wire (blue on PAC) to the relay actuator input on the inside of the passenger cab fuse box. I tapped the cargo light switch since I was running power that way anyhow.

The inadvertent power is important because if you get the bcm and the PAC tr7 module out of sync you would have a situation where either the truck or PAC would always have the cargo lights on. So when the truck times out and turns cargo lights off after being on with key off for a period of time, the pac loses voltage and resets to NO. If anyone is interested in more information or help, I'm glad to share. Also I was sure to put a diode in the stock relay control wire to prevent back feed to bcm. This is for "Offroad" use only ;)

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MotionMan · December 24, 2016

What he said was he mounted a flashlight in the bed that can be turned on with a remote switch that is wireless. Right?

6.2Midnight · December 24, 2016

This is the PAC TR7 you are talking about, correct?

Chebbyfan · December 25, 2016

Sounds too complicated for me, lol. I can't even figure out how to run my soon to be purchased LED in the bumper with my roof switch yet.

iamdanieltuck · December 25, 2016

Yessir that's it

I can break it down further and specific with color to color wiring. It's a bit busy for holidays but if enough interest in this is generated I'll do a proper write up. I just wanted to make the point that it runs great and reliably.

This is the PAC TR7 you are talking about, correct?

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sideoftheroad · December 25, 2016

I'm interested.

6.2Midnight · December 25, 2016

I'm in. I understand what you have written, but, then again, I've been doing vehicle development, and prototype for about 20 years. It's always better to explain things in the simplest form so everyone can understand the directions. It will make for a more user-friendly place to be.

6.2Midnight · December 25, 2016

Just ordered the PAC-TR7. It won't be here until after the new year, but I'll put it in when I can. Thanks for the posting...

iamdanieltuck · December 25, 2016

One thing I meant to do was to put a second signal wire from the blue to the input wire on the bcm for the backup lights. I have the diode set to turn on backup lights with cargo lights....but they won't come on in the while driving override mode. Throw a second wire in there with a diode inline, so the backup lights will illuminate while driving.

Next project is that I want the cargo lights on brake light to come on with backup lights all the time,but not the mirror lights unless I press the button. I am going to put a diode inline on the brake cargo light circuit and tap a wire from backup lights to feed it, down stream from diode. I took a peak but couldn't find the wire for cargo light in either c pillar or under back door wire trays. I think the cargo light may run thru driver a pillar and under headliner.

If I can't find it there I'm going to tap it at light and drop harness down the c pillar with air bag harness and tap into backup circuit where it runs along the frame.

Anyone have any thoughts or knowledge about where the cargo harness runs?

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iamdanieltuck · December 25, 2016

We will get you straight. I'll ask 6.2 to take pics of his and I'll grab some pics. When we are done documenting it will be hook this wire to this and move on. Order your PAC tr7, 25ft of 14gauge wire, a pack of 3 amp diodes and some red heat shrink butt ends.

I promise once it's written up you can do it no sweat. The tricky part is programming the tr7 but once you get the concept it's easy. Whatever there is problems with I will go pro if there's enough interest. I'm just trying to figure out where to have everything mounted and tapped because my truck already had stuff setup that I ran to match.

Essentially the best thing is prob going to be pull the cup holder trim, tap into the console light power for inadvertent controlled 12v,ground to frame there, pull neg signal from the mfc cargo light switch wire, then send a diode protected signal to passenger side cargo lamp relay and driver side backup lamp relay if you want them to come on too. Should be about a 20 min job with good experience.....an hour being cautious with limited experience.

I have a feeling once I post colors and get some photos from 6.2 it will be a smooth write up. I have mine mounted under dash where I have other stuff but it's a waste of time to mount there.thats why I'm pushing to go in center.

Sounds too complicated for me, lol. I can't even figure out how to run my soon to be purchased LED in the bumper with my roof switch yet.

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tonysomasphat102 · December 25, 2016

I bought a remote control with a key fob that can be used to turn just about anything on and off and it was about$3.00!!! The control box is 1" and 1/2" sq. And 1" thick. I believe it was from eBay. Took me less than five minutes total to install! I'm going to get another one for the LED's on my Harley. When I find out the name of the company I'll post it.

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tonysomasphat102 · December 25, 2016

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As you can see it's a very small unit that will fit almost anywhere you want!!!

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MotionMan · December 26, 2016

See..told ya?? I know what your doing is pretty cool and may do this once I understand it. I would really like to be able to turn on the bed lights with a switch to the side of the tail gate. If they have constant power I could figure it out but if not I'm lost.

iamdanieltuck · December 26, 2016

They do not have constant power but there is constant 12v in the red green stripe trailer plug wire and the wiring for in bed leds comes to the connector back there. If you tap that and back feed it will turn on cargo light. Use a 7 amp switch and 5 amp fuse. As long as they didn't take the wires out of trucks that don't have them you will be all set.

The wire that has the cargo light wire is the x900 in that picture, closest to dummy

That's mine where I tapped into it. I back feed them to turn on when I open my tool box.

See..told ya[emoji41][emoji106] I know what your doing is pretty cool and may do this once I understand it. I would really like to be able to turn on the bed lights with a switch to the side of the tail gate. If they have constant power I could figure it out but if not I'm lost.

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WesternMike · June 1, 2017

Ever make a video? I want to do this then run the harness for bed lighting to the bed lighting but also led lights within the Bumper. This way I can have all my lights on with one switch.