Question for those with Factory LED bed lights

[BMac506]

I ordered my 22 Lariat without the bed utility package and then added the OEM led lights in the bed afterwards. I made the changes in Forscan and they now turn on when using zone lighting, the switch in the bed and the button on the dash.
I did notice that opening the tailgate from the fob or opening it manually doesn’t activate them. So my question for anyone with them factory installed is do they turn on when the tailgate opens? I’d assume they should and that I may be missing a Forscan change I need to make. if anyone with factory LED bed lights can tell me if they turn on automatically when using tailgate release on fob or manually opening the tailgate I’d appreciate it.

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[Antimatter22]

I don't think they turn on unless you physically press the button on the side.

 

[TylerNinetyTwo]

Was it difficult to add the bed lights? Any advice on getting the parts and where to plug into the BCM? I've ordered a XL regular cab and I didn't option for the bed utility package.

 

[hotrodmex]

Was it difficult to add the bed lights? Any advice on getting the parts and where to plug into the BCM? I've ordered a XL regular cab and I didn't option for the bed utility package.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2022-lariat-cargo-light-wiring-harness-parts.8683/

 

[TylerNinetyTwo]

@hotrodmex Thank you sir I will dive into this thread today.

 

[BMac506]

Was it difficult to add the bed lights? Any advice on getting the parts and where to plug into the BCM? I've ordered a XL regular cab and I didn't option for the bed utility package.

It was really easy to add, the longest part was getting my Bluetooth OBDLink MX+ paired to my laptop (took a few tries to pair for some reason). The parts needed are just the two harnesses, the switch and the two lights, wiring to the module should already be under the bed with just some dummy plugs on the end and then a couple of Forscan changes. I’m just not sure if I made all the changes necessary, hence why I made this thread wanting to know if the lights should come on when you open the tailgate.

 

[TylerNinetyTwo]

@BMac506 That's good to hear because I really want this on my truck. Sorry I couldn't be of more help to you.

 

[scott011422]

Sadly, They do not turn on when you open the tailgate. Hopefully someone figures it out at some point.

 

[KBKEITH]

I don't think they turn on unless you physically press the button on the side.

This.

 

[hotrodmex]

Sadly, They do not turn on when you open the tailgate. Hopefully someone figures it out at some point.

There is no "door pin" on the tailgate for most of the trims where you can get the bed lights. I believe the Lariat+ with the powered tailgate have a switch, but otherwise there is no way for the truck to know the tailgate position. Yes, it can tell when you open it by the switch, but it wouldn't be able to tell when it was closed.

FORscan doesn't program, it only configures a setting that already exists.

I think you'd have better luck making a hall-effect switch where the trigger passes the sensor when the tailgate opens and closes (the bed switch is not a latching switch, just momentary that tells the BCM to turn the circuit on), and tap it into the existing switch.

 

[Kanuck]

I noticed today that my truck shows the tailgate ajar when down, so it must know when it is open some how.

 

[Snakebitten]

I'd guess any tailgate that has an electrical activated lock is equipped with a potential trigger signal. How you would capture it and use it is beyond me, but it's there.

 

[kb2755]

I'd guess any tailgate that has an electrical activated lock is equipped with a potential trigger signal. How you would capture it and use it is beyond me, but it's there.

The top cargo lights come on when the tailgate opens, so it definitely knows. Aftermarket bed lights tap into that wiring, so the aftermarket bed lights will turn on when the tailgate opens. Big advantage over the OEM ones.

 

[Kanuck]

One thing that does come to mind, is that IMO the tailgate should not be allowed to open by any other means than the button on the tailgate when it detects something behind the truck so it doesn't get or cause damage.

 

[Snakebitten]

You'd think with that big fancy sensor under the work surface that safety feature would be possible already?

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