License plate - tag lights not working

[Joelg5635]

I'm not very handy, I have a 2024 f150 XLT hybrid. Went in yesterday to change the license plate lights to led. Ended up breaking the light when trying to pull it out of the socket, having a small spark and the license plates lights don't work. Is there a fuse that may have blown? Any ideas of how I could easily troubleshoot? Everything else seems to be working otherwise, haven’t tried to connect a trailer. Thanks for any insight or help.

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[Jersey devil]

Here's afuse identification chart for the ones under the hood

https://www.autogenius.info/ford-f-150-2021-2023-fuse-box-diagram/


Also, led's are polarity specific, meaning if you put put a bulb in and it doesn't work turn it around.

 

[Jersey devil]

Here's a chart for the fuses behind the passenger kick panel

https://fuseboxinfo.com/index.php/cars/28-ford/4341-ford-f-150-2023-fuses?highlight=WzIwMjNd

 

[Joelg5635]

Thanks Jersey Devil. I have went through the fuses with a ford parts tech. It doesn’t seem to show tailgate or tag lights on any description. I looked at f60, f70, f79 guessing based on the fuse listing name. I switched the LED’s both directions on both sides and then put the good halogen light back in the left side that I had not broken. Still no light.

 

[J929626]

Found this on another forum answering the same question for a MY15. Don't know if it still holds true for a MY24.

Rear license plate lamps are controlled and powered by the BCM (Body Control Module). The circuit is protected from over-amperage by the Park lamps FET circuit. BCM FET circuits disconnect power (or ground, depending on the circuit) to the circuit when it senses an over-amperage condition. The FET stays "tripped" until the next ignition cycle when it automatically resets. After a number of "trips" (8 if I remember correctly) the FET circuit will broadcast a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) and remain "tripped" until the circuit problem is repaired and the DTC is cleared.

 

[CoolCoyote]

Found this on another forum answering the same question for a MY15. Don't know if it still holds true for a MY24.

Rear license plate lamps are controlled and powered by the BCM (Body Control Module). The circuit is protected from over-amperage by the Park lamps FET circuit. BCM FET circuits disconnect power (or ground, depending on the circuit) to the circuit when it senses an over-amperage condition. The FET stays "tripped" until the next ignition cycle when it automatically resets. After a number of "trips" (8 if I remember correctly) the FET circuit will broadcast a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) and remain "tripped" until the circuit problem is repaired and the DTC is cleared.

Truly amazing how even the most simple of things are drastically overcomplicated.

 

[Joelg5635]

Interesting. I ordered a OBD-II earlier today. Was going to run the test and see if any codes pulled or anything could be reset/cleared. I’ll report back once that scan is complete and the attempt either worked or failed.

 

[VRFlyer]

I'm not very handy, I have a 2024 f150 XLT hybrid. Went in yesterday to change the license plate lights to led. Ended up breaking the light when trying to pull it out of the socket, having a small spark and the license plates lights don't work. Is there a fuse that may have blown? Any ideas of how I could easily troubleshoot? Everything else seems to be working otherwise, haven’t tried to connect a trailer. Thanks for any insight or help.

Basically, you "killed" your truck in a nutshell, temporarily. Get someone with a VCI scanner and clear/reset any codes. I believe these will reside on the BCM side of the truck.

 

[Joelg5635]

Update - the license plate lights are fixed and working. I was working on another small project and installing aftermarket truck bed lights tonight. While working on them, I decided to disconnect the battery completely for safety. After my install(45 minutes or so) I reconnected the battery, started the truck and the license plates lights were on. I’m guessing just like any electronics if you unplug them and plug them back in, they reset.

Thanks for each of your insights and help. Sure this won’t be the last thing I break so I’ll be back! Hope everyone has an incredible remainder of the year!

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Just a tip, with these new vehicles, having so many computers and sensors. Anytime you do anything electrical to include changing a lightbulb, disconnect the battery.

 

[Joelg5635]

I’m glad you mentioned this so I could do a quick follow up question. When I disconnected the Battery everything still worked as usual. Sure it’s because it’s a hybrid, but I was wondering. After disconnecting the battery, What else would I need to disconnect in the future to turn off all the power to the truck and work safer?

 

[CoolCoyote]

I'm not sure if it was this thread or another thread but someone mentioned also unplugging the hybrid battery - I have no knowledge of that wizardry as I'm still a stoneage caveman with my V8, but worth looking into.

 

[Joelg5635]

Just to add, I used an obd2 scanner (topscan) today, and the BCM did read license plate light fault. Imagine clearing this code would have fixed my issue as well(had disconnecting the battery not). For anyone that runs into this (self inflicted) issue, wanted to share this additional info.

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