Tailgate led light strip issues
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Tailgate led light strip issues
I wired a 2019 blacked out lariat sport package cre cab 4x4 with a 49 inch tailgate light, from recon truck lighting, has a two row led with scanning amber turns, and center is a 14 inch back up led, the bottom row is marked and brake, wired back up into riverside tail light, and brake tail turns into back of 7 way plug, works almost perfect, till I back up, thinks I have a trailer attached, and no back up warning or guide lines,, help if anyone can!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: my recliner
I don’t know for sure but have read many times about how sensitive the trailer wiring system is. I have no experience with tapping a wire in the trailer wire circuit other than I know that I would not do it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
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From: N. Illinois
You can’t wire into the trailer plug. The truck is too smart. You have to go to the tail light wiring. The control module senses the minor power draw and will think a trailer is connected. Your lucky your experience was as minor as it was. Sometimes, weird and freaky things happen like your lights are possessed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
I emailed Recon several times recently because I’m putting theirs on my 2019 Lariat F-150. I’m putting it on in the next day or so. I’ll let you know.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,028
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From: MA
This is a super common, super well documented issue. "Phantom Trailer" or "ghost trailer" are terms used to describe it. Either tap into your tail lights on either side or use the T-Harness from Magnum MFG (the company that makes headache racks) which plugs in-line with the rear end harness and T's off to give you S/T/T/R and ground without cutting, splicing, or interfering with the truck's brain. Good luck!
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From: NY/Canada border
Yup. Had this happen in the past when I plugged a lighted hitch receiver cover into the 4 prong. Stood to reason once I thought about it for a minute.
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