2019 Bed Light Kit Install Question

[Edwards]

The way the factory lights work is not a dedicated, simple 12V switch inline. The switch tells the computer to turn on the lights, just like the interior switch does. Both are momentary switches. That way, the computer turns off the light at a designated time and you can turn on from one switch and off at the other.
That's why the dealer has to flash so the computer knows it now has those lights.

 

[troutspinner]

The way the factory lights work is not a dedicated, simple 12V switch inline. The switch tells the computer to turn on the lights, just like the interior switch does. Both are momentary switches. That way, the computer turns off the light at a designated time and you can turn on from one switch and off at the other.
That's why the dealer has to flash so the computer knows it now has those lights.

It just seems odd to me that the lights have switches built into them. Kind of redundant to have two switched sources.

 

[vondarius20]

I have noticed that the cargo lights are also triggered by the tailgate release button, how can we take advantage of this switching system? I'd like to wire my aftermarket bed lights into this circuit?

 

[Edwards]

It just seems odd to me that the lights have switches built into them. Kind of redundant to have two switched sources.

Kind of handy is how I'd describe it.

Everything is run by the computer anymore. Makes everything better when it's working and a PITA when it's not - or the firmware is causing bugs.

 

[troutspinner]

Kind of handy is how I'd describe it.

Everything is run by the computer anymore. Makes everything better when it's working and a PITA when it's not - or the firmware is causing bugs.

I won’t deny that but why isn’t everything else double switched, right? We’ll see when the first one is installed I guess.

 

[Agitated]

I won’t deny that but why isn’t everything else double switched, right? We’ll see when the first one is installed I guess.

Same concept as a 3 way switch in your house. I think it’s brilliant.

 

[Edwards]

I won’t deny that but why isn’t everything else double switched, right? We’ll see when the first one is installed I guess.

The only other thing I can think of that is "double switched" is the tailgate release (key fob) so you can drop it via the fob when away from trunk, at the tailgate, or from the cab. All convenience.
Same for the bed lighting. Let's me turn on/off from the bed or in the cab or other automatic situations.

 

[troutspinner]

The only other thing I can think of that is "double switched" is the tailgate release (key fob) so you can drop it via the fob when away from trunk, at the tailgate, or from the cab. All convenience.
Same for the bed lighting. Let's me turn on/off from the bed or in the cab or other automatic situations.

Well someone get it installed damnit! Lol. I’ll be doing it regardless but just want to know what I’ll need to schedule. Dealer visits (knock on wood) are twice a year for me so I’ll have to schedule around some planned maintenance.

 

[PorBoy]

Well my box as well as it’s 10 page instruction book just arrived. I did a quick glance and it shows having the vehicle up on a lift to run the lines. At this point I’d rather pay my dealer his coin and let them mess with it.

 

[Syman02]

I plan to have mine done at the same time I do my lift and wheels and tires. Since the truck will already be up on the lift I figured it would save some install time.

 

[jrmitt808]

has anyone had this installed yet? I looked at what MOPAR calls and "easy" install and its pages of instructions.

 

[PorBoy]

From looking at the instructions it’s not hard to install. What’s a pain is having to go to the dealership to ha e them “ flash “ the code for it. It’s seems they’ve gone out of their way this model year to not making any add ones easy for us .

 

[jrmitt808]

From looking at the instructions it’s not hard to install. What’s a pain is having to go to the dealership to ha e them “ flash “ the code for it. It’s seems they’ve gone out of their way this model year to not making any add ones easy for us .

thats weak, I remember when I had my 2004 Ram everything was pre-wired. looks like I may wait on this, honestly i highly doubt i would use it that much anyway.

 

[PorBoy]

It’s like they are trying to take any chance of modding / enhancing out of outr hands including oem gear !!!!

 

[jrmitt808]

I know right! punishing us for not getting it in our build.

 

[PorBoy]

It seems the real punishment is when we frequent our parts department and they tell us the price with a “ straight “ face !!!!!

 

[jrmitt808]

so true...

 

[Agitated]

I did mine last week and it was easy. Lots of steps yes. But not difficult at all. Just know that the instructions have errors.

 

[LaRamie]

Yes, what @Agitated said. I started a thread with the install tips for these instructions. You dont need a lift, I did mine in the driveway on a creeper the night we brought the truck home. Hardest part is taking wheel liners in and out but it can all be done without taking wheels off.

 

[Automan21]

I have the bed light kit. I am going to use the harness it came with but instead of running the harness up front and having to flash the computer I am going to tap into a hot wire and just use the switch on the light assembly. Anyone see a reason that this wont work?