BhamDCam
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
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- Location
- Birmingham
- Vehicles
- 2023 F-150 Lightning Pro ER
Success! I now have working bed lights on my 2023 Pro ER. I do NOT have the Tow Tech or Max Tow packages on my truck. I wanted to type everything up here though to hopefully clear up some confusion about exactly what is needed.
Before I get started...huge, huge shoutout to @Itaintfastenough (Woody)! Not only did he send me the pigtail I needed, but he also answered many text messages and helped walk me through the process when I had questions.
First, I installed the bed lights and wiring harnesses mentioned and listed by @KurtsRPMGarage in his video here. Follow his instructions for the install and required FORscan changes first.
Next, I stumbled upon Woody's post here here about why sometimes the bed lights work and sometimes they don't. In short, if you've added the lights, harnesses, and switch in the first step and they still don't work it is because the BCM is missing two connection points (wires) going to the new harness at the back of the truck. In other words, you have to physically run two wires from inside the cab near the floorboard on the passenger side all the way to the back driver side of the truck. I made a quick video to show this here.
Wiring:
Supplies:
Important notes:
- Zone Lighting. This can be confusing because AFAIK everyone has the "Zone Lighting" feature on their screen in the truck. This is what I referred to in the video I made. However, I believe the best way to confirm if you have the Zone Lighting (with the required wiring preinstalled from the factory) is to check your windown sticker. Mine does not have the Zone Lighting feature on there. I believe it comes with the Tow Tech package.
- Tow Tech package seems to be the missing link for the 2022s/2023s. If you don't have Tow Tech then adding the bed lights probably won't work until you add the two extra wires.
- IIRC, the 2024s and newer may differ from the wiring on the 2022s/2023s. Something to keep in mind.
- To run the wires from inside the cab to the outside I simply ran it through the cab vent. I figured this would be fine since this is what Starkey recommends if you buy their bed light kit. Plus, that meant that I didn't have to drill through the floor of the cab. Pics below.
- For the pigtail you need for Pin #9, I'm not sure what the technical size is, but I've also included a picture of it below in case it helps.
Overall, it isn't that difficult of a project, but is a little time consuming. Ping me if you have any questions and I'll answer as best I can!
Before I get started...huge, huge shoutout to @Itaintfastenough (Woody)! Not only did he send me the pigtail I needed, but he also answered many text messages and helped walk me through the process when I had questions.
First, I installed the bed lights and wiring harnesses mentioned and listed by @KurtsRPMGarage in his video here. Follow his instructions for the install and required FORscan changes first.
Next, I stumbled upon Woody's post here here about why sometimes the bed lights work and sometimes they don't. In short, if you've added the lights, harnesses, and switch in the first step and they still don't work it is because the BCM is missing two connection points (wires) going to the new harness at the back of the truck. In other words, you have to physically run two wires from inside the cab near the floorboard on the passenger side all the way to the back driver side of the truck. I made a quick video to show this here.
Wiring:
- The first wire will tap into the existing wire at Pin #8. Should be a blue/white wire. The other end of the first wire will tap into the blue/white wire on the switch wiring harness you installed at the back of the truck.
- The second wire will connect to the new pigtail you add to Pin #9. The other end of the second wire will tap into the green/orange wire on the same switch wiring harness. Be aware that the wire color on the switch wiring harness may be green/blue instead. That's how mine was.
Supplies:
- 18 gauge wire
- T tap wire connecters. You only need 3 sets.
- Butt splice connecters. You only need 1.
- Small flathead screwdriver (to remove connectors from the plastic housing on the BCM plug)
- Wire strippers
- Crimpers
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Heat shrink tubing / heat gun (optional)
Important notes:
- Zone Lighting. This can be confusing because AFAIK everyone has the "Zone Lighting" feature on their screen in the truck. This is what I referred to in the video I made. However, I believe the best way to confirm if you have the Zone Lighting (with the required wiring preinstalled from the factory) is to check your windown sticker. Mine does not have the Zone Lighting feature on there. I believe it comes with the Tow Tech package.
- Tow Tech package seems to be the missing link for the 2022s/2023s. If you don't have Tow Tech then adding the bed lights probably won't work until you add the two extra wires.
- IIRC, the 2024s and newer may differ from the wiring on the 2022s/2023s. Something to keep in mind.
- To run the wires from inside the cab to the outside I simply ran it through the cab vent. I figured this would be fine since this is what Starkey recommends if you buy their bed light kit. Plus, that meant that I didn't have to drill through the floor of the cab. Pics below.
- For the pigtail you need for Pin #9, I'm not sure what the technical size is, but I've also included a picture of it below in case it helps.
Overall, it isn't that difficult of a project, but is a little time consuming. Ping me if you have any questions and I'll answer as best I can!
