Having a truck shop install a Putco Switchblade 60" light bar under my tailgate. They completed the install, wiring it direct into the tail/brake circuit. The problem comes with the autolamp circuit. In the daylight, if the headlamp switch is in autolamp, so the lights are not on, none of the brake lights other than the center high mount stop lamp work. If the headlamp switch is off, it's the same result- no brake lights other than the center high mount. If the headlamp switch is on, it all works like it's supposed to. If the autolamp is on, in the dark so the headlights are on, it all works like it's supposed to. The shop is working on it but they've never seen this problem before. It's not blowing fuses. When the brake lights are not working correctly, they flash on one time and then don't work again until the headlamp switch is turned to the on position.

Looking for suggestions. I'm thinking that because the Putco uses two circuits for the signal/brake lights (amber for signal, red for brake) and the truck uses a single circuit for both signal and brake, it may be back feeding power somehow?

 

Well, the installer could not make it work. They took the light bar off and called Putco. Putco apparently knows about this issue with the 15+ trucks with LED tail lights. They are redesigning the light bar so that it has a separate power lead that will have to be run to a switched power source. I'll have to wait now until they get this sorted.

 

Called Putco and they are supposed to have a new light bar out in late Dec or early Jan that will have a separate power lead to correct the problem. Just FYI in case anyone else with LED tail lights wants one of these- you will have to wait a short time.

 

So does this harness they sell not help with install on our trucks?

Only ask, cause I was hoping to get one ordered for black friday!

http://www.4x4truckleds.com/putco-fo...9-48-90009-60/

 

It probably wouldn't be very hard to make what you have work. The truck is already wired to run trailer lights.... Steal your brake signal from there.

 

No, the harness will not work with the LED light trucks (it plugs into the trailer harness) and with the smart trailer connector you cannot tap power from the trailer circuit either. If you do, the truck thinks a trailer is hooked up and shuts off BLIS. It will also pop up a warning on the dash every time you start the truck.

 

The only problem with this is the truck will more than likely think you are always towing a trailer.

 

Talked to Putco the other day and they've pushed back release of the updated light bar until around mid February.

 

Well, it's a fairly simple circuit you'd need if you want to make your other lightbar work...
What you'd do is tap off the brake lights to drive a small relay. Wire the relay to an active power source and the normally open side to the power in of the light bar. I'd imagine the LED lights have enough extra power to power the relay.
You could put this relay into a small enclosure in the back fender well or something hidden and out of the way.
SSR relays likely would be best and have fairly small control currents... something like this:

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...n0_hoCUVXw_wcB

 

Just heard this as well. I was trying to figure out, what the difference will be? If its just a matter of wiring power to a different location, can't we just extend the power wire to a a 12v power source else where in the truck?

Or is it because if you tap into the taillight wire harness it will cause a fault in the computer?