Cargo Lights on with Reverse Lights

Potts · September 29, 2015

Mike's correct in that the cargo area stays lit only as long as the lights normally stay on when you hit your unlock on the fob. I dig that though - nice easy way to check your load with just your fob at night. Since I added two diodes, one going each way, the other added benefit is that now when you turn on your cargo lights with the switch on the console, the reverse lights will come on, which gives you added visibility when loading stuff behind the truck at night. In that scenario, the reverse lights stay on for 20 minutes, which is the set timer for the cargo light switch. It also turns the cargo lights on when you are put the truck in reverse. If you have the backup camera it adds a little extra visibility at nighttime. I like it so far. My only concern is the dealership noticing it and busting my chops about my warranty. It's pretty obvious when you unlock the truck and the cargo light come on. I just can't see how they could blame this mod on any substantial issues. If I take it in for anything electrical related, I will pull the diodes out first.

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Edited September 29, 2015 by Potts

Mike1220 · September 29, 2015

Mike

So when I look at this mod, it's convenient to light up the area prior to leaving, and also backing up but that's about it..

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Mike's correct in that the cargo area stays lit only as long as the lights normally stay on when you hit your unlock on the fob. I dig that though - nice easy way to check your load with just your fob at night. Since I added two diodes, one going each way, the other added benefit is that now when you turn on your cargo lights with the switch on the console, the reverse lights will come on, which gives you added visibility when loading stuff behind the truck at night. In that scenario, the reverse lights stay on for 20 minutes, which is the set timer for the cargo light switch. It also turns the cargo lights on when you are put the truck in reverse. If you have the backup camera it adds a little extra visibility at nighttime. I like it so far. My only concern is the dealership noticing it and busting my chops about my warranty. It's pretty obvious when you unlock the truck and the cargo light come on. I just can't see how they could blame this mod on any substantial issues. If I take it in for anything electrical related, I will pull the diodes out first.

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I find it convenient anytime that I need some extra light on the back end of the truck such as exiting, if I drop something at night, loading the bed, trying to find something in my tool box, in reverse, and other times. Just need to have the cargo lights on with reverse diode mod performed and your golden

As for dealership issues, they shouldn't give you any. Plus they can only bust your chops about warranty issues if they can physically prove that the diode has caused the issue that you are experiencing. They can't legally just say "well we think it was caused by this" and void your warranty. Magnuson Moss Warranty Act states that they have to be able to recreate the issue and the cause must be from the aftermarket equipment that is in question. One of my dealers thought that cargo lights on when unlocking at night was impossible, they learned with my truck it is possible and they are considering doing this mod to some of their trucks on the lot, or offering it as a "dealer installed accessory" when you purchase your truck from them lol

Potts · September 29, 2015

Thanks Mike - that makes me feel better about it! That would be pretty funny if they offer that - I wonder what they would charge.

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ikaika1984 · September 29, 2015

Mike's correct in that the cargo area stays lit only as long as the lights normally stay on when you hit your unlock on the fob. I dig that though - nice easy way to check your load with just your fob at night. Since I added two diodes, one going each way, the other added benefit is that now when you turn on your cargo lights with the switch on the console, the reverse lights will come on, which gives you added visibility when loading stuff behind the truck at night. In that scenario, the reverse lights stay on for 20 minutes, which is the set timer for the cargo light switch. It also turns the cargo lights on when you are put the truck in reverse. If you have the backup camera it adds a little extra visibility at nighttime. I like it so far. My only concern is the dealership noticing it and busting my chops about my warranty. It's pretty obvious when you unlock the truck and the cargo light come on. I just can't see how they could blame this mod on any substantial issues. If I take it in for anything electrical related, I will pull the diodes out first.

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Thank you for the in depth information, truly appreciated..

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crewl1 · September 29, 2015

For those of you that used a wire for this mod - what gauge solid wire did you use?

I'm assuming you used solid wire to be able to push it in?

Or did you just solder tin up some stranded wire?

newdude · September 29, 2015

Hmmm...this interests me...I just did DPN old to DPN new (GM mirror kit, door harnesses and jumper harness) and GM does not support a calibration change for the mirror swap, only DL8 to new DPN and DL3 to new DPN for their camper mirror kits. Unless they change their minds about this, I may try this diode deal to get the mirror cargo lamps to run in reverse (my HD is pre AVF).

Those that have done this mod in general, can you still run the cargo lamps normally in park and neutral? The diode mod just enables them in reverse (if you choose to run one diode instead of two or a lead of wire)?

Edited September 29, 2015 by 15HDriver

Potts · September 29, 2015

Yep - cargo light button definitely still works like normal.

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1badtie · September 30, 2015

Done. Took me 30 seconds have both the fogs on with Hi beam and now this

Potts · September 30, 2015

Done. Took me 30 seconds have both the fogs on with Hi beam and now this

Pretty sweet right?

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blwright · October 4, 2015

Did both the cargo/reverse and fog lights/Hi at the same time also. Lovin both.

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loghead · November 13, 2015

I just ran into a situation with my 2015 when I was hauling a load in the box and I wanted to check it while driving with the cargo light............ thats a big no! So i thought if I hit the key fob lock/unlock it would come on.........thats a big no also. Anybody found away to be able to turn the cargo light on while driving? I realy dont want to add another light and switch if I dont need to. I just ordered the under rail kit to instal so maybe I will just switch that from the front.

Mike1220 · November 13, 2015

I just ran into a situation with my 2015 when I was hauling a load in the box and I wanted to check it while driving with the cargo light............ thats a big no! So i thought if I hit the key fob lock/unlock it would come on.........thats a big no also. Anybody found away to be able to turn the cargo light on while driving? I realy dont want to add another light and switch if I dont need to. I just ordered the under rail kit to instal so maybe I will just switch that from the front.

You can switch into neutral to turn on the lights. Will turn back off when youbswitch into drive

loghead · November 13, 2015

You can switch into neutral to turn on the lights. Will turn back off when youbswitch into drive

Thanks Mike1220, I guess that will have to do. Better than nothing. Its always nice to use that light to get the attention of tailgaters and people that have their brights on all the time!

hutch08 · January 29, 2016

Hey guys, didn't quite find what I was looking for. I have a customer with a 2015 and the LED back up lights in the mirrors.

Anyone know of a way to turn them on while the truck is in drive?

Mike1220 · February 1, 2016

Hey guys, didn't quite find what I was looking for. I have a customer with a 2015 and the LED back up lights in the mirrors.

Anyone know of a way to turn them on while the truck is in drive?

only way will be to use an aftermarket switch. Buddy of mine, whom is also a member on the forum, did it on his 1500.

you'll need to use a momentary (or latching switch, whichever you prefer) and attach it to a power feed, use a diode to prevent back-feeding from the switch to power, then run the switch and again, diode to the cargo light circuit at the BCM, preventing any back-feeding from the BCM to switch. This should ensure that nothing can be back-fed and fried.