How to Bypass Trailer Connector 12 Volt Circuit on 2016 Toyota Tundra so it is Hot All the Time

Question:

I just bought a 2016 Toyota Tundra. I need the interior cargo light to work with the truck not running. I have had 3 Silverado trucks and all of them would work with the truck off and locked. I need the light as I work out of it at 3:30 am daily. What can I do to fix this problem.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The 12 volt circuit on the 2016 Toyota Tundra trailer connector must shut off with the vehicle instead of staying live all the time like it was on your Silverados. This feature can probably not be turned off so what you can do is bypass it.

To bypass it you will need access to the 12 volt circuit at the back of the trailer connector. On the back of a 7-Way it is located in the 11 o'clock position. You can either remove the wire that is in that location and attach a new wire or you could cut the wire further back from the back of the 7-Way and attach a new wire to the end that goes to the 7-Way.

For wire you can use # 12-1-1 which is sold by the foot. You will like need about 20 feet of wire. Route the wire under the vehicle, avoiding any areas that could pinch or burn the wire, and up into the engine compartment near the battery.

Find a place near the battery to mount a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540. Then you will run the wire you just routed to the post marked AUX on the breaker and clip the wire to that length, saving the extra. Attach a ring terminal, # DW05705-1, to mount the wires to the breaker.

Using the extra wire and an attached ring terminal, attach one end to the BAT post on the breaker. The other end will attach to the positive battery terminal using the appropriate size ring terminal. There may also be a free 12 volt post at the power distribution box.