1996 Lift Gate Courtesy Light

[Hobejam]

I'm installing an alarm on my 1996 SR5 and need to tie into the lift gate switch that turns the cargo area courtesy light on when the lift gate is opened...

Funny thing about it is that I can't locate ANYTHING that remotely resmbles a pin switch, mercury switch, or any switch of any kind related to the opening of the lift gate...

Where the !@#*! is it?

Thanks, in advance, for any and all input...
DS

 

[gapboi210]

i think they just ground through the latch

 

[Hobejam]

i think they just ground through the latch

That would explain the wire running from the latch mech. I was hoping that was a power latch release (that I could also control through the alarm system)...

If this is true (the grounding through the latch), what would cause the light to stop functioning when the lift gate is opened? The light works when placed in the "on" position. I have also checked the switch istelf (on the light). No power to the "door" hot when gate is open...

 

[gapboi210]

I think the latch gets gummed up. My light would work sometimes. I sprayed the latch with lithium grease and light always works now.

 

[Deep_palancar]

It's on the latch

The switch is on the latch inside the gate. You can tap ALL the door switches at the instrument cluster. They are all on Plug 'E', that's the larger of the two at the top center of the instrument cluster. Pins 7, 8, 9, and 11 are the door and gate switches, driver -7, pass -8, both rear - 9, and back gate - 11. (ground when doors opened). This is true on an '02, yours should be the same.

 

[nserpa9248]

are you trying to get the (-)negative trigger wire for the alarm? or are you trying to activate the lights in the trunk alone?