Running a wire through the tailgate

[alexatwork21]

So I picked up one of those Ebay backup cameras that bolt into the existing license plate light. I'm having some trouble feeding the wire from the outside (where the license plate mount is) to the inside of the lift gate. Do I need to remove anything on the inside like the wiper motor or anything?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

Follow the license plate light wiring?

 

[mbraider808]

besides cutting a hole (which would be hard to seal) i would say just carefully remove the factory trim piece (one with the toyoya logo and holding the license plate lamps) and find a way to run it carefully and nicely through there. following factory harnesses and such. I'll do a write up pretty soon when I pick up mine from my shop today or tomorrow. good luck other wise

 

[alexatwork21]

Follow the license plate light wiring?

That was my first thought, but from the fact that no light was shining through, I'm thinking that there's a grommet. On the inside of the tailgate, there's some kind of shield and the wiper assembly blocking the view, so I can't say for sure.

 

[KidVermicious]

That was my first thought, but from the fact that no light was shining through, I'm thinking that there's a grommet. On the inside of the tailgate, there's some kind of shield and the wiper assembly blocking the view, so I can't say for sure.

You can go through the grommet. Stick a hook through from the other side and fish your wires through, or just poke a hole in it and seal it up with silicone.

 

[Trevloc]

its easy to remove the back panel, to take off the handle part and liscense plate lights, then you can run it through there. it takes time, but itll be worth it in the end.

heres my write up when i painted my handle part black, it explains removing it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/80044-trevlocs-thread-2.html#post691329

 

[FireTruckGuy]

My buddy gave me this tip but I have not tried it yet. Use an 18/2 shielded wire that has no ends. Once you get to the end, at the plate, solder on your RCA style connector. Then when you get to the back of the truck, make your other connection at the left rear quarter panel. This way you can fish the wire through without making big holes in the tailgate.