Hitch brake light issue

[bryce]

I would appreciate any advice on settings to get this to work. I do not tow, and have limited experience/understanding of tow settings. I read the owners manual but have no idea how to make this work.

I got this novelty hitch cover/brake light this Christmas, and am having issues getting it to work with my truck. When I have it plugged in the truck assumes I have a trailer, asks for settings (it is now the Default Trailer). But it throws all sorts of error messages and turns off lane keeping and centering and all backup sensors. Photos of the dash display attached.

I have checked that the plug is fully seated. All wiring looks to be intact but I have not opened the unit up. Have tried multiple times with same result every time.

Is there a way to get this to work and NOT set off all of these alerts? I would like the additional brake light, and of course the novelty of Vader. But I cannot live with the repeated alerts firing on my dash and the loss of driver/parking aids which I have become accustomed to.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

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[RickLightning]

Instead of plugging into the trailer plug, you have to run wiring to the taillight and go from there. Lots of threads in various places including gas F-150 forums.

 

[bryce]

Instead of plugging into the trailer plug, you have to run wiring to the taillight and go from there. Lots of threads in various places including gas F-150 forums.

Thank you Rick. That sounds like a lot of work and potential complication for a novelty.

I think that I will just wrap the plug and enjoy the looks without the lights.

 

[21st Century Truck]

It's not a lot of work. The right taillight unscrews with just two (2) screws and pulls right out. It's about 10 minutes or less.

I assume Your device came with a short plug & play interconnector harness for the taillight. If not, it is likely another manufacturer's interconnector harness (see the Diode Dynamics setup) would work for You.

I have the Diode Dynamics hitch light. Have used it for well over 60 thousand miles. The reverse function light is far better than the feeble OEM reverse lights for illuminating whatever I'm backing into. My version of the Diode Dynamics light also has a pulsing / strobe brake light effect when starting to brake... never a bad thing in low visibility conditions.

Good luck with your setup!

 

[bryce]

It's not a lot of work. The right taillight unscrews with just two (2) screws and pulls right out. It's about 10 minutes or less.

I assume Your device came with a short plug & play interconnector harness for the taillight. If not, it is likely another manufacturer's interconnector harness (see the Diode Dynamics setup) would work for You.

I have the Diode Dynamics hitch light. Have used it for well over 60 thousand miles. The reverse function light is far better than the feeble OEM reverse lights for illuminating whatever I'm backing into. My version of the Diode Dynamics light also has a pulsing / strobe brake light effect when starting to brake... never a bad thing in low visibility conditions.

Good luck with your setup!

I have seen the Diode hitch light that integrates through the 7-pin. Baja Designs looks to have a similar unit. But neither are as cool as having a light-up Darth Vader on your hitch!

 

[Henry Ford]

Not worth the trouble, in my opinion. I have strong opinions on aftermarket vs stock aesthetics. You should not make decisions based on my opinion. I'll show myself out now...

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