Adding extra reverse lights

[JCSFPD]

I would like to add extra LED reverse lights to my 2024 Yukon XL. On my 2015 I wired into the wiring for the 7 pin trailer connector. When testing the pins on the 2024 the 12v and the ground pins are the only pins that are working. I know the trailer connector works because I tow a trailer and the trailer lights work. What am I missing? I saw somewhere that the trailer connector must be plugged in to energize the truck trailer connector. How does this work? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I can't help you on that, but I know how poor the stock backup lights are.

 

[Fless]

On these newer vehicles the trailer wiring is "sensed" (probably similar to the resistance the BCM senses with LED lights). You might have success tapping the reverse light circuit, but that also might bring up an error. Hopefully someone here has done this and can advise.

 

[jfoj]

Might end up connecting a relay to the reverse light feed, BUT make sure you get a relay with the internal clamping diode or add a diode across the coil so when the relay is de-energized the spike created does not cause havoc or damage to the BCM.

 

[B-train]

If you have your LED lights, maybe try using the 12v power for the reverse pin on the trailer brake connection and the ground. Have someone put it in reverse (needs to be running I think) and see if it senses the electrical load. Maybe it will work at that point and you can figure out how to wire it in after that.

 

[marton5]

I can't help you on that, but I know how poor the stock backup lights are.

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Hi Joseph, Did you wire these to the backup circuit, or did you wire them to a separate switch?

 

[Montana _Tahoe]

Check to make sure you have the 30 amp fuse in the fuse box in the engine compartment for the power pin on the 7 pin connector. I discovered that my Tahoe didn't come with one installed when I found my inside trailer lights didn't work.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

For the backup light operation, I have a wire going from the backup light circuit, the positive wire to the bulb, to the trigger contact on the relay. That's what activates the backup LEDs when I put the shifter into reverse to back up.

For the work light operation, I have the switch that I installed under the dash, with one contact of that switch connected to the same 12-volt feed wire that I used for the backup LEDs, so there's always 12 volts available on one contact on that switch. Then, I ran a wire from the other contact on that switch back to the same trigger contact on the relay. When I turn the switch to on, I get that direct 12 volt feed that goes right back to the trigger contact on the relay, thus lighting up the work lights.