How to Hardwire Pilot Automotive Tailgate LED Light Strip into 2008 Chevy Silverado

Updated 07/13/2012 | Published 07/11/2012

Question:

i need help hard wiring a light strip on my truck. i have a 2008 chevy silverado 1500.

asked by: Aaron

Expert Reply:

Before removing the 4-pole connector from the LED Light Strip, you should label each wire (see photo).

You would then tap each wire into the proper circuit. The wiring harness that feeds the taillight assemblies or the harness that feeds the trailer connector would be a good point to access the correct circuits. You might need to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to determine which circuit serves which function. The loose white wire would tap into the reverse lamp circuit, which can also either be accessed through the taillight assemblies or the trailer connector harness.

To determine which circuit serves which function, have a helper activate the right turn signal. Use your tester to probe each wire in the harness until you find the wire that powers up the tester, then tap the appropriate wire from the Light Strip into that circuit. You can do the same for the left turn, running light and reverse lamp circuit.

expert reply by: Mike L