Issues with lariat 2021-2023 halogen tailgate light bar ASY.

[ThatsAMonkey]

One of my first accessory purchases using the Ford pass points was on this tailgate light bar made by Putco. Had the dealership install it for me since I didn't want to deal with the wiring harness. Shortly after installation my left turn signal began to blink rapidly which immediately indicated that something was going on. I pulled over (safely) and checked if my blinders were working. All turn signal blinkers were working except for the tailgate lightbar that was just installed. The brake, night time lights and reverse mode worked along with the right turn but not the left turn. I ended up calling the dealership to look at it and it took a week for them to get it situated. A head electrician at the dealership was dealing with this nightmare. Between contacting the manufacturer and a Ford rep they decided that the lightbar did not need to be replaced however one of the tail lights ended up shorting out due to the lightbar. Ordered a new tail light. Issue finally resolved however a week later the same fast blinking turn signal indicator happens a couple times. I'm thinking of contacting the dealership again. I like this lightbar it gives added light and style to the tailgate however having this much of an issue for a Ford accessory is making me regret using my points for this. I could have gotten myself a tailgate dampener.

So far I haven't had to pay a penny except for the installation. Has anyone else dealt with this issue at all? I can post the mechanics work notes if y'all want a read.

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[BettaRanga]

I believe there are other nightmare threads on here about this Putco lightbar.

 

[Rhino]

i dont think ive even seen what we are talking about? is it one of those light things that go below the tailgate and slightly above the rear bumper in that tiny gap?

 

[Trigganometry]

Yes you have hyper blink. That can be fixed using Forscan but… what’s going on is the extra draw on the line by adding more lights has the BCM thinking there’s a problem with one of the factory bulbs or you’re in tow mode because it senses the extra load.

There are modules that you can get that act as electronic relays (opto isolators) and they trigger the light bar without adding draw to the existing harness. It has been an issue since 5G’s appeared in 2019.

 

[Msfitoy]

Halogen light bar?

 

[SigOris]

One of my first accessory purchases using the Ford pass points was on this tailgate light bar made by Putco. Had the dealership install it for me since I didn't want to deal with the wiring harness. Shortly after installation my left turn signal began to blink rapidly which immediately indicated that something was going on. I pulled over (safely) and checked if my blinders were working. All turn signal blinkers were working except for the tailgate lightbar that was just installed. The brake, night time lights and reverse mode worked along with the right turn but not the left turn. I ended up calling the dealership to look at it and it took a week for them to get it situated. A head electrician at the dealership was dealing with this nightmare. Between contacting the manufacturer and a Ford rep they decided that the lightbar did not need to be replaced however one of the tail lights ended up shorting out due to the lightbar. Ordered a new tail light. Issue finally resolved however a week later the same fast blinking turn signal indicator happens a couple times. I'm thinking of contacting the dealership again. I like this lightbar it gives added light and style to the tailgate however having this much of an issue for a Ford accessory is making me regret using my points for this. I could have gotten myself a tailgate dampener.

So far I haven't had to pay a penny except for the installation. Has anyone else dealt with this issue at all? I can post the mechanics work notes if y'all want a read.

I’m having a similar issue with one for the LED taillights. Reverse, running, and brake work fine, both turn signals not working and get hyper flashing.

mine only three months old

start warranty claim with putco

 

[SigOris]

i dont think ive even seen what we are talking about? is it one of those light things that go below the tailgate and slightly above the rear bumper in that tiny gap?

Yes

 

[Rhino]

Yes

oooh i gotcha tbh ive always seen those things fail after awhile so ive never bothered with one

 

[Bob902]

I would remove it from truck and put it back to stock. Seems to be issues with these. If you are wanting more light, Diode Dynamics just came out with a light that goes in your receiver hitch.

 

[waloud]

Having similar problem here. Installed the Putco light bar a week ago. This past weekend my left rear running light stopped working. Got home and put it back to stock and it worked. After looking over everything I decided to hook it back up & it worked fine. I assumed it was a loose connection. I went to leave the house this evening and the problem is back. So I hooked everything back up as factory and sent them a email. Waiting to see what they have to say.

 

[SigOris]

Having similar problem here. Installed the Putco light bar a week ago. This past weekend my left rear running light stopped working. Got home and put it back to stock and it worked. After looking over everything I decided to hook it back up & it worked fine. I assumed it was a loose connection. I went to leave the house this evening and the problem is back. So I hooked everything back up as factory and sent them a email. Waiting to see what they have to say.

Have a similar issue with the version that works with the Lariat

Filled out a warranty claim and rcvd a replacement yesterday from Putco

maybe a two week process BUT no BS from Putco

 

[Muscleford]

I was going to get one of these so I will be watching to see if John's replacement cures the issues.

 

[maxbottomtime]

Where does this bar sit? I swapped my third brake light reverse lights (the ones that double as cargo) to led and they are pretty bright. Been debating bed lights given I have a tonneau l, curious if there is a better plug and play solution using the cigarette adapter line already run.

 

[Rp930]

Cut your losses. Get a refund.

 

[Rhino]

Where does this bar sit? I swapped my third brake light reverse lights (the ones that double as cargo) to led and they are pretty bright. Been debating bed lights given I have a tonneau l, curious if there is a better plug and play solution using the cigarette adapter line already run.

we are talking about these not the third brake light

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