Tailgate Lightbar Installation

[Dawg]

I'm loving my 26 Hybrid Lariat for about 6 weeks. I decided a tailgate light bar would look nice and thought a Ford part would be easiest to install. Bought the part at my Dealer (mistake). Walked it to their service department to get an estimate on cost and time to install. Service Manager said He has never gotten the lightbar to work correctly and it would cost about $1000. Walked back to the parts department and they won't take it back. Anyone else have similar problems? Anyone install a Ford lightbar successfully? Very Frustrating

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[Joester]

Sounds like someone behind the counter was having a bad day.
I would look into contacting the customer service people and see where it takes you.
https://www.ford.com/help/contact/?srsltid=AfmBOorbCaFByDK1qFcnTUbnUAaJ7oPOT4vFGNl0yXNFJKoqh0bGssd8

 

[Aleks]

Since the maverick's brake lights double as turn signals, it is not straight forward to do, you need a signal isolator.

something like this https://amzn.to/40h25vX

It's BS they wont let you return the unopened lightbar though.

 

[OleFordGuy]

I'm loving my 26 Hybrid Lariat for about 6 weeks. I decided a tailgate light bar would look nice and thought a Ford part would be easiest to install. Bought the part at my Dealer (mistake). Walked it to their service department to get an estimate on cost and time to install. Service Manager said He has never gotten the lightbar to work correctly and it would cost about $1000. Walked back to the parts department and they won't take it back. Anyone else have similar problems? Anyone install a Ford lightbar successfully? Very Frustrating

contact Curt Mfg 877.287.8634 to see if/when they will have a plug and play wiring adapter for the 2026 maverick and get the part # to order, assuming they make it yet . IMO their products are top quality - forget the other crap that will just cause headaches. you can search this form for term like tail gate light bar and see the history of issues. Seems ford purposely makes it difficult.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

@Dawg , where in IL are you located? I recently bought a powered tailight converter, and updated the housings to fit a 25/26 XL/XLT. Let me know if you want to give it a try.

HRG

 

[LoboMike]

Is this what you purchased? https://www.ford.com/product/tailgate-light-bar-halogenled-p4000208074 If so indicates will fit 2026 and only $154 for install. I mean whoa that's steep but if it works it work. As mentioned previously not a lot of luck currently since the aftermarket ones connect to the trailer plug messing up BLIS etc. The curt option seems the most likely to work, I am waiting for warmer weather to try it.

 

[Quest]

You just need to tap into the high mount brake lamp wiring at the right rear seat area

 

[Pointyears]

Is this what you purchased? https://www.ford.com/product/tailgate-light-bar-halogenled-p4000208074 If so indicates will fix 2026 and only $154 for install. I mean whoa that's steep but if it works it work. As mentioned previously not a lot of luck currently since the aftermarket ones connect to the trailer plug messing up BLIS etc. The curt option seems the most likely to work, I am waiting for warmer weather to try it.

That does say "plug and play", no tapping...and no returns.

 

[Dawg]

Sounds like someone behind the counter was having a bad day.
I would look into contacting the customer service people and see where it takes you.
https://www.ford.com/help/contact/?srsltid=AfmBOorbCaFByDK1qFcnTUbnUAaJ7oPOT4vFGNl0yXNFJKoqh0bGssd8

Is this what you purchased? https://www.ford.com/product/tailgate-light-bar-halogenled-p4000208074 If so indicates will fit 2026 and only $154 for install. I mean whoa that's steep but if it works it work. As mentioned previously not a lot of luck currently since the aftermarket ones connect to the trailer plug messing up BLIS etc. The curt option seems the most likely to work, I am waiting for warmer weather to try it.

Yes that's the one supposed to be plug and play. I haven't opened the box, maybe that isy next step
The service manager was very rude not sure I want him working on my truck

 

[Dawg]

@Dawg , where in IL are you located? I recently bought a powered tailight converter, and updated the housings to fit a 25/26 XL/XLT. Let me know if you want to give it a try.

HRG

I'm down state, Thanks, I'll let you know

 

[Aleks]

From the photos on the product page, it looks like it comes with proper wiring to isolate all the signals and work correctly (that's what that square box is doing), and looks to be plug and play.

It does come with probably the worst kind of wire taps, soldering would be best but if that's not something you would want to do, I'd replace them with ones like these:

https://amzn.to/4ayPieB

I wonder if there is actually a reason it can't fit a '25 and below, or if its just not updated correctly in the vehicle finder.

 

[Korny]

I just plugged mine into the trailer hitch. Quick and very easy. I have to unplug it if towing a trailer but that doesn't matter cause then you can't see the light anyhow.

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