4th gen Interior Led Swap

[T4rman]

EDIT: the kit from pfran includes (2) 48Led panels for the dome light. These work with both SR5 dome lights. However since the limited has 2 bulbs for the middle row dome, the single panel is not the best option. Kit will be available for the 4th gen limited soon.


I wanted more light inside my 03 SR5 4runner and liked the LED swaps I had seen in other vehicles. I also liked the benefits of LEDs. They are longer lasting, brighter, and consume much less electricity a normal halogen bulb does. I bought a few eBay bulbs but there were hit or miss. Most of them burnt out and the colors didn't match perfectly so I put the project on the back burner. I found an 80 series land cruiser kit from PFRAN LEDs and bought a set for my fathers truck. After installing the kit and seeing how well all the lights worked I contacted PFRAN and bought a set for my rig. The install is easy and can be done with very little prior experience and a flat blade screwdriver. Latex gloves are a good precaution as well.

Link: http://www.pfranleds.com/4runner-fourth-generation-02-09/

1) First and easiest are the doors.

I found that the easiest way to remove the door lights was to gently pop off the arm rest cover. it has two clips and comes off fairly easy.

Once the rest cover is off the light housing is visible through the holes. Use the flat blade screwdriver to push the square tab and drop one side of the housing down out of the door panel. Gently pull the housing out of the door panel

When you have the housing out you can clearly see the tabs that are holding the lens on.

I found that you can pull the lens off using just your hands but if you can't, push your screwdriver between the housing and the lens at the tab. This will allow you to pull the lens off and access the bulb. Halogen and led bulbs can both get hot. Let the bulb cool for a good amount of time (5minutes to be sure) and pull the bulb straight out. Similarly, push the led bulb back in. LEDs are polarity-sensitive so if the bulb doesn't illuminate, turn it 180 degrees and reinsert it. Put everything back together the same way it came apart.

( this is the part where you stand back and think to your self "wow!.... I'm so cool. I just swapped my door light for and led, it looks awesome, and provides more light!" )

When you finish admiring your work, repeat the steps for the rest of the doors.

2) The dome lights are just as easy. Find the spots for your screwdriver and pry one side of the cover lens off.

Allow time for your halogen bulb to cool and drop it out of it's housing by spreading the metal contacts. Install the spring adapter and attach the led board. Test it before removing the adhesive. Turn the led panel side connector 180 degrees and reconnect.

Remove the adhesive backing cover and attach the dome. Be sure to get it right the first time or the adhesive will not work as well. Replace the lens and admire. (nice dome!)

3) EDIT: The map light lenses can be removed from the overhead console by using a small flat blade screwdriver wrapped in tape. The picture below shows how the lenses are attached (drivers side shown) Insert your screwdriver into the gap between the console and the outside edge of the lens and gently pop it off.

Let the halogen bulb cool and pull to remove. Insert the led bulb.

Repeat for the other lens and put everything back together.



nice interior lights!

If anyone finds a better way to do any of these steps. Definitely post how you did it.

EDIT: Thanks everyone for the input on the steps.

 

[black_120]

nice write up. thanks for sharing.

 

[sgtcombatusmc]

I am not a certified mechanic, I am self taught. This worked for me but there is no guarantee it will work for you. I accept no responsibility if you damage your vehicle.


I wanted more light inside my 4runner and liked the LED swaps I had seen in other vehicles. I also liked the benefits of LEDs. They are longer lasting, brighter, and consume much less electricity a normal halogen bulb does. I bought a few eBay bulbs but there were hit or miss. Most of them burnt out and the colors didn't match perfectly so I put the project on the back burner. I found an 80 series land cruiser kit from PFRAN LEDs and bought a set for my fathers truck. After installing the kit and seeing how well all the lights worked I contacted PFRAN and bought a set for my rig. The install is easy and can be done with very little prior experience and a flat blade screwdriver. Latex gloves are a good precaution as well.

Link: 4th generation Toyota 4Runner (2002-09) - LED interior kits, LED exterior bulbs

1) First and easiest are the doors.

I found that the easiest way to remove the door lights was to gently pop off the arm rest cover. it has two clips and comes off fairly easy.

Once the rest cover is off the light housing is visible through the holes. Use the flat blade screwdriver to push the square tab and drop one side of the housing down out of the door panel. Gently pull the housing out of the door panel

When you have the housing out you can clearly see the tabs that are holding the lens on.

I found that you can pull the lens off using just your hands but if you can't, push your screwdriver between the housing and the lens at the tab. This will allow you to pull the lens off and access the bulb. Halogen and led bulbs can both get hot. Let the bulb cool for a good amount of time (5minutes to be sure) and pull the bulb straight out. Similarly, push the led bulb back in. LEDs are polarity-sensitive so if the bulb doesn't illuminate, turn it 180 degrees and reinsert it. Put everything back together the same way it came apart.

( this is the part where you stand back and think to your self "wow!.... I'm so cool. I just swapped my door light for and led, it looks awesome, and provides more light!" )

When you finish admiring your work, repeat the steps for the rest of the doors.

2) The dome lights are just as easy. Find the spots for your screwdriver and pry one side of the cover lens off.

Allow time for your halogen bulb to cool and drop it out of it's housing by spreading the metal contacts. Install the spring adapter and attach the led board. Test it before removing the adhesive. Turn the led panel side connector 180 degrees and reconnect.

Remove the adhesive backing cover and attach the dome. Be sure to get it right the first time or the adhesive will not work as well. Replace the lens and admire. (nice dome!)

3) The map lights were the most difficult but after having the unit taken apart once, the second time was much easier. These pictures and instruction will make the disassembly much easier.

First, take pull down on the forward edge of the map light unit.

Next, find the tabs that hold the center cover. These tabs are on the rearward edge of the unit. Press these tabs in to pop the cover off. Be careful and only press as hard as needed to remove the cover, the tabs can break off.

The lenses are designed to pop off on the side nearest the switch.

On the sides of the unit, find the switch for the light. Use your screwdriver and press the lens down where it meets the switch. (The switch is white, the lens is clear, push on the clear)

Let the halogen bulb cool and pull to remove. Insert the led bulb.

Repeat for the other lens and put everything back together.


nice interior lights!

If anyone finds a better way to do any of these steps. Definitely post how you did it.

Only thing I can suggest is wear gloves when handling bulbs. Not because of the heat, but rather the oils in your skin will significantly shorten the life of your bulbs by creating hot spots in the glass.

 

[Desert Fox]

You dont need to go to all of the trouble to remove the units. Just use a small flat screw driver and remove the lens cover. The bulb is accessable. That is how I replaced mine. Works for the side steps too if you still have them.

 

[Aviationtech]

dome light fuse

Hey guys I did the led swap for the lic plate/running boards/map lights/dome lights/vanity lights. The problem is my dome light fuse pops about every couple days now.I believe Ive narrowed it down to the 194's in the front map lights however im not positive. I replaced all the lights with v-leds. Anyone else had this problem?

 

[snowbrdr033]

Hey guys I did the led swap for the lic plate/running boards/map lights/dome lights/vanity lights. The problem is my dome light fuse pops about every couple days now.I believe Ive narrowed it down to the 194's in the front map lights however im not positive. I replaced all the lights with v-leds. Anyone else had this problem?

I used VLEDS for all my interior swap needs and never had that happen once. Not sure what may be the cause of it, maybe there's a short somewhere along the circuit....

 

[DBones]

So I just installed the pfran kit this evening. I used one of the big panels for the cargo bay and used on of the small 8 or so led panels for the back seat. Now I have an extra large panel and an extra 8 or so led panel and I'm not sure where they go. Did I miss something or does the kit come with enough LEDs for either a sport or limited?

 

[LTDSC]

So I just installed the pfran kit this evening. I used one of the big panels for the cargo bay and used on of the small 8 or so led panels for the back seat. Now I have an extra large panel and an extra 8 or so led panel and I'm not sure where they go. Did I miss something or does the kit come with enough LEDs for either a sport or limited?

Mines a limited and it came with an extra panel as well. I gave it to my friend.

This write up helped me a ton. Thank you.

 

[DBones]

Where are the small panels(8 or 10 LEDs) supposed to go? They fit it the backseat and cargo fittings but that is where I thought the large panels were supposed to go. I tried putting them in the vanity lights but they were too big. Any ideas? All said this thread was very helpful.

 

[T4rman]

Where are the small panels(8 or 10 LEDs) supposed to go? They fit it the backseat and cargo fittings but that is where I thought the large panels were supposed to go. I tried putting them in the vanity lights but they were too big. Any ideas? All said this thread was very helpful.

Is this what you have? The Limited 4runners have a 2nd row dome light that uses two small panels. The sr5/sport dome lights are shown above with the 48SMD 5050 panels(big ones).

Direct replacement, plug and play interior LED light kit (2003 - 09).

Kit includes:

(2) 48 SMD 5050 panels (43*60mm)

(2) Spring adapters (30-42mm)

(6) 10 SMD 3020 T-10 wedge LED bulbs

 

[DBones]

Yes that is the kit that I ordered. The kit had 8 of the bulbs ( I ordered the license plate lights too) two of the big panels and two small panels. I'm guessing that the kit is designed to work with either the sport or limited. It is fine with me cause the big panels are really bright. I used a small panel for the back seat and may end up using the other small panel for the back if I don't like how bright the large panel is. In the end it is fine with me cause I would rather have too many bulbs than not enough.

 

[SteveAndStaci]

EDIT: the kit from pfran includes (2) 48Led panels for the dome light. These work with both SR5 dome lights. However since the limited has 2 bulbs for the middle row dome, the single panel is not the best option. Kit will be available for the 4th gen limited soon.


I wanted more light inside my 03 SR5 4runner and liked the LED swaps I had seen in other vehicles. I also liked the benefits of LEDs. They are longer lasting, brighter, and consume much less electricity a normal halogen bulb does. I bought a few eBay bulbs but there were hit or miss. Most of them burnt out and the colors didn't match perfectly so I put the project on the back burner. I found an 80 series land cruiser kit from PFRAN LEDs and bought a set for my fathers truck. After installing the kit and seeing how well all the lights worked I contacted PFRAN and bought a set for my rig. The install is easy and can be done with very little prior experience and a flat blade screwdriver. Latex gloves are a good precaution as well.

Link: 4th generation Toyota 4Runner (2002-09) - LED interior kits, LED exterior bulbs

1) First and easiest are the doors.

I found that the easiest way to remove the door lights was to gently pop off the arm rest cover. it has two clips and comes off fairly easy.

Once the rest cover is off the light housing is visible through the holes. Use the flat blade screwdriver to push the square tab and drop one side of the housing down out of the door panel. Gently pull the housing out of the door panel

When you have the housing out you can clearly see the tabs that are holding the lens on.

I found that you can pull the lens off using just your hands but if you can't, push your screwdriver between the housing and the lens at the tab. This will allow you to pull the lens off and access the bulb. Halogen and led bulbs can both get hot. Let the bulb cool for a good amount of time (5minutes to be sure) and pull the bulb straight out. Similarly, push the led bulb back in. LEDs are polarity-sensitive so if the bulb doesn't illuminate, turn it 180 degrees and reinsert it. Put everything back together the same way it came apart.

( this is the part where you stand back and think to your self "wow!.... I'm so cool. I just swapped my door light for and led, it looks awesome, and provides more light!" )

When you finish admiring your work, repeat the steps for the rest of the doors.

2) The dome lights are just as easy. Find the spots for your screwdriver and pry one side of the cover lens off.

Allow time for your halogen bulb to cool and drop it out of it's housing by spreading the metal contacts. Install the spring adapter and attach the led board. Test it before removing the adhesive. Turn the led panel side connector 180 degrees and reconnect.

Remove the adhesive backing cover and attach the dome. Be sure to get it right the first time or the adhesive will not work as well. Replace the lens and admire. (nice dome!)

3) EDIT: The map light lenses can be removed from the overhead console by using a small flat blade screwdriver wrapped in tape. The picture below shows how the lenses are attached (drivers side shown) Insert your screwdriver into the gap between the console and the outside edge of the lens and gently pop it off.

Let the halogen bulb cool and pull to remove. Insert the led bulb.

Repeat for the other lens and put everything back together.



nice interior lights!

If anyone finds a better way to do any of these steps. Definitely post how you did it.

EDIT: Thanks everyone for the input on the steps.

Hey [MENTION=79982]T4rman[/MENTION]... it looks like the pictures on here are no longer working. I just ordered this LED kit. Any chance we can get the pictures back?

 

[DCameraMan]

My PFRAN

Bought the PFRAN Kit and I'm happy with it for the most part.. It was nice to know all the color balances would be the same, coming together as a kit and from one place. Notes below:

With the backseat dome light so bright I've decided I don't need the map light mod anymore!



Here is with the map lights on. Super happy with the map lights. The door lights are perfect as well.



The vanity lights are incredibly bright, too bright. Quite blinding actually. Also, the LED panel adapter doesn't fit properly into the bulb contacts so it took so jerry rigging to get it all to fit and stay in place.


Dome lights are great




Happy with license plate as well



photoupload

 

[naturefreak]

Has anyone thought about going with a red or blue light with the map lights to preserve night vision? Would it be a different LED bulb or would it be more of a colored gel inserted into the cover...thoughts?

 

[helmetface]

Surprised it was not led from factory. Great details.

 

[DreamRun08]

Bought the PFRAN Kit and I'm happy with it for the most part.. It was nice to know all the color balances would be the same, coming together as a kit and from one place. Notes below:

With the backseat dome light so bright I've decided I don't need the map light mod anymore!



Here is with the map lights on. Super happy with the map lights. The door lights are perfect as well.



The vanity lights are incredibly bright, too bright. Quite blinding actually. Also, the LED panel adapter doesn't fit properly into the bulb contacts so it took so jerry rigging to get it all to fit and stay in place.


Dome lights are great




Happy with license plate as well



photoupload

You put the small panels in the vanities?

 

[DCameraMan]

You put the small panels in the vanities?

Yep. and they are BRIGHT. Light super super bright. Blinding lol I'm almost not totally kidding. and the adapters that go in place of the original bulbs didn't fit so well. They were too big and just popped back out. So I had to hold the electrical connector in and try to get the small panel to squish in front of the connector so it wouldn't pop back out.

 

[DreamRun08]

Yep. and they are BRIGHT. Light super super bright. Blinding lol I'm almost not totally kidding. and the adapters that go in place of the original bulbs didn't fit so well. They were too big and just popped back out. So I had to hold the electrical connector in and try to get the small panel to squish in front of the connector so it wouldn't pop back out.

Nice lol.. I'm sure your woman is stoked with that! I think Im going to find some not so bright led to fit in there. If you know of any let me know. I may try and rig the extra panels the back hatch for some extra light when opened, if it's possible.. gonna look into it. I'm wondering if i can just wire them to the rear dome light to work in conjunction with it.

 

[DCameraMan]

Nice lol.. I'm sure your woman is stoked with that! I think Im going to find some not so bright led to fit in there. If you know of any let me know. I may try and rig the extra panels the back hatch for some extra light when opened, if it's possible.. gonna look into it. I'm wondering if i can just wire them to the rear dome light to work in conjunction with it.

Haha. Yeah I thinking some that aren't so bright would be good. Haven't looked into it though. For that extra light in the rear, I would just wire into the existing light. Since it's LED swap, you're not going to cause any electrical problem with the lower draw LEDs

 

[nghiS4]

Has anyone thought about going with a red or blue light with the map lights to preserve night vision? Would it be a different LED bulb or would it be more of a colored gel inserted into the cover...thoughts?

I have heard of people using colored magic markers over the LED's to change colors.