Install help - trailer light "converter"

[maine runner]

Can you provide me with guidance on removing the inside rear window trim pieces on a 99 4runner ltd. so I can replace the trailer lights converter.

Is the converter on the left or right side?

The dealer wants $200 for the shop manual.

Here is the original thread on the converter.

4 Runner Trailer converter

Thanks

 

[fr8hauler]

Taillight converter is on left side. It is attached to inside of body panel with double-sided "tape". It is about the size and shape of a deck of cards.
To access it, I removed the plastic strip at the edge of the cargo area floor, then simply popped the left panel away from the body with a screwdriver. I only popped out enough clips to pull the rear quarter of the panel out to access the converter. I used another screwdriver to hold the panel out while I worked.
You'll have to reach behind the metal brace behind the taillight area to pull the old converter away from the body. Just follow the trailer plug wiring harness out of the floor to find the converter.
I bought a replacement converter with circuit protection from www.etrailer.com for about $30-$40.
Wiring was fairly easy, just double check what wire you're working with by using a test light before you connect them to the converter.
Good luck!
P.S. Anyone know why the factory converters don't just reset instead of breaking?

 

[maine runner]

fr8hauler -

Thanks for this info.

After removing the bottom trim, are there specific locations of the clips? Do you pry at the clip or anywhere between 2 of them.

My biggest fear is breaking a clip and/or the trim piece itself.

In going back to the dealer to check on the converter price, I learned Toyota has seperated the converter from the wiring harness. Just the converter is $125.00.

While attrocious, not $300 as before.

I think I blew mine due to salt water.

 

[fr8hauler]

I just pryed under the edge of the panel and it popped out . The panel has "pins" that are molded as part of it that stick out and go into part of the body. It didn't really seem like they were the normal clips that you would think of on trim pieces that would break off easily. I popped this piece on and off twice in the process and it still attaches tightly as before.
The $125 seems high, but it would save you the time of cutting the connectors off the wiring harness to splice the aftermarket one in.

 

[maine runner]

Thanks for the additional information. The reason I ask is I heard from another 4runner owner who had a dealer do this same repair and they cracked the entire rear panel.

I am picking up the part this coming week and will do the install sometime 5/18-20 since I need my trailer lights.

Will post results and/or questions.

 

[fr8hauler]

You should make sure it's fairly warm out to avoid any chance of the plastic cracking. I did mine in warm temperatures and didn't have a problem. Just work slowly and you should be OK.
If you're getting the part from the dealer, you shouldn't have to move the panel out as far as I did because I needed to splice the wiring in while you'll just have to plug in the new part.
Dealer should also be able to pull up a diagram of the panel to show exactly where the fasteners are located.
Good luck!

 

[maine runner]

Well, this sucks.

I just returned from the stealership (1 hr RT)and I realize I ordered the wrong thing AND after calling them they don't carry what I really need.

What I wanted was just the converter. No wires.

What I got was a universalwiring kit that included the converter, wiring to the opposite tail and to the hitch.

I just need the damn converter. One would think that because these blow ALOT (poor design) they could make a fortune selling just the box.

I am returning the universal kit ($160.) and going non-oem.

Can I just get a non-oem converter and replace the fried one or will I need to run a whole set of wires?

Oh am I steamed!

 

[fr8hauler]

I got the converter only at www.etrailer.com, but you could pick one up at any trailer supply shop or maybe even walmart. I like the one I got because of the circuit protection.
You don't need to replace the entire wiring harness, just cut out the old converter and replace with the new one. You'll have to cut off the plug ends on the factory harness and connect the new converter to it.
It's not a difficult job. Sorry you had to run around and not get what you needed.
Good luck.

 

[maine runner]

After getting a night's sleep, I am abandoning the effort to fix the converter and try to stay OEM. I will get a universal harness installed off the tail lights by U-Haul. They were nice enough to do a free harness check and educated me on the converter being blow back in the beginning.

I realize now I have wasted alot of time and as a stay at home dad there are alot more important things to be doing with my scarce free time.

You have been tremendous help. Thanks.

 

[fr8hauler]

Glad I could help. Maybe the info can help someone else in the future when they search for posts. I think the time playing with your kids is better than time spent playing with your 4runner anyway.
Take care.