led map light disaster

[nbtrdrunner]

Hello I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for some insight on a led map light issue I'm having. I have a 2018 trd off road premium 4 runner . i replaced the map light and dome light with sylvania led bulbs . while doing the map lights i apparently accidentally bent the reflector plate behind it upwards and its hitting the chip board behind it causing the passenger side map light to flicker all the interior lights a few times before it goes solid. i took it to the dealership and they tried to tell me i have to replace the whole unit and they want to charge me 1800$!!! please if anyone has any info on this or if you ever had this problem give me some kind of helpful info so i don't spend 2k on fixing a small problem my brand new 4runner :rebuke: i can't imagine they would have to replace that whole thing. thank you

 

[Cndnmax]

Can’t you just bend it back? The flicker might actually be the LEDs. Depending on how they are made, some do not like the gradual on/off. Although, this usually isn’t a problem with DC setups but you never know. I would suggest you start by putting the old bulbs in and seeing if he problem is still there.

 

[Jivewalker]

Take the reflector out and see if it still flickers. then you will know for sure if that is the issue. If you can't bend it back into shape, maybe some silicon or electrical tape over the offending area will insulate from the board.

 

[nbtrdrunner]

Can’t you just bend it back? The flicker might actually be the LEDs. Depending on how they are made, some do not like the gradual on/off. Although, this usually isn’t a problem with DC setups but you never know. I would suggest you start by putting the old bulbs in and seeing if he problem is still there.

Yes I tried putting stock bulbs in and it still does it

 

[nbtrdrunner]

Take the reflector out and see if it still flickers. then you will know for sure if that is the issue. If you can't bend it back into shape, maybe some silicon or electrical tape over the offending area will insulate from the board.

That’s reflector is so flimsy I’m afraid if I get it out it will never go back in.. I tried bending it back down too and I thought I did a good job because it’s really hard to tell
Where it’s even bent . That’s why im thinking that’s just what the dealership is saying it is but maybe it’s something else

 

[97BlackAckCL]

$1800 for an overhead console? :madgrin:

 

[sntryplt]

I'd do a little more investigation--the lamp assembly total is less than $200. He's quoting a total overhead console replacement. Does it still flicker if you take that bulb out completely (using just the other side?) and try it? I'm skeptical of what the dealer is telling you. Cheaper LEDs tend to flicker in our sockets (I've proven that on mine). If you can't bend the reflector back, then I'd probably find (search the forum) instructions to pull the overhead console, and bend the reflector away from the board or replace that particular unit. It will be easier on a bench rather than overhead.

 

[TCLLC]

ask someone who replaced their lights with Arclight led's. you need to remove that plate (I did but have no idea where I put it).

or try a junk yard, heck of a lot cheaper than 1800!

 

[nbtrdrunner]

I'd do a little more investigation--the lamp assembly total is less than $200. He's quoting a total overhead console replacement. Does it still flicker if you take that bulb out completely (using just the other side?) and try it? I'm skeptical of what the dealer is telling you. Cheaper LEDs tend to flicker in our sockets (I've proven that on mine). If you can't bend the reflector back, then I'd probably find (search the forum) instructions to pull the overhead console, and bend the reflector away from the board or replace that particular unit. It will be easier on a bench rather than overhead

I used sylania leds ...I’m not sure if they fall under the cheaper category or not but yeah I’ve been searching everywhere trying to find the reflector part sold separately and came up with nothing . I did find a thread on taking the whole console down and that may be the route I’ll go to further investigate . And for the question of the flickering ... it only flickers when the button is pushed

 

[nbtrdrunner]

ask someone who replaced their lights with Arclight led's. you need to remove that plate (I did but have no idea where I put it).

or try a junk yard, heck of a lot cheaper than 1800!

Maybe I should just look into arc light leds Was it hard to remove ?

 

[Bayou_Pro]

You are not going to find the reflector plate by itself as it only comes with the console. Your only chance of that would be a junk yard console or a member that has removed thiers.

Is your 4runner still under warranty? If so put all of the factory bulbs back in and take it to another dealer. Might be worth a shot. Good luck.


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[rayofsi]

Maybe I should just look into arc light leds Was it hard to remove ?

10 minutes, or less.

 

[nbtrdrunner]

You are not going to find the reflector plate by itself as it only comes with the console. Your only chance of that would be a junk yard console or a member that has removed thiers.

Is your 4runner still under warranty? If so put all of the factory bulbs back in and take it to another dealer. Might be worth a shot. Good luck.


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I screwed that up already lol I changed all dome lights and map but left the puddle lights led and they saw it

 

[Bayou_Pro]

I screwed that up already lol I changed all dome lights and map but left the puddle lights led and they saw it

Well damn. Did that record that on your invoice? If so it'll go into TIS where other dealers can see it. [emoji20]


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[LOLSNOW]

Can you remove the lenses and give the map light console a good whiff? If it smells like burnt electronics then that's the reason why toyota wants you to replace the console.

You can also remove the map light console to inspect the board. PM me your email and I'll send you my guide that will walk you through the removal.

 

[TCLLC]

Maybe I should just look into arc light leds Was it hard to remove ?

wont hurt to try. hell of a great product too. you will need to remove the overhead console, 10-15 minutes of work. instructions are well written too, as long as you follow the directions, very easy

 

[TPz_Fuchs]

I changed my map light assembly to ArcLights. I may still have the reflector unit somewhere. Let me know if you need one. The ArcLights were easy-peasy to install, just follow the instructions and they work like a champ.

 

[Speedsurfer]

Agree put the old bulbs back and go to a different dealer and make a warranty claim. Worth a try

 

[engeeoh01]

I had my entire map light assembly replaced at about 19k. Passenger side went first, and then the driver side followed shortly. Lights didn’t turn on when doors opened either. Dealer diagnosed it and ruled it to be the circuit board failure. They replaced it, no questions asked. The repair didn’t take all day, which was nice. And yes, nbtrdrunner is right. This part is like $1250. Thank goodness for factory warranties.




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[AustenKorowski]

I just wanted to add to this thread with my mistakes tonight. I bought one of the commonly purchased kits off Amazon.

1) Don't twist the bulb accidently. The bulb connector is just a quarter turn fitting into the housing. It popped up inside with the old light bulb still attached.

2) If this happens, don't remove the sheet metal reflector. Even though it looks like it's easy to remove it's too flimsy, you will damage it trying to get it back in, and possibly break the tiny tabs that hold the clear lenses in the process.

3) It's really easy to remove the entire map light console. Just two screws in the sunglass holder. Should have done that from the start when the bulb holder popped inside.

4) The back dome bulb flickered at first when I'd slam my door. Reviews said the bulb was too big, but they must have changed something because the bulb seemed too small almost. Had to pry the contract open a hair and put a new bulb in to get rid of the flicker. The LEDs are one sided and I didn't like that the loose bulb could freely spin around. Was worried it would eventually work it's way to shine upwards into the housing.