**my LED license plate lights won't work** emergency request!!

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Anonymous4Runner

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Hi all. As you all know, tonight is New Year's eve and we're all going to have a great time with family & friends. Unfortunately for me though, I have to drive tonight to get to places and I cannot risk getting pulled over due to no license plate lights.


I recently placed an order through V-LEDS ( 6K WHITE HIGH POWER LICENSE PLATE MAP PARKING LED BULBS 194 168 158 | 1 PAIR ) and I received the led license plates light blubs earlier this afternoon. What I noticed was that the stock light blub differs from the led light blub (pictures shown below)


http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/715/photo1zy.jpg

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/photo2aq.jpg

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/513/photouw.jpg [/IMG]


Did I really end up getting the wrong ones? I got that particular link from another thread posted already here on 4Runner forums;


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/45962-led-license-bulbs-best-cheap-mod-ever.html


I also noticed that when I put the stock light bulb back into place after attempting to install led light bulb #1, the light for that particular bulb AND the other untouched stock light bulb would not turn on. (i tested by turning on headlights). Any ideas? I'm really trying to avoid having to drive my mom's new genesis coupe tonight because granted it is a very nice car but I would rather drive my 4Runner where it is more spacious for those riding in the car. Thanks!! Happy New Year and call a fella if you need a ride home! No drinking & driving. Be safe all



Edit x2: I have a 4Runner '04 SR5
 
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Just a thought. I have those same bulbs and have had no problem getting them to work. They do fit rather tight but that shouldnt be an issue. Also, the bulbs are "pole sensitive" I think. If they dont work one way, flip them over and try again. If they still dont work they might be bad but I have never gotten bad bulds from them before. Try changing the bulbs with the headlights on so you dont have to go back and forth. If all else fails check the fuse. Good Luck!
 
There are two things to try.

1. Flip them around. They have a +/- side.

Also, the bulbs should each have two metal "prongs" on the sides. Use a fingernail to -gently- pull it away from the bulb. It should be a slight angle, but it needs contact.

P.S. If all else fails, Auto Parts Stores will sell the basic bulbs to get you through the night.

Drive Safe
 
Thanks to you both for responding in a timely manner! I ended up driving my mom's genesis coupe for the night since it was getting dark by the time you guys responded. I got the 4Runner back today & I started working on the light bulbs. However, neither light bulbs turn on...so I am guessing the fuse is blown. I remember tugging the panel because you had to apply certain amount of pressure to break loose the clear panel that protects the bulb. Do you guys think I tugged the fuse too hard to a point where it is rendered useless? Also, I'm not as savvy as you guys are when it comes to cars but how do you exactly test the fuse to see if it's 'blown' ? I will be emailing v-leds to see if they can send out replacement bulbs while I send in potential defective bulbs. Thanks 'errbody! Hope you all had a great New Year & no drunken driving charges....
 
birdtail said:
There are two things to try.

1. Flip them around. They have a +/- side.

Also, the bulbs should each have two metal "prongs" on the sides. Use a fingernail to -gently- pull it away from the bulb. It should be a slight angle, but it needs contact.

P.S. If all else fails, Auto Parts Stores will sell the basic bulbs to get you through the night.

Drive Safe
Click to expand...
yeah when i put my LEDs in some of them didnt come on and i flipped them around and wala there was light. Good luck
 
I also switched both sides of the bulbs & the lights still does not turn on.


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Is the bottom supposed to be facing toward the clear cover panel while the top part with metal prongs is connected to the base on the inside? Sorry if that doesn't make sense, my terminology when it comes to automobiles isn't exactly impressive.
 
If you're asking if the narrow part with the metal prongs goes in first. yes. The narrow end goes in first. If you have a blown fuse you can tell when you remove the fuse from the panel and the "wire" looks burnt or is no longer one piece. Just put a new one in and your good to go.
 
I doubt it's the light bulbs. I thought my eyes were deceiving me today because when I turned on the lights, I couldn't see anything coming from the back tail lights while I could see headlights on at the front. This was during the daylight so I waited until it got dark and I tried turning on the lights again. Turns out my eyes was not deceiving me at all! If I leave the lights off, the brake light works, tail light works, everything works, but once I turn on the lights, all bets are off. Tail lights doesn't come on at all, neither does the license plate lights (I went to AutoZone earlier today and bought a pair of license plate lights). I think I committed a rookie mistake :(. I tugged the cords a little too hard because I was trying to get to it when installing the led light bulbs so I somewhat pulled the panel a little bit harder to make my access easier.


What the heck should I do now at this point? I await your responses
 
No one has an answer? Do I have to record a gopro video of my problem to show you all? :\ I don't really want to take a visit to the stealership to have it fixed (they charge you a diagnostic fee of $90) without telling them exactly what the problem is.
 
I'm more than sure that they will fit. I was just being a noob because I assumed the part without metal prongs goes in first because I was mainly focused on the red/black (assumed they would connect but turns out it's the side with metal prongs that goes in first thanks to ryangab). You definitely have the right ones, though. Just try not to tug the wires too hard when you disconnect the panel to install the bulbs because that is what I did and I think that caused the sudden loss of power going through tail lights & license plates as well. My blinkers still work and all that, but my tail lights will not turn on (brake light works) so obviously it has something to do with me tugging the wires a little too hard because I wanted easier access to the panel.


edit: NVM. Just looked at your link and I realized it's for interior lighting. Don't go with my word! Never had experience with interior lighting & led bulbs
 
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checks the fuses, i think the interior fuse box, # 73 is a 10 amp fuse marked tail , this controls most of the outside lights. page 454 in the owners manual will explain to u.
 
Turns out it was indeed a blown fuse! I replaced all 10a fuses as most of them were starting to blow. My license plate lights is now working...thanks everybody!!
 
License plate light will not work

Sorry to bring this tread back from the dead but I just don't know what to do.:shrug: I have a 2003 4Runner. The right license plate light was not working so I replaced the bulb and still nothing. I've had LED's in the vehicle for about 6 months now and no issues. Next I proceeded to think it was a wiring issue so I replaced the whole harness where the lights attach together, and nothing. The left side works perfect but not right. I would check the fuse BUT since the left light is working fine wouldn't both be non-operational? The reverse lights are working fine as well. Left me know if you guys have any solutions. Thanks You
 

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