OEM LED tail light Install w/ pics

[CookieRoe]

Hello All,

B/c I'm new here, I thought I would share this very easy mod for everyone. It is very easy to do. Someone else detailed a thread about this, but the pictures no longer work. Anyway, here it goes:

Got to get Toyota OEM:
81551-35320 (Right housing)
81561-35280 (Left housing)

1) Your 2003-2005 4Runner with the OEM lights (blah). Tools you will need (10mm each):

[/url]DSC06058 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06078 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

2) Starting on the driver’s side (this removable panel is identical to the one on the passenger side), remove this panel, you will then observe the “cubby space” to remove/replace the bulbs.

[/url]DSC06061 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06062 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

3) Remove the bulb socket, then the bulb itself!

[/url]DSC06064 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06066 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

4) Now, go to your LED tail lights and connect this “bulb socket” to the “male” connector of the LED lights. You can only snap it on one way (so don’t worry if you think you will connect it incorrectly). Note: the part of the socket you are plugging in is where a normal bulb would go.

[/url]DSC06067 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06068 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

5) Proceed to remove (not necessary, but allows you to see what you are doing back there) the panel above to where a factory cargo net would attach to (see picture). As you can see, I wedged a mag-light to see where to remove the upper 10mm bolt. To remove the upper bolt, you will need a small 10mm wrench (the ratchet I had would not fit in the cubby hole) Proceed to remove the lower 10mm bolt (picture). You will use the ratchet as it easily fits inside. That is all!! When you remove the two bolts, the light assembly should come off.

[/url]DSC06073 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06069 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06070 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]] .......to be continued...

 

[CookieRoe]

(continued)

6) When you get the assembly off, take a soft, damp terry cloth and wipe off all the dirt. In addition to this, I used some cleaner wax. On the old bulb tail light assembly, you’ll notice that the reverse and turn signal bulbs are still installed. Take them out and now install them to the NEW LED tail light assembly. Now place the NEW LED tail light assembly, plug in the socket to the car’s wiring harness. Reinstall the 10mm bolts you took off previously. Viola!!! Now turn on the hazards, lights and reverse lights and everything should work.

[/url]DSC06072 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06071 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]DSC06076 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

7) Return and snap the light access door (removable panel from step 2) back into place. For the passenger side, repeat these steps.

8) This is what you should have left over. 2 bulbs and 2 tail light assemblies. Take pictures and throw them on ebay!!!....... Aaaaaaahhh, see the glory!!!! Anyway, hope this help anybody, as you can observe, this “mod” is very easy. It took me about an hour to do (I like to take my time), but if I had to do it over, I’m sure it would only about 20 minutes. Thanks to the forum for help!!

[/url]DSC06077 by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]2006 Tail light upgrade by Edward Rojas, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[ecrew16]

Great write up! Looks good

 

[810moto]

looks great! how much $$ you think you have wrapped up in the project?

 

[CookieRoe]

looks great! how much $$ you think you have wrapped up in the project?

I got my OEM tail lights from partznet.com. Each one cost $158.00 plus shipping. Shipping was about $18 bucks I think (dont' remember). Not cheap, but soo worth the price of admission!

 

[4jogger]

Looks nice. I cant wait to do mine

 

[toybox]

Cookie, if you're in Upper Merion, why didn't you just pick them up? It can't be more than a ten minute drive.

Anyway, nice write-up. I also want to do this on my truck.

Oh, and how much are the stock one's worth on ebay? (how much money did you recoup?)

 

[CookieRoe]

Cookie, if you're in Upper Merion, why didn't you just pick them up? It can't be more than a ten minute drive.

Anyway, nice write-up. I also want to do this on my truck.

Oh, and how much are the stock one's worth on ebay? (how much money did you recoup?)

Ordering from Partznet means delivery only. Had I gone to Conicelli, I wouldn't have gotten the online discount.

I don't remember exactly how much I got for the original taillights, but it was in the $80 range. (nobody wants them).

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Can you take night pictures of the new tail lights & are you able to replace anything with the secondary light beneath the tail lights? If so, how do you access it? Great write up, ordering led tail lights real soon!!

 

[CookieRoe]

Rear Fog Bumper light on 4th gen 4Runner:

Can you take night pictures of the new tail lights & are you able to replace anything with the secondary light beneath the tail lights? If so, how do you access it? Great write up, ordering led tail lights real soon!!

The secondary light on the bumper? No light there, unless you WANT some lights there!!!

This 4Runner belongs to user: floyd. Anyway, it's the best picture of one I can find.

Here's a DIY: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/1137-putting-red-bumper-lenses-use.html

Here's another (if you are feeling adventurous): http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/15651-my-led-bumper-light-conversion.html

BUT: Here's a much easier (but costly) option: Rear Fog Light from Japan
Will require you using a dremel tool to get it to fit. (easy)

Hope I answered your question. I'll more than likely to the Fog Light from Japan option (after I get the rest of my mods finished). :hatsoff:

EDIT: I'll take night/day photos later and post them!

 

[toybox]

Ordering from Partznet means delivery only. Had I gone to Conicelli, I wouldn't have gotten the online discount.

I don't remember exactly how much I got for the original taillights, but it was in the $80 range. (nobody wants them).

I do it all the time. When you order online and where you go to pay there is a "pick-up" option. Also you can call and tell them about T4R or that you were looking on the internet and you will get the internet pricing. ( I had to call one time when I had a list of things and couldn't find the one of the things online, all the prices I got over the phone were the same as the online prices)

 

[Javelin]

Do you have to have both new LED taillights installed at the same time for the blinker/reverse bulbs to work. I tested one side only while the other was the Factory 03-05 taillight and the Blinker/Reverse light would not work. I double checked the bulbs and they were in correctly.

 

[BoSox2004]

Just bought mine shipped from eBay for $178 I think..

OEM led tailights..... I can post the linkk if you guys want.

 

[freeflight]

Great info. Thanks.

 

[wyattroa]

Ok I am in the middle of doing this and have a problem...I got the lights on and the brakes work and the lights light up when I turn on my headlights... But I have no reverse or turn signal...Any help? I installed the old lights into the new ones and they were working fine before.
Robert

 

[CookieRoe]

Ok I am in the middle of doing this and have a problem...I got the lights on and the brakes work and the lights light up when I turn on my headlights... But I have no reverse or turn signal...Any help? I installed the old lights into the new ones and they were working fine before.
Robert

Double check the connections (obviously). I remember checking them when BOTH of them were installed. I've heard both had to be installed (friend told me). Doesn't make sense to me, but try that........

 

[wyattroa]

Double check the connections (obviously). I remember checking them when BOTH of them were installed. I've heard both had to be installed (friend told me). Doesn't make sense to me, but try that........

Double checked my connections and everything seems to be good.. Don't understand why the LED brake lights would be getting power on both sides and light up when the brakes are applied, but no signal or reverse light..What do you mean when you say both had to be installed? I followed you instructions to the T, does the 03 model need some other adapter? I got the lights from partznet.com and on each tab I had to shave off two little pieces in order for them to fit in the plug. But, I have read others had the same thing....

 

[CookieRoe]

Double checked my connections and everything seems to be good.. Don't understand why the LED brake lights would be getting power on both sides and light up when the brakes are applied, but no signal or reverse light..What do you mean when you say both had to be installed? I followed you instructions to the T, does the 03 model need some other adapter? I got the lights from partznet.com and on each tab I had to shave off two little pieces in order for them to fit in the plug. But, I have read others had the same thing....

I didn't shave anything and it all fit perfect. 2003 and 2005 are identical, so no adapter is needed. As far as plugging in both lights, I'm just relaying what I was told. Doesn't make sense to me either.

 

[Javelin]

Make sure the reverse and turn bulbs are locked into place in the new taillight.

 

[toyrunner1102]

Did you every figure out what was causing your turns and reverse not to work. I installed a set of factory 06 lamps and had the same problem. Put the OEM back in and it works fine. Have no idea what the problem could be.