Puddle Lamp Modification

[JohnnyNYC16]

My plan to is to switch out the stock bulb in the puddle lamps with an LED bulb...does anyone know if the install is as simple as using a small flathead screwdriver and popping out the plastic cover? or does it require a body shop to carefully remove the mirror to get access to the bulb?

Also, does anyone know if the actual bulb size for the puddle lamp is a 194/168 size?

Hopefully some of the mechanically inclined can assist here! :lol:

Thanks:reddance:

 

[JohnnyNYC16]

59 views and no responses?:nono:

 

[philsey]

Are LED's dimmable? Seems the puddle lights fade-to-off.

Sorry I can't help, but I'd like to do this too...

 

[B'klyn_Mike]

My plan to is to switch out the stock bulb in the puddle lamps with an LED bulb...does anyone know if the install is as simple as using a small flathead screwdriver and popping out the plastic cover? or does it require a body shop to carefully remove the mirror to get access to the bulb?

Also, does anyone know if the actual bulb size for the puddle lamp is a 194/168 size?

Hopefully some of the mechanically inclined can assist here! :lol:

Thanks:reddance:

What does the manual say? All bulb sizes should be listed. Also, it should state whether the owner can change a specific bulb or if the service dept. should, i.e., on my '06 Highlander it was recommended that the 'fog light' bulbs be changed by the service department because it was a PITA to get to 'em.

Mike :artist:

 

[philsey]

That's pretty much the case Mike. I have the owner's manual in front of me, and Puddle Lamps aka "Outer Foot Lights" are listed under "have your dealer replace".

EDIT: The table listing bulb types says: "5w, wedge base bulb"

 

[philsey]

Bump

Bumping up .... anyone done the puddle lamp LEDs yet?

 

[degalaz808]

I tried to figure it out too... tried to use the flathead screwdriver method but was apprehensive because the lens would not give without possibly breaking something... I am interested in doing the same thing! I believe you could use the 194 bulb... Toyota mechanics please post!

 

[E808H]

I tried to figure it out too... tried to use the flathead screwdriver method but was apprehensive because the lens would not give without possibly breaking something... I am interested in doing the same thing! I believe you could use the 194 bulb... Toyota mechanics please post!

I had our local dealership look into this as well. This is what they told me, but I haven't gotten around to doing it yet. You have to REMOVE the entire mirror to get to the bulb from the backside(Cover). You have to remove the door panel to get to the connector for the mirror & disconnect it. There is a little plastic triangle on the inside of the mirror, remove that and unbolt the mirror. Under the mirror, you will notice a tiny panel. Remove those screws to get the cover off. GOOD LUCK!! Like I said, I MYSELF have NOT attempted this, but this is the information I got from our dealership's technicians.:shrug::shrug::shrug:

 

[E808H]

You can EASILY "Pop" off the side mirrors. Start at the bottom of the mirror and "Pop" them off just like any old Toyota. Imagine a square of about an inch and a half in diameter in the middle of the glass, thats where the four (4) tabs are that hold the glass into the mirror motor. DO NOT try to REMOVE the whole mirror at this time because there are still two wires that connect the heating element for the defrost feature. I placed a cloth over my mirror housing and hung the glass over the top.

Push the white plastic of the motor downwards in the 6 o'clock direction, it WILL make some clicking noises. Remove the two(2) Phillips screws and the light housing with drop down. Replace the bulb with a 194 type LED and reinstall.

When reinstalling, NOTICE there are two "Hook" looking tabs on the light housing. You will have to maneuver the square ring that the screws go into and make sure those hooks lock into the ring, then screw in. ***REMEMBER*** You're screwing into PLASTIC, so don't over-tighten. Snug is fine.

DOUBLE CHECK the LED before you screw everything back together, some LEDs work in one direction and not the other.

Should take only a few minutes to do.:thumb3:

 

[degalaz808]

Thanks E808H! your the man! the only bulb that I couldn't figure out to swap out! did the swap and it was super easy! You're the man!

 

[E808H]

:cheers:

 

[kingpin748]