Putting the red bumper lenses to use

[AlexJet]

Thanks AlexJet and I'm sure there are a number of people who would like to see the closeup photos.
...
Tom

I was thinking of taking some close-up pictures this morning and, s**t, I found a small problem... My left bumper light has some forging in (temperature dropped a lot this night). Now I have to find out why it's forging and what to do with it. It might be sealing of the socket. I was thinking of an idea to open "ventilation hole", like many guys did with filament bulbs. Is it going to stop fogging???

 

[HRunner]

Thanks Bryancos... your thread helps a lot~

I finished my mod on this thanksgiving holiday... and here's my write-up.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=118515#post118515

 

[sbryan]

Now having read all the various discussions about using the rear fogs as parking and brake lights, I'd like to know if anyone has discovered whether or not the wiring loom actually has the wire for rear fogs as intended on overseas versions of the 4R? Quite often there will be a single wiring harness for various versions of a vehicle but they just won't hook up the parts that aren't used. It's cheaper to leave the wire in the harness than to stock 2 or 3 items. I've looked around a bit but haven't found anyone who has done the research. Anyone know?

 

[Pennywise]

Now having read all the various discussions about using the rear fogs as parking and brake lights, I'd like to know if anyone has discovered whether or not the wiring loom actually has the wire for rear fogs as intended on overseas versions of the 4R? Quite often there will be a single wiring harness for various versions of a vehicle but they just won't hook up the parts that aren't used. It's cheaper to leave the wire in the harness than to stock 2 or 3 items. I've looked around a bit but haven't found anyone who has done the research. Anyone know?

I can't say for sure, but I highly doubt that the wiring is there. With the large number of people who have done this mod (including myself), you would think that someone would have come across the wires or connectors that are used on the foreign versions, especially after you remove the stock taillight housing and the bumper lenses.

Keep in mind that even if the wiring was present (and provided you wanted to use it), you would be stuck with the default behavior of the foreign rear fogs. There are a number of different wiring methods within this thread to provide different resuts; tails only, brakes and tails, brakes with turns, etc.

Tom

 

[AlexJet]

Now having read all the various discussions about using the rear fogs as parking and brake lights, I'd like to know if anyone has discovered whether or not the wiring loom actually has the wire for rear fogs as intended on overseas versions of the 4R? Quite often there will be a single wiring harness for various versions of a vehicle but they just won't hook up the parts that aren't used. It's cheaper to leave the wire in the harness than to stock 2 or 3 items. I've looked around a bit but haven't found anyone who has done the research. Anyone know?

Some earlier versions of 4Runner, like 2003, had the wiring for the fog, but no switch, relay and bulb housing. I'm not sure if 2004 has it, but 2005 and 2006 definitely not has it. So you have to do it yourself.

 

[toybox]

Now having read all the various discussions about using the rear fogs as parking and brake lights, I'd like to know if anyone has discovered whether or not the wiring loom actually has the wire for rear fogs as intended on overseas versions of the 4R? Quite often there will be a single wiring harness for various versions of a vehicle but they just won't hook up the parts that aren't used. It's cheaper to leave the wire in the harness than to stock 2 or 3 items. I've looked around a bit but haven't found anyone who has done the research. Anyone know?

Now that you mention that, do they sell the actual housing with the bulb cutout already there and sealed from the factory? Can anyone get the JDM part numbers for these?

 

[sbryan]

Some earlier versions of 4Runner, like 2003, had the wiring for the fog, but no switch, relay and bulb housing. I'm not sure if 2004 has it, but 2005 and 2006 definitely not has it. So you have to do it yourself.

If that's true it's too bad. Was hoping I could tap off the existing fog electrics. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[MDT4RNR]

2003 wireing

Some earlier versions of 4Runner, like 2003, had the wiring for the fog, but no switch, relay and bulb housing. I'm not sure if 2004 has it, but 2005 and 2006 definitely not has it. So you have to do it yourself.

AlexJet
I am about to engage in the wireing of the Light bulbs, i have cut out the holes allready and fitted the sockets I am using the 12V5W Honda bulbs. (Note: Sockets are not grounded)
i am thinking on doing the same wireing set up as HRunner, where he taps into the socket for the rear tail lights.

How much do you know about the existing Fog wireing for the 2003's, could you point out where I can find them? i rather try them if they are easier to tap into. Could you shed some more light on this topic?

Thanks

 

[HRunner]

Re: 2003 wireing

When I was doing my mod, I did look around but couldn't find any socket or wiring for the rear fog...

I doubt if that is really a rear fog for JDM version, so they should have a clear len, instead of red len. This is just my guess because I never recall to see any JDM Hilux surf with clear rear lenses... correct me if I am wrong~

 

[sbryan]

Re: Re: 2003 wireing

When I was doing my mod, I did look around but couldn't find any socket or wiring for the rear fog...

I doubt if that is really a rear fog for JDM version, so they should have a clear len, instead of red len. This is just my guess because I never recall to see any JDM Hilux surf with clear rear lenses... correct me if I am wrong~

Actually the rear fog light uses a red lense. Normally they operate at high intensity - they look just like the brake light is stuck on. Follow an Audi or some VW's that have their fog lights on and you will notice that there is a bright red light on, normally on the left side. This is the rear fog - intended to make your ass end brighter under lousy visibility conditions.

 

[HRunner]

Actually the rear fog light uses a red lense. Normally they operate at high intensity - they look just like the brake light is stuck on. Follow an Audi or some VW's that have their fog lights on and you will notice that there is a bright red light on, normally on the left side. This is the rear fog - intended to make your ass end brighter under lousy visibility conditions.

Really? That's new info and good to know...

When I backup in dark environment, I feel my reverse light bright up the ass quite a lot... hehehe That's why I thought the rear fog light supposes to be bright white or white clean lenses in my sense.

 

[AlexJet]

Re: Re: 2003 wireing

When I was doing my mod, I did look around but couldn't find any socket or wiring for the rear fog...

I doubt if that is really a rear fog for JDM version, so they should have a clear len, instead of red len. This is just my guess because I never recall to see any JDM Hilux surf with clear rear lenses... correct me if I am wrong~

Probably you're mistaken the phrase. Rear Fog Lights are not white for going backward on reverse; they are red lights which usually work with front fog lights to make your vehicle as much visible as possible from behind in heavy foggy condition. (sbryan absolutely right regarding this)

 

[AlexJet]

Re: 2003 wireing

AlexJet
I am about to engage in the wireing of the Light bulbs, i have cut out the holes allready and fitted the sockets I am using the 12V5W Honda bulbs. (Note: Sockets are not grounded)
i am thinking on doing the same wireing set up as HRunner, where he taps into the socket for the rear tail lights.

How much do you know about the existing Fog wireing for the 2003's, could you point out where I can find them? i rather try them if they are easier to tap into. Could you shed some more light on this topic?

Thanks

I have 2005, and unfortunately didn't check 2003 properly, but as far as I know, if you'll be able to locate the wiring, you'll also need to install switch, wire it and make some modifications to fuse/relay box (you'll need to fit new relay there).

 

[00328]

AlexJet - I bought the 3157 25 LED bulbs the same ones you got. How the heck did you get them in the Toyota sockets. I can't get them to go in. I feel like if I push on them any harder, they will break. What's your secret, did you modify the bulb base?

 

[AlexJet]

AlexJet - I bought the 3157 25 LED bulbs the same ones you got. How the heck did you get them in the Toyota sockets. I can't get them to go in. I feel like if I push on them any harder, they will break. What's your secret, did you modify the bulb base?

OK, let's look at some details. You've been saying that you got the same 25LED bulb and the same Toyota sockets. Did I get you right? I think so. If yes, the next step is to find out what actually the problem you have: fitting the bulb into the Toyota socket or Toyota socket into the bumper lens housing. If it's the first one, I did following. First of all check the sockets. They should have 4 contacts and nothing in the middle (I've seen some sockets with some kind of bulb stopper, to make sure you'll insert the right bulb). Then gently press the bulb inside the socket. TIP, it's not going to be pressed all the way in. The LED bulb has some kind of locker system, but it won

 

[00328]

I have been using the 4157 filaments since I did this mod about 2 months ago, but I'm worried about the heat issue.
I bought some 3157 LEDs and I'm having trouble getting them into the sockets. The LEDs fit into the light housings no problem.
I looked at the sockets(DRL) and there is no stopper or anything in the middle and has two contacts on each side. I can get the bulb to barely stay in the sockets, maybe a 16th of an inch and I can get it to light up, but as soon as I touch it, it falls out. I can't get it in there any further and was wondering if you did anything different to the base.
I was thinking of bending out the contacts on the bulbs and filing the base a little. But from your previous posts, it sounds like you didn't have to do this.

I went back and re-read some of your posts. You posted that you bought 4157s from autolumination, I bought 3157s (which are suppose to be interchangeable) from superbrightleds. Now I'm wondering if there is a slight difference between the two.

 

[AlexJet]

I have been using the 4157 filaments since I did this mod about 2 months ago, but I'm worried about the heat issue.
I bought some 3157 LEDs and I'm having trouble getting them into the sockets. The LEDs fit into the light housings no problem.
I looked at the sockets(DRL) and there is no stopper or anything in the middle and has two contacts on each side. I can get the bulb to barely stay in the sockets, maybe a 16th of an inch and I can get it to light up, but as soon as I touch it, it falls out. I can't get it in there any further and was wondering if you did anything different to the base.
I was thinking of bending out the contacts on the bulbs and filing the base a little. But from your previous posts, it sounds like you didn't have to do this.

I went back and re-read some of your posts. You posted that you bought 4157s from autolumination, I bought 3157s (which are suppose to be interchangeable) from superbrightleds. Now I'm wondering if there is a slight difference between the two.

No, I didn't modify the socket; just insert a bulb in for 1/4". I'll look at my images at home computer and will post the image with the bulb in the socket if I have one. I should have one, because I did bunch of them for posting here, and then choose the best and post. Could you wait till tomorrow?

 

[00328]

Sure. That's fine. Thanks.

I will go ahead and order some 4157/3157 LEDs from autolumination just in case the dimensions of the bulb base is slightly different.

 

[00328]

I compared the LEDs with the OEM 4157s and found that the contact wires in the base of the LEDs were about three times thicker than the contact wires in the OEM 4157s. That was why I couldn't push them into the socket.
So, I decided it was Dremel time. I bent the contact wires on the LEDs out away from the base and took down the base somewhat and also took down the thicker area above the base. I was then able to push the LEDs into the sockets a good 3/8 of an inch.
The LEDs are definitely a redder red and brighter than the regular tail lights. So now I'm thinking of putting LEDs into the regular tail lights as well.
Has anyone put LED bulbs into the regular tail lights? I eventually will probably get the '06 LED tails, but wondering how this will work for now. I think it should work fine.

 

[cdoyle]

I compared the LEDs with the OEM 4157s and found that the contact wires in the base of the LEDs were about three times thicker than the contact wires in the OEM 4157s. That was why I couldn't push them into the socket.
So, I decided it was Dremel time. I bent the contact wires on the LEDs out away from the base and took down the base somewhat and also took down the thicker area above the base. I was then able to push the LEDs into the sockets a good 3/8 of an inch.
The LEDs are definitely a redder red and brighter than the regular tail lights. So now I'm thinking of putting LEDs into the regular tail lights as well.
Has anyone put LED bulbs into the regular tail lights? I eventually will probably get the '06 LED tails, but wondering how this will work for now. I think it should work fine.

I've done the LED retro on my tail lights, and AlexJet has done the 06 conversion.

See my sig for the writeup I did, and look in the gen discussion for AlexJet's thread on the swapout.

I think both look good. What I like about mine is, you can't see the LED's when they are off. They are stealth, but when you step on the brakes, they get bright, and also have a nice circular pattern too them.

The OEM swap out, is nice because it only takes about 15 minutes to do it. but also costs alot more too. I think he said the 06 lights were $155 each.

My Peterson truck modules were only $46 each.