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Help! Problem with new tail lights

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by colinm12, Sep 19, 2014.

  1. Sep 19, 2014 at 8:48 AM
    #1
    colinm12

    colinm12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey There,
    I ordered some aftermarket tail lights because i broke one side and i liked the look of this smoked LED set. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040JYPFS/ref=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_1
    I got the old ones off, transferred everything over, but the little metal pins that have to push in seem to short to even connect. Has anyone had this problem? Any suggestions? It's not even getting close enough to touch, let alone connect.
     
  2. Sep 19, 2014 at 10:01 AM
    #2
    Canufixit

    Canufixit Well-Known Member

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    "Access" Tonneau cover. Bed Mat. Hitch, Timbren SES

    Need pics of the connectors ....:worthless:
     
  3. Sep 19, 2014 at 10:03 AM
    #3
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    If I remember correctly they might look short but once you line them up and push them in they will lock in but I went from 2006 factory tails to 2011 factory LED tails so mine werent aftermarket. Place the OEM and aftermarket ones side-by-side and take a picture of where the problem area is.
     
  4. Sep 19, 2014 at 9:37 PM
    #4
    colinm12

    colinm12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG][​IMG]

    The little arrow on the piece of paper shows the clip I'm talking about. There is a second silver clip on the bottom left of the pic too.
    I called Spyder and they told me i could back off the clips a bit with a socket wrench, but I tried and it won't budge. It seems to be plastic anyways so I don't even understand how that would work.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 19, 2016
  5. Sep 20, 2014 at 2:43 AM
    #5
    Canufixit

    Canufixit Well-Known Member

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    I had my rear lights out to install a trailer harness. I seem to remember that I had a little trouble getting these pins to line up .... but after trying multiple times (and NOT forcing) it did line up. I suggest you try to install the old ones to see what the difference is ???
     
  6. Sep 20, 2014 at 12:53 PM
    #6
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Hmm thats strange. Did you ever get anything figured out?
     
  7. Sep 20, 2014 at 2:04 PM
    #7
    Canufixit

    Canufixit Well-Known Member

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    Well, if he didn't, he probably has a shorter truck by now.
     
  8. Sep 20, 2014 at 9:02 PM
    #8
    colinm12

    colinm12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    LOL
    What I figured out is that you can actually back those pins off a bit. I took a socket to them (very carefully, because it's part plastic) and I gained about 1/4 inch on each pin. Going to try again after work tomorrow, I'll give an update.
     
  9. Sep 23, 2014 at 6:42 PM
    #9
    colinm12

    colinm12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    WeatherTech mats, Spyder LED Tail Lights
    So here is the final update. The real problem was something I didn't notice at first. The problem was on the side that I had broken the tail light on. It turns out that the impact that broke the tail light also bent the bracket back enough to mess up the alignment.
    I was able to bend it back with some pliers and a hammer. Once that got sorted out, I didn't actually have to back off those pins at all, they fit perfect right away.
    So that would be my advice to anyone who broke a tail light: There's a good chance that any impact strong enough to bust your light also pushed the alignment out of wack a bit, so check it before you struggle with getting the new lights in!
    Thanks all for the help.
    CM
     
  10. Sep 23, 2014 at 6:52 PM
    #10
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Well at least you figured out the problem. ;)
     

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