Lighting FAQ - Please Read Before Posting

OCNutty · Oct 3, 2014

Anyone tried this LED flasher unit??; anyone know if it's a POS or has the proper pin-out-model years seem accurate ?? - $15 seems like a good price

$16 2005-2013 Toyota Tacoma LED Turn Signal Flasher, LM449 (CF18)

http://www.amazon.com/2005-2013-Toyota-Tacoma-Signal-Flasher/dp/B00KQUXCNQ

Edit: 1500 3 Oct. Unfortunately this flasher has the same codes painted on as the other 8 pin ones on Amazon/ebay. Have to see the pin side b/f buying and they don't show it.

boogie3478 · Oct 12, 2014

JRGMann said: ↑

Think I figured out what it was... was doing some research and said CAN Bus LEDS don't work in our trucks, and it turned out the leds I bought were CAN Bus. I don't really know what those are, but that's why it didn't work...
Click to expand...

vleds.com has a wicked LED drl/front turn signal kit that is available in switchback (amber when using as turn signal/white when using as DRL)

BeaverYota · Oct 12, 2014

boogie3478 said: ↑

vleds.com has a wicked LED drl/front turn signal kit that is available in switchback (amber when using as turn signal/white when using as DRL)
Click to expand...

Except I think you have to have the actual DRL kit from Toyota. Not my cheap wire alternative. Haha. Thanks though. I'll look into it

acro · Nov 26, 2014

Hi Guys and Gals. Until I can afford some new hi-pow lights I just want to polish out the covers on my 10 Taco. Should I try a treatment or a very mild abrasive? Any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Justus · Nov 26, 2014

acro said: ↑

Hi Guys and Gals. Until I can afford some new hi-pow lights I just want to polish out the covers on my 10 Taco. Should I try a treatment or a very mild abrasive? Any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

meguires plast-x with a powerball mini

300AACTaco · Feb 16, 2015

I've looked everywhere and have seen multiple times instances of people who mounted light bars behind their grills without using the BAMF mounts and I'm just wondering if anyone can describe what exactly you need to do that. I know they get metal rods or something from hardware stores and then bolt them into the bumper supports but what else would be needed to keep the light bar from moving while driving, and are there already holes in the bumper supports or do I need to drill some?

cvisinho · Feb 23, 2016

For anyone curious. Maybe pin to top if your feeling saucy.
I feel like I've seen a bunch of old threads talking about the fog light switch bulb being out.

OEM bulb replacement - 90011-01058

ZEROPILOT · May 23, 2016

I have Carid Spec-d projector lights on my Tacoma and I see that they take an H-1 bulb. (Mine has a low beam that is out)
Any idea as the size, wattage H-1 i will need for the low beam.
(It's dark out and i'd like to pick up a bulb after work today.)

Jar_Topham · Jun 2, 2016

Good scientific knowledge for car lights, good job.

bigfoote13 · Aug 29, 2016

Viet2100[OP] initial post: ↑

Bulb Sizes

High & low beam headlamp
9003/HB2/H4

Parking light
2827
4157NA

Front turn signal
4157NA

Rear turn signal

$40 3157A /4157A ST BP SilverStar 27-Watt High Performance Signal Light

3157A

Tail light
3157

Stop light
3157

High mount stop light
168

Fog/Driving light
9145/H10

License plate
168

Back up light
921

Front sidemarker
2827/168

Map light
168

Dome light
DE3022

Dash Gauges
PLCC-2 SMT LEDs

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADJUSTMENT

If your factory head lights are pointing rather high, you can adjust them. Also, usually after installing an HID kit, you would most likely have to do some aiming, as well.

To adjust the height, use a long philips head screw driver to adjust it. The adjustment knob for the height is the one on the bottom closest to the fender (referring to the driver's side head light). To adjust up, you would turn your screw driver clockwise. To adjust down, turn the screw driver counter-clock wise.

To adjust the headlights from left to right, you would take off the black plastic cover off of the adjustment knob that is placed right in the middle of your headlight. You would adjust it the same way as the height adjustment knob.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEAD LIGHTS

The Black Head Light Mod

A DIY:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/lighting/65226-how-black-head-light-mod.html

HID

1. What are HIDs?
The best way to describe an HID head light is to compare it to a more conventional halogen headlight. A halogen bulb consists of a wire filament surrounded by an inert gas. When electrical current is applied to the filament, it glows brightly to produce light. Contrast that with an HID bulb which has no filament, but instead consists of xenon gas, mercury, and metal halide salts. The xenon gas is ignited by an arc of high-voltage current and glows brightly. Also, the high voltage is supplied by a ballast, so in these respects it is like a fluorescent light. HIDs are original equipment generally found on luxury and exotic cars but are progressively finding their way into the mainstream.

2. Why install HIDs?
If chosen properly, the improved light output of HIDs will give you a better field of vision and thus improved safety. Plus, let us admit it, they look cool.

3. What is meant by color temperature?
The Kelvin (K) is the unit of color temperature. 4100K is the brightest, most natural white light similar to that of daytime sunlight, and therefore the HID color temperature used most in the OEM automotive industry. When you look at the light coming directly out of an HID headlight, it possesses a bit of a blue or purple hue which most people recognize as the expensive, elegant look characteristic of HIDs. For this reason, some HID kit manufacturers produce 5400K, 6500K, 8000K, etc. bulbs that give an even more distinct blue hue but at the expense of overall light output. For comparison, most halogen headlights have a color temperature around 3200K which gives them a yellowish appearance compared to HIDs.

Blue light is more fatiguing to the eyes, both to oncoming traffic and to the driver. Oncoming cars will see your lights for only a brief time, but as the driver, you must deal with it for the duration of your drive. The bluer the tint cast on the road and surrounding area, the more quickly your eyes become tired. It is a personal choice and I recognize and respect that some install HIDs mostly for the look. However, very blue headlights might get you the wrong kind of attention from law enforcement. Personally, I would like to benefit from my investment in the way of increased visibility and safety. Be aware that most of the 6500K and higher bulbs are produced by inferior manufacturers to capitalize on the maketability of "the bigger number must be better". Their 8000K bulbs may not measure 8000K. Do not be fooled.

4. What are some good quality brands to look for?
Generally speaking, Philips or Osram (division of Sylvania) kits are recommended because they are the brands used by the major automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer). They count on quality components because dependability is critical to auto manufacturers. Other brands may use bulbs or ballasts of inferior manufacture that are prone to early failure. Perhaps even more sinister, some kits tout their use of Philips or Osram ballasts while they covertly use cheap bulbs of unknown origin that burn out quickly. So it is a good idea to check the brands you buy. They likely will not be branded by Philips or Osram directly, rather they are usually rebranded by another company. If the seller does not specify who makes their components, it is a gamble. A low price is very tempting (believe me, I'm the same way), so my best advice is to solicit opinions and do your research before buying.

5. What is included with a HID conversion kit?A typical HID conversion kit includes:

2 Bulbs

2 Ballasts (with built-in igniter)

1 Wiring Harnesses

2 Relays

The bulbs do not really need any more explanation. The ballasts are small boxes (usually one per bulb) that convert the vehicle's 12VDC into high voltage AC required to illuminate the xenon gas. Usually built into the ballast is the igniter initially required to start the bulb. The wiring harnesses allow you to plug directly into your exiting car wiring with a minimum of splicing wires. Relays are sometimes included as well, one per ballast. They use the 12V from the original bulbs to switch in a lower resistance path to 12V to power the ballasts. They aren't always needed.

7. Should I replace both my high and low beams with HIDs?
Most of us spend the majority of the time driving with our low beams on. Compared to the high beams, the lows usually leave the most to be desired. HID head light conversion kits aren't cheap. Quality kits typically cost $350-$500. For these reasons, most people opt for low-beam conversion kits only.

8. Wow, HID kits are expensive. Cannot I get the same look and light output from the "HID-look" bulbs?
Yeah, they do not exactly give them away, do they? You'll get a lot of strong opinions with this question. From what I've read, those who've taken the inexpensive route seem to prefer Naxos or Sylvania Silverstar bulbs. They are direct replacements for factory halogens, meaning they operate on direct 12V and therefore do not require a ballast/igniter. However, many argue that these produce a light that, while better than typical halogens, is not a true white compared to HIDs. They are a lot less expensive, though. You can find them for around $30 a pair online.

These HID-look bulbs achieve their light output by drawing more power from the vehicle's electrical system. Some pull as much as 100W while most stock halogens draw around 50W (typical HIDs draw 35W). Also, while I haven't seen any reports of quality problems from the Naxos or Sylvania bulbs, some of the other bulbs have a nasty reputation for burning out quickly. Logically, it is probably because of the increased heat due to higher power consumption. Some users have also experienced damage to their light housings as a combination of cold weather and the increased heat from the bulbs (small bulb housings such as those used with some fog lights, in which the heat is concentrated within a small area).

9. Are HIDs legal?
Installing HIDs into a vehicle not originally equipped with them from the factory is technically illegal. Practically speaking, you stand little chance of being cited for them provided you educate yourself on the requirements of HID lighting and take the necessary steps to ensure you have the right equipment and adjustments to keep it safe. That is, make sure your vehicle's headlight assembly uses an appropriately designed projector lense (as opposed to a reflector), and of course that your headlights are properly aligned after installation. Many newer vehicles use projector lenses because stock halogen bulbs also benefit from the "light shaping," but having just any old projector lense does not necessarily ensure that the beam pattern will be correct. It is absolutely essential for HIDs to give the light output a sharp cutoff line to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. As HIDs become more popular, aftermarket projector housings are being produced for some vehicles.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) states that improperly-installed HIDs are getting a lot of complaints. Vendors will usually include a disclaimer that they are intended for offroad use only, but it is no secret that people don't follow this rule. Now, there are a lot of aftermarket automotive parts that qualify as illegal but aren't strictly enforced. Logically, the safety implications of blinding oncoming drivers are more serious than, say, an exhaust that exceeds the legal noise level. So the DOT has actively gone after vendors of HID conversion kits, threatening monetary fines if they continue selling them, and consequently there are now fewer places to buy them.

Places to purchase HID plug and play kits:

DDMTuning
VVME
KBcarstuff

Places to purchase OEM brand components for some plug and play kits or retrofits:

The Retrofit Source
HID Planet

Projector Headlights

There has been a few projector headlights manufactured overseas for the 2nd generation ('05+) Tacomas. Here are the ones available through eBay (they are all the same no matter where you buy them from, so why not at the best price?).

1st Generation Projector Headlights:

These use H1 type bulbs for the low beam and high beam. They come in chrome or black. They are also known to be the most difficult to install. You can put HIDs in these.

2nd Generation Projector Headlights:

These use CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) for their angel eyes. CCFLs are much brighter than LEDs and look more uniform. These are pretty much plug and play unlike the 1st generations. The low beam uses H7 style bulbs and the high beams use H1 style bulbs. These also come in black or chrome. You can put HIDs in these.

3rd Generation Projector Headlights:

These use LEDs for angel eyes and for the angled LEDs on the bottom corners. They come in chrome and black. These are just as hard to install as the 1st Gens and use H1 for both the high and low beam. You can put HIDs in these.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAIL LIGHTS

Just like head lights, there are many after market options for our tail lights. Be it an addition to your stock ones or new assemblies. Here are a few options.

***I am not saying it is O.K. to tint your tail lights. Please do so with care and do not go too dark. Some areas will be enforced more than others.***

Tint Film:

They come in different percentages of darkness. They will take a professional vinyl applicator or a lot of patience to install. If you ever need to remove them, they peel right off. eBay would be the best place to find these.

VHT Nite-Shades:

This spray tint comes in an aerosol can and can just be sprayed on. I have seen many people use this product on their tail lights on the road. They usually come out flat or dull. If sprayed correctly, they can come out glossy. You don't really need to add clear coat afterwards. But, if you would like a more glossy finish, some clear would not hurt it.

A link to the DIY: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/lighting/84694-how-tinting-tail-lights-right-way-pics.html

Pactra Window Tint

This spray tint is very similar to the VHT Nite-Shades, but comes in a much smaller can. It is designed to tint the windows on small R/C toys. For light tint, 1 can is enough. For a very dark outcome, I would recommend 2 cans. These come out extremely glossy if sprayed correctly. The only downside to these is that they fade after 3-4 months (depending if you park in a garage most of the time or out in the sun). To prevent the fading, just spray some clear. These can be found at any online/in-store hobby store.

Covers

AVS makes acrylic covers for our trucks. You can just velcro stick these to your stock tail lights and remove whenever you would like. They reduce your tail lights visibility by a lot and only come in one percentage of darkness.

Car Paint

This is the way I would ultimately recommend to do it. You can either take it to a body/paint shop to have it done. Basically, you mix clear with black. I have consistently used this mixture, 20% black and 80% clear. Some use 10% black and 90% clear. To achieve a darker tint, just spray on more coats until desired darkness. This gives you the best outcome because it is very glossy, and lasts much longer because you can wax it. A typical shop will charge anywhere from $50-$100. If you know a friend, it may be cheaper .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIGHT BARS

N-Fab

Avid Off-Road

Westin Bull Bar

Aries Bull Bar

WILL ADD MORE INFO LATER.
Click to expand...

My dome light on my 2015 is a 578.
Thanks

TacoTSS · Dec 13, 2016

I'm about to order led replacement blubs for my 15 all but the headlight and fog from superbrightled.com i've heard some need load resistors can you tell me which bulbs need them so I can order them also thanks!

Biznitch15 · Dec 26, 2016

Vanity light bulb?

tonytsai0429 · Jan 2, 2017

FYI...this is off my 2017 TRDAC

airfish · Feb 11, 2017

anyone with experience?

http://www.dashzracing.com/05-11-toyota-tocoma-retrofit-projector-headlights-black.html

huff.jeremy · Mar 24, 2017

Doesn't this post need to specify what year the bulb sizes are for?

After doing a search for a bulb size that landed me on another thread, I watched as an OP got chastised for not searching himself, and he then was directed here. I followed that link here only to find a lot of bulb sizes but no description as to what vehicles/years these sizes fit. The menu and URL do not specify whether this is 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen either.

tacosupreme54 · May 3, 2017

What is the difference between the parking light and corner light? The only lights I see on my headlight are the headlamp, turn signal, and light in the outer corner? Am I missing something? Does anyone have a picture with them labeled

TallTallPines · Jun 21, 2017

Am I safe to run these? Currently have some cheapo, weak spot lights ran with a harness and relay+switch. My intent would be yanking those cheap lights and installing these to the same harness.

My concern is if these would draw too much/overheat with a admittedly cheap harness on a truck with no other auxiliary lights.

TallTallPines · Jun 21, 2017

Also your opinions on effectiveness?
I want some lights to be in place because I have a grill guard but would they be worth upgrading for $50? Or would my highbeams give me identical performance off-road?

blackcloud08 · Jul 3, 2017

These bulb numbers fit a 2017?

UncleShrek · Dec 25, 2017

So did my gauges in amber leds, worked and looked great.
Fast forward a week and received some leds for the ac controls. Install was easy but now none of the dash lights work? Did i blow a fuse? Im guessing i have to rip the truck apart again.

Log in or Sign up

Welcome to Tacoma World!

Lighting FAQ - Please Read Before Posting

#101
OCNutty Well-Known Member

#102
boogie3478 Well-Known Member

#103
BeaverYota Oregon State Edition

#104
acro Member

#105
Justus fucks not given

#106
300AACTaco Well-Known Member

#107
cvisinho Well-Known Member

#108
ZEROPILOT Can't re-MEMBER

#109
Jar_Topham Member

#110
bigfoote13 Well-Known Member

#111
TacoTSS Active Member

#112
Biznitch15 Well-Known Member

#113
tonytsai0429 Well-Known Member

#114
airfish Well-Known Member

#115
huff.jeremy Well-Known Member

#116
tacosupreme54 Well-Known Member

#117
TallTallPines '10 Barcelona RC

#118
TallTallPines '10 Barcelona RC

#119
blackcloud08 Well-Known Member

#120
UncleShrek Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Welcome to Tacoma World!

Lighting FAQ - Please Read Before Posting

#101 OCNutty Well-Known Member

#102 boogie3478 Well-Known Member

#103 BeaverYota Oregon State Edition

#104 acro Member

#105 Justus fucks not given

#106 300AACTaco Well-Known Member

#107 cvisinho Well-Known Member

#108 ZEROPILOT Can't re-MEMBER

#109 Jar_Topham Member

#110 bigfoote13 Well-Known Member

#111 TacoTSS Active Member

#112 Biznitch15 Well-Known Member

#113 tonytsai0429 Well-Known Member

#114 airfish Well-Known Member

#115 huff.jeremy Well-Known Member

#116 tacosupreme54 Well-Known Member

#117 TallTallPines '10 Barcelona RC

#118 TallTallPines '10 Barcelona RC

#119 blackcloud08 Well-Known Member

#120 UncleShrek Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: Lighting Thread: Lighting FAQ - Please Read Before Posting

#101
OCNutty Well-Known Member

#102
boogie3478 Well-Known Member

#103
BeaverYota Oregon State Edition

#104
acro Member

#105
Justus fucks not given

#106
300AACTaco Well-Known Member

#107
cvisinho Well-Known Member

#108
ZEROPILOT Can't re-MEMBER

#109
Jar_Topham Member

#110
bigfoote13 Well-Known Member

#111
TacoTSS Active Member

#112
Biznitch15 Well-Known Member

#113
tonytsai0429 Well-Known Member

#114
airfish Well-Known Member

#115
huff.jeremy Well-Known Member

#116
tacosupreme54 Well-Known Member

#117
TallTallPines '10 Barcelona RC

#118
TallTallPines '10 Barcelona RC

#119
blackcloud08 Well-Known Member

#120
UncleShrek Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in