Puddle light install and review.

So I installed a set of puddle lights I picked up on fleabay from a toyota dealership. The links below are the install instructions and where you can buy the kit at a cheaper price.
The install is very doable but it is a pain in the ass.

Link:
http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/displayparts.php?Mdl_dtl=1021&Part_cat=24&parts_id=5488


Install instructions:
http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/install/00016-00069-TACOinst.pdf


Overall impressions is the kit is pretty solid and worth the $143. The lights and wiring are quality. The instructions get the job done but there are a few improvements needed in the graphics in identifying where to tap into a wiring harness.

A few issues I ran into was actually mounting the lights to the pinch weld underneath the truck. If you have sliders or step bars it makes the mounting extremely difficult. You will need a right angle drill to drill from the inboard side. Space between the frame rail and pinch weld is tight.

Don't use a Dewalt black carbide bit. They chew up too quick.
Use a Milwaukee titanium bit to drill through the pinch weld


Mount the LED undercarriage lights and run the wires underneath according to instructions. Once the wires are run up through the drain plugs and are inside, run the passenger side wires to the drivers side underneath the carpet. (Pain in the ass).


This kit taps into the dome light. The best place to tap into the dome light is the IN1 connector that is located in the drivers side A pillar. The yellow and blue wire are the two wires in the harness needed.




After everything is connected, button everything back up.

End result looks like this:



Bottom-line: This kit is decent and looks pretty good. It is not overly difficult if you follow the instructions. The biggest pain in the ass is drilling into the pinch weld and running the wires.

 

Thanks for the write up and pics. I'll be installing mine soon.

 

Did this kit come with the foot well lights too? happen to get a pic if they did?

 

It did come with footwell lights. In the first pic, The two bags on top of the wires are the footwell lights.

 

Thanks! I think you just made my mind up.

 

Agreed, these lights are nice. Thanks for the install pics.

As much as I enjoy modding my vehicles, I'm glad I ordered them with the truck.

 

Thanks for the detailed write-up, now know what I have to look forward to!!

 

Installed the kit yesterday. It took a while, but overall it is a very well designed kit with exceptional instructions (must be downloaded separately via previous post on this thread). I have a rattle down in the kick panel due to insufficient tie-ups of the wires so be sure that everything is snug before putting the panels back on.

 

Interesting accessory pack.

Where do the in cab lights mount? Is there a specific place for them, or do you pick your own spot?

Can you snap some clearer shots of the actual install points, inside and out?

What I'm trying to figure out is if this kit is doable on a 2nd gen. Don't see why it wouldn't be, but would still like to see the install.

Thanks!

 

The passenger side foot well light is simply ziptied to the blower wire bundle under the dash. The driver side is plastic-revited to the panel under the steering wheel. The external lights are bolted to the pinch weld. I don't see why it wouldn't work on a 2nd gen as long as you can identify the four wires to T-tap. The instructions has some pictures that you might be able to use a reference for your 2nd gen.

 

Thanks very much for your feedback on the kit and instructions! My employer manufacturers these at our plant in Laurinburg, NC. Here's a couple pictures of our production line where we surface mount the LED to the boards, fill the lamp assembly with epoxy for weatherproofing, program the LED control modules, run end-of-line testing, and package them for shipment to Toyota:

 

Cool, thanks for posting. I definitely enjoy my set, glad I got them.

 

I read the instructions you linked. I do think they'll work fine on a 2gen, and lots of other vehicles, if one can determine the dome circuit. If I break down and have my old Highlander repainted, I may gussy it up with a set of these too.

I'm thinking the floor lights could mount on either side of the console. Remove, make holes (like for under steering wheel panel) and mount from backside. Should look very OE, nice and tidy.

 

150 bucks?? I did mine for $8

 

Couple of questions - the puddle light package from Sparks was only puddle light, did you buy floor lights separate?
I'm not clear how the passenger side puddle light wires get to the driver side for connection, can you explain please?

 

Did you buy this specific package: http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/displayparts.php?Mdl_dtl=1021&Part_cat=24&parts_id=5488

I ask because it specifically lists "Interior 2 Level LED Light Pod (2pcs) for Foot Wells" as included in the kit...

 

Floor lights come with it.

The passenger side wires run into the cab on the passenger side through a rubber drain plug. You then have to run the wires under the carpet from the passenger side to the drivers side. It is a little bit of a pain but completely doable.

 

A nice feature with these puddle lights is that they come on automatically as you approach the driver's door when the truck is locked (and you have your key fob, of course).

 

Can anyone hats thinking about doing these post a pic of the location in relation to the sliders? I'm ready to install these, wa to get it done before I install sliders, but don't want to install them and have the sliders supports/mounts block the lights.

 

They mount to the pinch weld, so they are not in the way of sliders at all. Sliders bolt to the frame. If you install AFTER the sliders, just buy a drill bit extender for like $10 to get past the sliders.