Taillights, Taillights, Taillights

It wouldn't have changed my decision, but it wasn't until after I bought my 2019 SR that I noticed it didn't have LED taillights.

My son's 2011 Pre Runner (I know different generation) has them as have other 2nd Gen trucks I've seen.

It seems that Toyota installs different types of taillights for different trim levels.

That's sort of un Toyota like as one thing they did for the longest time was use common components for many things no matter what the trim level was. Even across model lines, they use the same components. For example, the cruise control lever on my wife's '07 Highlander, my 2001 and then 2006 Tundras, and my 2019 SR are the same.

Back in the mid 1980s, Toyota started to use one wiring harness per model. If a vehicle didn't have an option, then you just had a wire not connected to anything. The American manufacturers had multiple wiring harnesses depending on what options you bought. Toyota reasoned that it was cheaper to make one harness than several.

Anyway, I find it curious that my SR has regular taillights, but some other trim levels have LED. That seems to be true of head lights as well.

Speaking of wiring harnesses, do the trucks without directional signals in the side mirrors have the wiring? If I decided to buy a set, would it just be plug and play or would I have to do wiring?

 

When did they start with LED taillights in the 3rd gen?

 

I thought some trim levels have them? Did they just stop using them altogether? In which case, that part of my post is moot.

 

No 3rd gen has LED taillights, I’m just as upset / shocked as you. I have 20 tech package and Toyota barely came out with LED headlights (which I have). Toyota is a heck of OEM/ great product but ass backwards when comes to technology/ Extras. I would assume my truck being $43+K it would have come with full LED taillights to match headlights but nope.... I’m sure it’s due to cost blah blah . I’m running Pro “DEPO” knockoffs with LED bulbs / kit . Best looking taillight IMO.

 

i noticed from the vehicles that i bought, toyota usually throws in the goodies at the vehicles refresh point. for example: (lighting noted only. not all changes)

03-05 4runner: halogen heads, incandescent tails
06-09 4runner: projector heads, led tails

10-13: 4runner: halogen heads, incandescent tails
14-20: 4runner: projector heads, led tails
20- + : 4runner pro: led fogs
21- + : 4runner: led heads, tails, and fogs

08-17: sequoia: halogen heads, incandescent tails
18- + : sequoia: led heads, and fogs, revised incandescent tails
20- + : sequoia pro: rigid industries led fogs

05-11: tacoma: halogen heads, incandescent tails
12-15: tacoma: revised halogen heads, led tails

16-19: tacoma: projector heads, incandescent tails
17- +: taco pro: rigid industries led fogs
20- +: tacoma: led heads, revised incandescent tails

13-16: corolla: led heads, incandescent tails
17-19: corolla: led heads, revised incandescent tails
17-19: corolla se/xse: revised dual led low and highbeam projectors, led fogs, revised incandescent tails w/led reverse


these are only the vehicles i have effed around with throughout my toyota experience. im sure its done like this across their other lineups.

 

That makes no sense. It's like if they took out the fuel injection and put a carburetor on. You're probably right. They make huge money charging people an hours labor to replace incandescent bulbs! I get that they are cheaper to build, but still. It's like the different third brake light between Access Cabs and Double Cabs. I noticed that the cargo lights on my truck are LED and I think the third brake light is too.

I might consider one of the Meso kits if they are available again (I think they're out), but I might just buy the back up bulbs since that's what I think would help the most.

It's like the multiple different switch panels and locations on the trucks.

I don't get it, but then again they sell a lot of Tacomas so what do I know?

 

This is 100% spot on. Toyota is the king of de-contenting new generations and re-contenting refreshes as they move through the life cycle. Best time to buy a new gen (nowadays) is like 3 to 4 years in for content alone.

OA

 

Meso total tails

 

This is my first toyota and this is my understanding as well. When the fourth gen comes out, I'll likely wait until the first refresh after ~2 years based on this gens refresh timing for the extras and bugs to be worked out

 

interesting... you can always get the Meso conversion.

 

I thought they were made in batches.

 

Yea, you just need to be ready when they are in stock if you want them.

 

Continuing with my quest for knowledge. Since all of the 3rd Gen taillights are incandescent, what are the actual differences. There seems to be a version for the SR and another for the TRD OR. Is there one for the TRD Sport. How are they all different?

 

First post:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tail-light-swappin-n-tradin-thread.589259/

 

Thanks. So, it mostly cosmetic except for some lenses are clear and some aren't. At least it looks that way.

 

oh wow. i didnt even realize this. so 16-19 pro and 20+ pro are two different taillights. anyone got a side by side? i swear the tacoma has the most iterations for single light housing in all of toyotas lineup lol.

 

negative ghost rider... too my understanding Pro tail lights are all the same 17-20. If a difference I haven’t seen nor notice - will be extremely difficult to tell. 2020 tail lights have a hint of chrome to them- which I was not a fan of. So I order knockoff “DEPO” replica PRO taillights.

16-19 taillights are all red, regardless of SR5/OR/ Or Sport. Correct me if I’m wrong anyone ? 2020 tail lights are similar to previous years with a hint of chrome. The Pro taillights have black where my 2020 had chrome - reason I got replicas. Hope this clears up

 

First pic my OEM stock taillights .

Second Pic - replica pro headlights.
FYI to anyone who gets replicas- stick with DEPO brand (these are not in my pic)!!! . Those are no name brand I think I got from Tacoma shop in SD (SoCal)from offer up- quality sucks! They had crack at seems and moisture! I gave those to my cousin and purchased DEPO Pro taillights from Amazon

 

Negative on that. The 2020 Pro Taillights are different from the 17-19 Pro Taillights.
The 2020 Pro Taillights have the sidewall of the "C" blacked out also.

17-19:


2020


So the 2020 Pro Taillights have a darker, blacked out look to them.

All Limiteds are Clear lens with chromed out internals...

16-17 TRD S/OR are the same as SR/SR5 models, Red lens with Chrome reverse bucket.
18-19 Reverse bucket has a black surround.
2020 have clear housings with a chrome ring around the "C" and reverse bucket.

 

see i knew it. thats what i thought too fellas. that it remained unchanged then i read the first post of that linked provided. the pics was blurry but you can tell they was revised a bit. i gotta admit. the 2020s pros look quite good. i like the break from all that red.