mahcah

iTrader: (3)

I am a big lighting fanatic especially when it comes down to improving projector output. I did one on my IS250 several years ago:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-progress.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-complete.html

Now with the ISF, I am upgrading to the 2012 LEDs. I received the passenger side this past weekend and tinkered with it. I took it part, removed the amber reflector, modified the 2008 projector and swapped the 2012 out, sealed the assembly back up, and am waiting for caps and wiring harness.

What's interesting is that the 2008 projector cutoff shield is different from the 2012. The 2008 has a step slope and the 2012 has a smoother curve slope (second pic, respectively). I was able to produce a better output with the 2008 so that's what you see in the light output picture. I will post progress as I go through the project. I am in search of a driver side 2012 headlight as of now.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

So, you are keeping the 2008 AFS functionality but combining the LED portion from the later models, or something else? It would be interesting to me to do this if I could keep the AFS function from the '08-'09 models, but I have no idea if the available space would allow for it. I would assume it would take (at the very least) a donor set of later model headlights for the LEDs and the outer lenses.

mahcah

iTrader: (3)

You can actually transfer the AFS motor into projector bracket and the AFS could technically function. The only thing is the time and effort to study the wiring diagram from the 2008 to the 2012 harness and add in wires from the 2008 headlight harness to the 2012 harness to have the function to work. There is definitely room for the AFS motor. The bottom of the 2008 and 2012 projectors have the "star" design for the AFS motor to swivel the projector. At this point I don't mind losing the AFS function and to cover the dash light with tape. But it is certainly an option for those who want AFS to work in 2011+ headlamps.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

So the connectors are the same, but the connections in the connectors are different (which is why there are so many questions about repinning the later model lights to work with the earlier harness)?

mahcah

iTrader: (3)

Exactly: the connections in the connectors are different. My bet would be finding out what wires do what on the 2012 headlight harness and what wires do what on the main harness coming from the 2008 vehicle and it would work. Then it's a matter of switching up the wire connections. Thinking on it, I honestly don't think there would be any splicing needed.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I would not be keen on any splicing. I know how to move pins around in a connector and have the tooling to do it. That's actually pretty easy once you release the secondary lock. I am extremely hesitant to modify an OEM harness because they are usually extremely reliable and that reliability disappears as soon as you vampire tap, cut and crimp, or worst of all, cut and solder.

I need to look a little deeper into this to see how to do it. I really wish I could retrofit the wife's GSF LED headlights into my ISF. I really like them. If you haven't seen them in person, find a GS with LED headlights - they are surprisingly good.

liquidtek

Did you also do a clear projector lens swap?

mahcah

iTrader: (3)

Yes after removing the white lock inside the headlight harness connector, the pins are easy to remove with a flat head.

I was driving behind an RCF on the way to Houston Cars and Coffee and noticed the output on it was a lot better than the 2IS. Retroing them in the 2IS would be an interesting feat.

mahcah

iTrader: (3)

STi-Rs from the boys at TRS.

cha7Li3

I don't suppose you can make a DIY or a video on how to do that can you? After removing the white lock, I am having a lot of trouble releasing the PIN and can't seem to get it to work for the life of me.

mahcah

iTrader: (3)

I think a video would be difficult to capture. Take the flat head and insert it between the metal pin and the black plastic "tab" above the metal pin. May have to lift the "tab" a bit and then pull the pin from behind the connector. Should come out really easy.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

If you want to work on a Toyota/Lexus/Scion wiring harness, I highly recommend subscribing to TIS for just one day. Download the Wire Harness Repair and the Terminal and Connector repair sections of the EWD for your model and year. There is a wealth of information there. I would post it here, but it would be an egregious violation of copyright and I could lose my access for doing it. That said, there are some special tools for working on harnesses, one of which is most important - see below:

Tom2769

iTrader: (3)

Macah, I did a projector retrofit on my Tacoma with a universal kit from TRS - what a difference. I'd consider doing this on the F to get clear lenses and remove the amber as you did. Are the F headlights taken apart by heating them up and prying them apart, or did you use a different method?

mahcah

iTrader: (3)

I use my heat gun. Word of advice: take your time.

Joker4096

iTrader: (2)

Did you use washers on the projectors?