VIPNiSS

iTrader: (2)

Well I just received our new 2004 RX330 with 48k miles yesterday. I got a really good deal so I couldn't pass. I already had modifications preordered installed and oil change within the first 30 minutes I changed the oil, oil filter, cabin filter, air filter, and LED for interior.

Anyways below is a DIY guide on how to install LED license plate lamps for those that dont know how..

1. First you need to open the hatch and tackle this job from the inside behind the hatch.
   
   
   
   
2. You will then need to pull back the plastic cover. I found that if you start on the left drivers side it was the easiest
   
3. Pull down the corner like the picture below and you will see the plastic tabs holding it in. You will need to use some force so don't be afraid of breaking it. I used a putting knife to assist in pull down the tabs.
   
   
   
   
4. Once you get towards the passenger side, becareful because the trunk light is connected. You will need to just disconnect it and carry on. AND YES I am flicking you guys off
   
   
   
   
5. Once you pull it all off put it aside. This is what it looks like from the back side once it is all removed. You can see in the picture below of all the tabs. I am missing 1 tab on mine.
   
   
   
   
6. Once it is off then this is what your hatch should look like
   
   
   
   
7. If you look inside you shall see the gray plastic piece that holds the bulb in place. Turn it counterclockwise to remove. Again use some force
   
   
   
   
8. Here is the wire with the new LED bulb. Insert the bulb and test it to see if it comes on before you reinstall everything. If it doesnt work then reverse the bulb cause the polarity is not right.
   
   
   
   
9. YOUR DONE!! REINSTALL EVERYTHING IN REVERSE ORDER!!!

draco

Good right up for those that haven't changed their bulbs yet. While you're in there disconnect the speaker to reduce the noise of the rear hatch opening when using the button to open the tailgate.

mandyfig

Had I known that you were getting an RX and will be working on it, one thing that needs upgrade on our RX is the Reverse light bulb. Nobody has successfully done it without pain.

But post some pics!

bmwbizkid

Does this change throw any codes or "light out" warning on the dash?

cartman57

Only if the running lights are done, brake light, turn signal or the small daytime light in the headlight assembly, a resistor properly installed will take care of the issue.
The reverse lamp is difficult indeed, tiny hands are required.

chuckbass

I replaced my reverse lights (much brighter than stock), as well as LED 168 lic plate bulbs.

No error codes.

Sorry about the poor picture quality, my wife took them

Link for reverse lights:

http://store.ijdmtoy.com/T15-912-921...t15_sku311.htm

Link for 168 LED:

http://store.ijdmtoy.com/168-194-282...10_sku_c03.htm

RockfordRX

Verrrry Nice!
Are those replacement LEDs available at automotive stores, or is it an Ebay item only?

RX330inFL

There are plenty of places which sell these. I use:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/

chuckbass

I've seen a very limited selection of LED lights at auto stores. The site that I referred to in my links has quite the selection of LED lights for just about any application. You can also buy via amazon.

The LED 168 bulbs I used for the tails are "white" but as shown in the photos, they have a blue tint to them.

I should also mention that my 2nd photo was taken after I had a shop apply vinyl tail light film.

cartman57

superbrightleds is a good source or http://autolumination.com/, try to stay away from some of the CCC ebay stuff, they don't last too long or are not real bright.

mowmow

I used PIAA led bulbs for the reverse and license plate, this is the first mod I did over 3 years ago, fairly easy and no issue so far. Just remember to buy the good quality leds or you will end up doing house keeping too often on the RX and removing that panel on the lift gate is not super hard but cumbersome

StLucchese

can you give me the link of the piaa led's? What's the stock number? How much are they? Would like to do this real soon

mowmow

Oh man it's been over 3 years since I've done this. I vaguely remember is the extreme white 194 and 168 led bulbs.

YxUxMADDDD

iTrader: (2)

Get Cree led bulbs.. They sell them on eBay and they are the brightest... Any brighter would be hid's as reverse lights. I have them on my gs as well as rx. And not to bust anybody's nuts but ijdmtoys led bulbs aren't that bright imo. Great write up and congrats!

neelnaik

Sylvania actually makes a LED 168/194/921 replacement. 9.99 a bulb at auto zone. They r very bright. Those r the bulbs I put in my front parking lights. The only problem is that the base is a little too big for the connector, so you have to break off some of the plastic. I can post pictures if you want.

EDIT: You have to break off some of the plastic because of the way the front parking light connector is designed. It seems like the license plate light connector is different and should be ok with the sylvanias. I will hopefully do it this weekend and let you guys know what happens.