06 Tail light install with PICS

Pearlpower · 11-17-05, 01:28 AM

UPDATED 02/25/2006: See additional install pics on 4th page.
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Tools to be needed for self install:

Flat head screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
10mm socket and ratchet
T-40 Torx socket available at Sears or Auto parts store such as Kragen, Shucks, Checkers, Autozone, Peps
Masking Tape
Needle nose pliers-angled preferrable
Patience
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OK, I finally received the top portion of the taillights that were backordered from Lexus for a few weeks.

So far I am very happy with the look of the new lenses as well as the LED lights that now match the 3rd brake light.

Install time is around 2 hours taking your time as some carpet in the trunk does need to be removed to get to the wiring harness.

See Carson for Group Buy:

1 qty left lower taillight:
1 qty left upper taillights
1 qty right lower taillight
1 qty right upper taillight
2 wiring harness for new taillights
2 new amber bulbs for turn signals
1 ECU in the rear to control lights and lamp out indicator-See end of post for more details.

Question: Is the top taillight portion required. Not required, but highly recommended as a large gap exist between the new taillight and old top portion. See pic.

Put the top up.

To prevent scratching of painted surfaces, I highly recommend that you place masking tape over all painted surfaces around the lights including the deck lid and rear quarter panel.

The most difficult part of the install is removing the lights as some force is needed for the main light assembly. Also those carpet clips can be a paint. I recommend a needle nose plier but expect to break a few unless you have an actual tool to remove them. Some use a screwdriver and others use two screwdrivers. Needle nose is simpler, just make sure it is clean and be careful of the carpet. You may want to place a rag or towel between the pliers and carpet.

First thing is to remove the tailights and disconnect the bulbs from it.
Only one screw holds it in which is covered by a small piece of plastic that pops out next the taillight. Visible when you pop the deck lid. Once the screw is removed, carefully yet with some effort slide the unit towards you. Be careful you do not break something. Now remove the two bulbs from the taillight.

Next is to remove the harness which requires some of the trunk carpet/top trim piece as pictured to be removed. Trim just pops up.

Now reach inside the carpet and disconnect the harness. Pull the harness out through the grommet.

Reassembly is the reverse

Connect new harness and ensure grommet is snug.
Install new bulb.

Top portion is a quickie

Remove these two nuts with a 10mm socket

Lift the unit up so that the screws are out of the holes and SLIDE the light to the side. Left light=slide to left, Right light=slide to right. Takes a little effort.

Install new light in opposite manner

Now that is part I.
The remaining problem is that the new LEDs will set off your LAMP OUT indicator on the dash. I have in my hand some load resistors that are supposed to correct this. I will install these and report back in the next few days.
Lee

rominl · 11-17-05, 02:05 AM

that's so damn sick lee!!!!!!!! i want my taillights bad!!!!!!!

i really need to get them soon

Silver00Spike · 01-08-06, 07:19 PM

those look amazing

RMR · 01-09-06, 11:51 AM

This is the procedure I used to eliminate the tail/brake bulb-out warning when upgrading to the 06 assembly, and works just fine and is clean.

Removing the combination meter or ntrusment panel (CM) requires simply pulling of the facia cover (no screws on this cover), then carefully removing the odo/trip reset plug. Make sure the wheel is all the way down and out to facilatate removal. Once this is removed, there are four screws holding the entire CM. Use a magenetic philips screwdriver to ensure these do not fall into the bowels of the dash.

Once the screws are removed, carefully disconnect the single plug to the CM meter and take it to an area where you can work on it while not scratching the plastic. Remove the plastic cover and bezel by carefully depressing the pastic latches (tabs) which hold them in place. Carfull not to allow the meter needles to be damaged. Now, CAREFULLY pull the dash indicator plastic just enough to access the area where the warning light is and place a small piece of black electrical tape over this insdicator. Do not move it to much which may damage the indicator needle. Carefully replace (snap) all covers, replace the CM and facia and the issue is resolved. Much cheaper than relplacing the ECM/ECU (if it is even possible that this will be effective) and it works just fine.

Given the LEDS will last many, many times longer than a bulb filament, this seems the way to go... forget about the warning light as it will likely never be an issue with a LED indicator.

NICE430

Pearlpower · 01-09-06, 12:00 PM

Granted it does look ok as I have done it a while back, but many here are looking for a real solution vs. using tape which I would agree with as well. I have already communicated with Carson on this and should know something shortly. Of course if the price is prohibitive, perhaps we can get a group buy on some tape.

Lee

RMR · 01-09-06, 12:05 PM

Lee,

As long as it is "Lexus Approved" tape

NICE430

KevsSC · 11-17-05, 02:05 AM

Excellent write up.. Thanks for the info...

I want 06 tails now. Group Buy Anyone?

sc430blue · 11-17-05, 05:27 AM

Great write up. Thanks for the photos

camillian · 11-17-05, 06:20 AM

Lee,

I would love to see an 02 to 05 model with the 06 headlights. Would this be something you would consider? I have an 06 and love the new headlights, however I like the older front end better. I think this combination might look deadly.

It would be awsome if someone from photoshop could put this together for us to judge, then we could set up a poll. Obviously the 06 tailights are a big hit.

Any opinions?