06 Tail light install with PICS

[Pearlpower]

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