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DIY Change License Plate OEM LED to Aftermarket LED
Hey GS Squad,
I know a few folks have wondered how to change out the OEM license plate LED lights, as I am one of them! It was one of the first things I wanted to do when I purchased my 2013 GS back in 2016, but at the time there were no aftermarket LEDs available, and the lights looked complicated to remove.
Recently, iJDMtoy have released LED license plate lights (18-SMD xenon white) that will fit 2013-2015 Lexus GS models for $19.99/pair: Link
--- In order to replace these, you need nothing more than a flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, pliers, 10mm socket, flashlight (optional), and a lot of patience! ---
1. Open the trunk and remove the clips holding the liner. You will have to force the liner to go over the plastic trunk handle (don't worry you won't tear or break it), and you will also have to remove the plastic clip holding the emergency trunk release handle.
2. Remove the plastic covers where the license plate LEDs are located. There are 4 screws that will then be exposed, you can remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. Location of 4 screws
3. At this point, I thought that I could remove the chrome bar, but it kept getting stuck and figured that there were other fasteners holding it in. For this step, you will have to remove the tail light housing on both sides in order to access the tabs holding the chrome bar using a 10mm socket. You'll also have to disconnect the taillight connection in order to remove it entirely. 4 locations circled in red
Taillight connector
4. Once the taillights have been removed on both sides, you will see these white plastic tabs that can be removed by squeezing them with a pair of pliers. (I inadvertently broke one of the tabs thinking that I could pull it out, but simply squeezing them with pliers from the back is all that is needed). 2 plastic tabs on each side circled in red rear view of the plastic tab
5. Once the plastic tabs have been removed, you can fully remove the chrome bar, revealing the license plate LEDs. At this point, you can disconnect them from the back, and press on the tabs to release them, pushing outwards. OEM LED removed from housing
6. Install the new aftermarket LED by pushing it in the housing until you hear an audible click, confirming that the tab is locked in place. You can now connect the cable back in from behind, space is limited but manageable if the liner is out of the way. Comparison of OEM (left) and aftermarket (right)
Both sides installed
7. Re-install everything in reverse (chrome bar, 4 10mm nuts on taillights, re-connect taillight connections, 4 screws on chrome bar, plastic cover on license plate LEDS, clips on liner (again you'll have to force the liner over the plastic handle), plastic clip on emergency release handle). Comparison of OEM before (left) and iJDMtoy after (right)
(Better pictures will be taken at night outside. These were taken in the garage with the light on right after installation)
iJDMtoy claims that their LEDs are 3x brighter than the single LED OEM lights. I would say that the light is more crisp because of the color temperature (Noticeable difference in step 6 comparison shot). For $20, it was a good learning experience in terms of removing pieces and seeing how everything fits. I'm also pleased that I was able to tackle it and show that it is possible to change these out.
Let me know what you guys think, would it be something you guys would do or is OEM good enough?
If you have a super bright license plate lights that this bright, I think you can get spot much easier then just red tail lights with dim license plate lights
I been behind cars like that and I have to change lane cause the light reflection annoyed me
The change in brightness is what catches the eye so yes license plate lights that are too bright makes your car less safe. Not sure that's happening here need to see it in person.
Looks like a nice subtle change. Interestingly from the pictures, the OEM bulb looks more bluish and the aftermarket iJDMToy bulbs look more of a pure white. Definitely would need to see a few more pics to verify if they are actually too bright.
First time i've seen an aftermarket option for the license plate bulbs on the 4GS.
No love for the OP huh? I'm not a fan myself, but he did put some effort into this post, taking a variety of pics and doing a decent write-up. It's members like the OP who share their work that makes CL a classy forum. My Thanks!
But no... still don't like the change for all the reasons mentioned, too bright, distracting and blinding. Take some pics at night, on the street so we can see the change better.
Looks like a nice subtle change. Interestingly from the pictures, the OEM bulb looks more bluish and the aftermarket iJDMToy bulbs look more of a pure white. Definitely would need to see a few more pics to verify if they are actually too bright.
First time i've seen an aftermarket option for the license plate bulbs on the 4GS.
It looks like 3 rows of leds, 6 each, 18 leds vs oem 1. Even with a diffuser that seems like it's going to be really bright in person.
Not sure if I am doing something wrong but I tried replacing this light on my 2015 GS 350 F Sport with the product mentioned and doesn't fit. Actually doesn't come close to fitting. Surely this isn't because it's an F Sport...
01-27-21, 09:24 PM
DIY Change License Plate OEM LED to Aftermarket LED
