Changing the Tail lights on SC's
 

Hey are the connections to change the tail lights the same for 92-96 Lexus sc and 97+ sc's? Does anyone know where i can get some new ones? Thanks a lot.

The taillight breakdown goes as follows: 92-94, 95-96,97+

For each taillight style, you will need the wiring harness that it uses.

You should check junk yards or check the classified sections often. Let me know if you want to buy new ones, I'll hook you up.

Welcome to the Forum,
Tony

Tony, you are chris's buddy right? I got the 97+ lights and I didn't have to change the harness.

I'm Chris' partner. You didn't have to replace the harness with the bulbs?

Because I recently switched my 92 taillights with 95 taillights and I had to change the wiring with the newer bulbs on it.

Let me know what year your car is and what you did to convert to the 97.

Thanks,
Tony

I don't think it's the "harness" per se, it's more the failure sensor module. Each tail light style has a specific failure sensor module to go with the tail lights.

Basically, if you don't change it, your check tail light light on your dash will come on...the OTHER solution is the just remove the bulb in your dash or there is a wire you could cut somewhere.

Personally, I'd rather have the indicatior so that I know if I have a tail light that's out....

The module is located on the driver side quarter panel if I remember correctly....

Hey Tony, Im the one that bought chris's car... I didn't have to change the harness, I don't have that check light on also ... strange.. .all I have is blinkers on crack.

Wait...let me get this straight...how did you get the 92 style bulbs to fit into the newer taillights?

Because when I put in the 95 style, it used wedge bulbs for the top and the 92 style had no wedge bulbs on it's wires at all. So I had to pop out the wiring with the bulbs connected to it.

Did you change to the 97 style or 95?

Tony

Tony

The Sc is a 94 lol.. But you need the entire assembly ... Or else it won't fit ... I thought you meant the harness thing that attaches to the assembly ... I had no problem putting that on. I got the 97+ with the entire assembly ... Total about $450 from Longo Toyota.

Okay, I have a '95 SC400 that's worn '95 tail lights, '92 tail lights, AND '97 tail lights. The wiring harness is the same for all three types. The tail lights themselves use four bolts in the back to mount in. They fit fine from '92 to '95, but the '97 requires drilling of new holes due to a slight alignment problem. Also the inner curve on the the tail lights don't run exactly parallel with the bumper. There will be a slight mismatch, but only a trained eye can spot it really. I installed my '97 tail lights with the help of Manaray and DevilDogIS300 (no it wasn't that hard), so they can back me up on this. Bought my '97 tail lights for $340 a pair at Carson Toyota: 1-800-90-TOYOTA.

damn i called like 5 different lexus's and the best price i got was like $209 w/ assembly for each... did you pay regular price or was it discounted??? How come everyone says that the holes need to be redrilled? I just stuck them on.

Ok folks....definitive answers...

Subject - 1992 SC400
Modification - 1997 Tail lights

Without the correct tail light sensor module, you will get a fast blink when using your turn signals (just like what happens when the system thinks you have a burnt out bulb...it blinks at 2x the rate) and the tail light failure light will come on. I just did the mod today on my own SC...check the picture of the dash for proof.

Now, as for the installation. I have a found a method (that doesn't require removal of the rear bumper) that will allow you to install the tail lights w/o having to drill.

What you need is some sort thin metal socket of some sort. Doesn't have to be an actual socket, but just a TUBE that is strong and small. It has to fit into a 1/4" hole (+ or -).

Basically, you start installation of the new lights by aligning the outer most part of the tail lights to the car. There are two bolts and a guide stud on that end. Fit those into the car.

Now, take the narrow tube/socket/whatever you gots and put it into the BOTTOM hole of the inner mounts (the holes that the bolts from the tail light go through that's closest to the CENTER of the car...)

Now jimmy around the tube/socket/whatever until you can get it around the bolt of the tail light....now you have to use a little force and basically use the tube/socket to angle the bolt until it will push into the hole. It's not hard, but it's not easy. Take your time.

Basically, the problem is, is that the bolts on the tail lights (the inner bolts) are "off" alignment from the holes in the car by like 1/8" of inch (which is why most people drill holes). Well when we did Lex400SC's car, I noticed that once the lights were pushed into place, the holes lined up.

So I figured it must be the center part of the bumper (where the model emblem is on the older SC's...like the '92) probably need to be removed first since the lights fit snug against it...well that's a PITA to do...this is a easier solution. Now don't use too much force, you could snap the damn bolts right off if you're careful...

I know that w/o pictures, it's hard to explain but I'm not going to undo my tail lights and redo them... :)

I'm going to relive this thread since it sounded the most helpful.

So if someone can clarify:

I have a 92, plan to get the 95-96 w/o a harness. I can use my 92 taillight harnesses and I'll be fine? Anything I would have to do when I get the 95-96 tails to make them work perfectly (besides hyperblink/taillight out indicator) ???

The 92-94 Harness won't fit into the 95-96 tail lights. The bulb sizes are completely different. Your gonna need the 95-96 harness along with the 95-96 tail lights if you want things to look proper... then do the blinker mod to correct the quick flash.

dude im usin a 92 harness on my 95 and u get hyper blink + the tail light fail check light on the dash no overall problem

i searched, i found, i got a new question retaining to the same issue posted.

Question: im removing my 97+ tails to night shade them, do i need to disconnect any wires or un-do, ive already disconnected the clips, but still it wont budge. heres a pic of whats holding me back. my project was haulted mid progress, help asap would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU in advance:)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...4/IMG_0175.jpg
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...4/IMG_0176.jpg