Difference between LED Liftgate Light and Rear Cargo Lamp?

[spyder40]

Following....liftgate light would be handy

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[paresthesia]

Just posting this so people are aware that aftermarket options are popping up for rear hatch lights, available via resellers on amazon for $50.

https://cartrimhome.com/Tailgate-Il...ights-Replacement-kit-For-Toyota-4Runner-2025

Edit: Also discussed on the forum here https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/liftgate-light-installed-easy-diy.9663/post-125921

 

[MikeD]

Just posting this so people are aware that aftermarket options are popping up for rear hatch lights, available via resellers on amazon for $50.

https://cartrimhome.com/Tailgate-Il...ights-Replacement-kit-For-Toyota-4Runner-2025

Would this work for a trim that doesn't include an existing hatch light? I think the hatch light is only standard on Trailhunter - not sure if optional on one of the other top trims (PRO? Platinum?) but I don't have an opening on my TRD ORP. (key word might be "replacement"). But if there IS a way to make it work, I'm interested in details of how.. Thanks

 

[paresthesia]

Would this work for a trim that doesn't include an existing hatch light? I think the hatch light is only standard on Trailhunter - not sure if optional on one of the other top trims (PRO? Platinum?) but I don't have an opening on my TRD ORP. (key word might be "replacement"). But if there IS a way to make it work, I'm interested in details of how.. Thanks

Going to try it on my ORP Hybrid which does not have a light there. From what I saw online it seems like it works on both the manual and the automatic liftgate models and is pretty plug and play. I've got mine on order yesterday. It has a 2 or 3 week ship time, for which I assume is coming from China.

 

[MikeD]

Going to try it on my ORP Hybrid which does not have a light there.

Outtanding. Please post your experience with the install!

 

[Brian Day]

I installed the CarTrimHome lift gate light . It's one lamp that installs right near the latch . There
is a small removable plastic piece there . It ties into the cargo lamp on the drivers side . They supply a harness . I had to cut off the connector to fish the wire through the rubber boot at the top of the lift gate .
The lamp only comes on when the cargo lights are on . I think this led has a micro switch in it so it only comes on when the lift gate opens .
Major improvement in light !!

 

[js_panda_rnr]

I installed the CarTrimHome lift gate light . It's one lamp that installs right near the latch . There
is a small removable plastic piece there . It ties into the cargo lamp on the drivers side . They supply a harness . I had to cut off the connector to fish the wire through the rubber boot at the top of the lift gate .
The lamp only comes on when the cargo lights are on . I think this led has a micro switch in it so it only comes on when the lift gate opens .
Major improvement in light !!

I bought a similar hatch light kit from CTH for my 5th gen RAV4 and loved it. I was so disappointed when it seemed like there wouldn't be one for the 4R. Glad to be wrong!

 

[MikeD]

I installed the CarTrimHome lift gate light . It's one lamp that installs right near the latch . There
is a small removable plastic piece there . It ties into the cargo lamp on the drivers side . They supply a harness . I had to cut off the connector to fish the wire through the rubber boot at the top of the lift gate .
The lamp only comes on when the cargo lights are on . I think this led has a micro switch in it so it only comes on when the lift gate opens .
Major improvement in light !!

This is great to hear. Could you post a photo showing exactly where you mounted it?

After writing this request I found a few more success stories so decided to take the chance - Amazon order placed - Delivery 2-3 weeks like paresthesia said. If it doesn't work, Amazon returns are easy.
I can't picture in my head exactly where there is a "panel" to remove where this light would go but will find out.... And your description is consistent with the photos I have found. Thanks!

 

[127.0.0.1]

This is great to hear. Could you post a photo showing exactly where you mounted it?

After writing this request I found a few more success stories so decided to take the chance - Amazon order placed - Delivery 2-3 weeks like paresthesia said. If it doesn't work, Amazon returns are easy.
I can't picture in my head exactly where there is a "panel" to remove where this light would go but will find out.... And your description is consistent with the photos I have found. Thanks!

I've added hatch lights to my rav4 same method. pull off existing trim panel mini-door, install light, fish wire through hatch wiring boot, under headliner and off to the side, tap into cargo area side light. light is powered when cargo light is powered. light is off when cargo door closes. and/or the light panel itself has a touch sensor to turn on/off while hatch is open. it automatically comes on all the time but can touch the led light and it turns off (some versions will turn red/off/white/red/off via touch)
--

I am not able to locate any OEM toyota factory part number or diagrams in TIS for liftgate lights or back door lights for any 2025/2026 4runner.

 

[MikeD]

I am not able to locate any OEM toyota factory part number or diagrams in TIS for liftgate lights or back door lights for any 2025/2026 4runner.

It seems that things will be more plug and play with the 4Runner than what you did with rav4. The video in the thread that was added above ("Edit: Also discussed on the forum here https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/liftgate-light-installed-easy-diy.9663/post-125921) shows the panel opening I couldn't picture and the connection points.

But according to the 2025 4Runner Product Information Sheet ( 2025 toyota 4runner trims comparison - features options exterior chart.pdf ) the "LED Liftgate Light" is standard on Trailhunter and optional on Limited, Platinum and PRO. And there is a photo in this thread: Difference between LED Liftgate Light and Rear Cargo Lamp? However, the THunter standard light appears to b e two lights on either side of the bottom of the hatch (liftgate). The panel for the cartrimhome solution is just "above" the latch in the center.

The question of why not make liftgate lights standard or at least optional on all trims is one that will remain a mystery. And apparently the part number may also remain a mystery - I asked that way back on June 9, 2025 in that thread above but have not found the answer. But I also know that I do not have any sort of openings where that photo shows the THunter liftgate lights:

 

[127.0.0.1]

must have all new unique back door trim and wiring harness for that factory option.

I cannot locate that in TIS btw... which is odd...and also not the d-pillar lights even though
we all know they are OEM. all other interior lights are documented

aftermarket requires (a) a hole to put it in (b) fishing wire to the cargo area light feed

I can find the smart LED interior ambient lighting
2026 4Runner SmartLED Ambient Lighting (00016-00K02, 00016-89182) Rev. E

I can find the little flashlight
2024-2026 Tacoma, Tacoma HV, 2025- 4Runner, 4Runner HV, RAV4 HV IP Side Lantern Kit (PT944-35253) Rev. D

nada for back door

 

[MikeD]

I cannot locate that in TIS btw... which is odd...

Yep. Odd. But its clear that the Toyota trim documentation is not 100% accurate. If not for that photo and the option table I would not have even asked for part numbers a year ago.
BTW - unfortunately without an account I can only see the very busy TIS log-in page - no part details. but I trust your assessment. and .... its odd.

 

[mcd_ovrlnd]

Does that come in red?

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