Fixing the Dim Interior Lights on the 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner

[IRFAN0922]

One interesting thing about the 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner is that it comes with LED interior lighting from the factory. However, Toyota went extremely cheap on the actual LED modules. Most of the interior lights appear to use only one or two small LED diodes, which results in very low light output (low lux).

Since all 6th Gen 4Runners come with a black interior, the dim factory lighting doesn't do the cabin any justice. At night, the interior visibility is much worse than it should be for a modern SUV.

After doing some research, I found several plug-and-play LED circuit board replacements on Amazon. They are not the cheapest option, but they're reasonably priced and offer a significant improvement in brightness. Installation is straightforward, although it does require a few extra steps compared to simply replacing a bulb.

I'm putting together a step-by-step installation guide to help anyone interested in upgrading their interior lighting. This was a last-minute video, so I wasn't originally planning to record the process. I decided to share it anyway because I hope it helps the 4Runner community and saves others some time.


Video Link -
Amazon Link -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB1T18J7?th=1

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[AF VETERAN]

Interesting commentary for sure, made it interesting. Appreciate all your efforts with great results. Thxs for posting. Doing upgrade!!

 

[BonRunner]

These cheap, Chinese LED lights replacement haven been out for almost a year. Many people have them. Long term reliability is still in question as with cheap LED, it will flickers in less than a year.

We're still waiting in inexpensive bright LED replacement for the main 1st row.

 

[Mike N]

Meso Customs map and dome LED's

are worth a look. Bright white or switch to red. Easy install.

 

[Nodak]

the only thing i hate about aftermarket replacements is you usually have to cut the panel that the oem led light is embedded into to install the aftermarkets (front lights)

wish toyota had just used a typical seperate led plate instead of integrating the led into a module board.

now we go from a simple cheap replacement to an expensive module board replacement.

 

[127.0.0.1]

I wonder how that dome light led replacement panel behaves
when approaching vehicle with keyfob and the OEM dome illuminates dimly
and ramps up slowly.

does the 46 led panel behave like OEM
in the 'approach lighting/welcome lighting' mode ?

 

[Nodak]

should work the same, only question is power output. toyota is expecting a certain load vs that massive led panel trying to feed that many leds with an output to push only 1-2 leds in the oem version.

 

[127.0.0.1]

should work the same, only question is power output. toyota is expecting a certain load vs that massive led panel trying to feed that many leds with an output to push only 1-2 leds in the oem version.

'should work the same' but the new 3rd party panel needs
to be built with a dimming circuit to be able to do it

 

[josiahg52]

Meso Customs map and dome LED's

are worth a look. Bright white or switch to red. Easy install.

I like having at least one red light somewhere in the overhead console. In my 2001 Tahoe, I just installed a red 194 LED bulb in one of the map lights.

It's interesting that in my Trailhunter with the lighter interior, it doesn't seem that dark to me, Certainly not bright in any fashion at all, but it's useable enough. Of course, it would be nice to have a brighter option when you needed it.

 

[Mike N]

The Meso Customs map and dome dual color lights are bright but not too bright. The red is easy on the eyes I keep them on red all the time. Changing to white is just a push of a button and are much brighter than stock. The map lights do require drilling of the overhead console assembly which is completely hidden after you reassemble it. The removal if the console is a bit difficult so if you do it just be careful. The dome light just requires removal of the center circuit board but it's simple to remove. There are videos on YouTube on DIY.

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