Interior LEDs

[tas306]

Anyone have experience with this kit?
http://www.precisionled.com/toyota-land-cruiser-led-interior-lights-kits-2008-present.html

Search returned nada, so I thought I would ask.

 

[MScruiser]

I am not familiar with your link, but IM pfran42 on the forum, and ask if he would be willing to put together a LED kit for a 200 series.

 

[tas306]

PM sent. Thanks!

 

[RTaylor]

I can test for Paul, I'm in Atlanta too

 

[Cabinetman]

You really don't need to buy a kit. I went with VLEDS and I will link what I used below.

For the front map lights, second row dome lights and second row map lights I used these bulbs (3 pair):
http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/194-168-158-led/6-5k.html

For the courtesy lights in the doors I used these bulbs (2 pair):
http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/194-168-158-led/5k-4-hpf.html

You could also use the above bulbs for the second row dome and map lights as the housings do not have a reflector which makes the bulbs i used overkill.

The festoon bulb in the cargo dome is the bulb I had the most difficulty finding a bulb that fit right. The size you are looking for is a DE3175 (1 bulb). The one I got from VLEDS was too long for factory socket. I found the following bulb in natural white from Superbrightleds to be a great fit and color match but not very bright.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/festoon-series-bulbs/de3175-led-bulb-4-led-festoon/231/

I ended up getting the following bulb from Amazon and it is a bit brighter than the above choice, but it is also a lot more money for a small increase in performance.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D3NA2Y0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is sad that Toyota has such a large fixture for the cargo area dome light yet it uses a pretty small bulb without the help of any reflectors.

Please note that I used 5k bulbs for my LC200. I was trying to avoid the bluish tint as much as possible. If you want a more bluish white light go with 6k bulbs.

 

[ntsaint]

Cool info thx

 

[tas306]

Cabinetman,

Thank you for taking the time to put this list together!
Many Thanks!

 

[Cabinetman]

Cabinetman,

Thank you for taking the time to put this list together!
Many Thanks!

No problem. Glad I could help.

Regarding installation, it is all pretty straight forward but I did figure a few things out by trial and error. The rear dome light and the lights on either side of the video screen (second row map and dome lights) just pop off using a wide flat blade in the cutouts on the lenses. The front map lights are accessed by removing the screws that are behind the sunglasses holder and then pulling the whole overhead console assembly down which will reveal the bulb access knobs. The door courtesy lights can actually be removed without any tools just by pulling on the front edge of each light while pushing the light toward the back of the vehicle. Once the lens assembly pops out you can unplug the harness and them take apart the light to access the bulbs. It is an easy process once you figure out how the plastic pieces snap apart. I have yet to even look at the ashtray and glove box bulbs, but I assume they are pretty straight forward.

Please note all my installation observations apply to my 2014. I don't know if the '08 thru '11 are any different.

 

[SWUtah]

What is the benefit of the LED's?

 

[Cabinetman]

What is the benefit of the LED's?

In my experience they give you a much better lit interior. My LC200 with black leather was poorly lit with the OEM bulbs. Now the lighting is considerably better. They also draw less current and should never burn out. The only downside I have found so far is when someone turns on an interior light while you are driving it can be a bit blinding.

 

[SWUtah]

Never had a bulb burn out in the interior. Never had a problem reading with normal interior lighting and like you I don't want a bright interior light coming on at night while I am trying to drive. Guess this is not my type of mod. But glad to see others push the envelope.

 

[Overlake]

Never had a bulb burn out in the interior. Never had a problem reading with normal interior lighting and like you I don't want a bright interior light coming on at night while I am trying to drive. Guess this is not my type of mod. But glad to see others push the envelope.

Wow, we finally agree on something. What on Earth is happening?

I don't get the LED fetish. I want my interior to feel cozy and inviting; not harshly lit prison cafeteria style. Aren't there LED bulbs to mimic a warmer light? The other concern I'd have is the heat emitted. LED bulbs run super hot. The housing was not designed for LED.

And now those so-called HID upgrades...

 

[Willy beamin]

I'd be afraid the LED light would reflect off my iced out grill / frontz and blind the fellow passer-by...no thank you

 

[Cabinetman]

The other concern I'd have is the heat emitted. LED bulbs run super hot. The housing was not designed for LED.

Properly engineered LEDs should dissipate heat pretty well and not get hot enough to melt the fixture. I have yet to have an issue in the 4 vehicles I have owned with aftermarket LED interior lights.

 

[steenh]

Had Pfrans in my 100 and loved them. On my list for sure.

Especially nice when camping and being able to see the interior like its middle of the day bright.

 

[CharlieS]

I switched to LEDs in my first 80, when the battery was drained during a camping trip. All LED and a deep cycle battery solved that. It sold me on LED lighting. I’ve put LEDs on three cruisers since - two 80 series, a 100 series and my current (‘13) 200 series.

This time I used Superbright LEDs since PFran doesn’t offer a kit (and never replied when I reached out - I’d have rather bought from him).

I did the two front row map lights, four middle row overhead lights, and the four door lights with (10 @) 194 bulbs and used a single festoon bulb for the rear cargo area (90 lumens, 31mm ...1mm too big, but I made it work).

I’d like something brighter in the cargo area, but this works for now. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

The only edit I’d make to the instructions above is that the drivers side door lenses pop out from the front edge and the passenger side lenses popped out from the rear (at least on mine). The rest of the bulbs were easily replaced by removing the lenses with an automotive trim tool.

 

[ArnieC]

For the cargo area I too tried a 31mm Festoon and it wasnt worth the trouble. Was a very small point of light. You can get a surface mount panel of ~25 LEDs and a spring loaded festoon adapter for around $10 off Amazon. Mounts with double sided tape inside the existing housing.

May as well also do the LEDs in the license plate light and fog lights. I did the ashtray and glove box too. Not too bad once you realize the FSM is missing a step to remove the knee airbag.

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks!!

Any specific item for the amazon surface mount?

I already upgraded the fogs to LEDs. Definitely well worth it.

I’m leaving the license plate lights as incandescent. No sense in making it too easy for the LEOs.

I’m contemplating Morimoto LEDs for the high beams. I’ve had great luck with their products over the years.

 

[Markuson]

These cost a grand total of $28 for two, long, diffused, rotatable, hidden, Factory-looking, switched, full-time lights...

Notice there is no bright direct source glaring in the eyes...because it’s shielded by the rear window sill.

These are the same units @Mowai referenced...also on my rig:

Check out before and after lighting in complete darkness:

 

[CharlieS]

Would you be willing to share manufacturer, part number and/or installation tips?