5th Gen Underhood LED Lights

Thanks to all the member's posts with ideas and problem solving comments. Thought I should share my DIY design and install of under hood lights on my 2018 Limited.

Installed two (2) Kawell 10W LED mini lights ($23) and a RKURCK pin switch ($6) from Amazon. (Links below.) Had an inline fuse in my collection of "stuff", used 16 gauge wire, and mounted the lights using #8 3/4 inch self tapping screws. Screwed through the under hood liner into the metal hood bracing. (Be sure screws are not long enough to pierce the hood and go slow!) My son did a super job wrapping the wiring and running it from the hood, down the hinge and under the fender liner insisting it look "factory!" Fuse and wire to the positive battery terminal is likely temporary until I decide what type of battery junction box I'll install to accommodate future electrical feeds. The pin switch was a perfect fit in the hole where the factory plastic trim fastener was. Simply removed the trim fastener, screwed it in and it picked up a solid ground.

About the best $40 and two hours of time I've spent on a vehicle.

Throws plenty of light (even a fair amount past the intake cover to down on the pulleys.)

Hope the photos and video and the post is a help and thanks again for all the helpful threads and comments from fellow members!

$7 RKURCK Car Hood Door Pin Switch Adjustable Bonnet Alarm Security Light Hood Screw Universal for Car Auto Trunk Engine 2Pcs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MYRR3X9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$30 Kawell Universal 2 Pack 10W LED Mini Light Bar Bumper DRL Fog Light Motorcycle Light DRL Tail Backup Light Car Motor Clearance Marker Lights for ATV SUV Mine Boat

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWJ0CP3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Good idea! question if anyone knows. Many manufactures use aluminum for making the hoods. Does 4runner have an aluminum hood? just curious if using dissimilar metal screws. thanks

 

Hadn't thought about galvanic reactions. I'm fairly certain the OEM hoods are aluminum and I understand stainless steel screws are okay for aluminum. I used regular steel, not stainless, so I'll need to keep a eye on that or likely will replace them with stainless. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Considered taping the fuse box but given I had an inline fuse handy and will be doing other electronic/electrical upgrades fairly soon I just went the simple route. Running a line to the fuse box, and maintaining water tightness, is a bit more involved.

 

Cool! Thanks!

 

This mod has been on the list for a long time. Thanks for the part numbers and nice writeup.

Regarding the hood, has anyone taken a magnet to it to see if it's steel or not?

 

We've been looking for quick and inexpensive mods to do. This one is put on our list! Thanks for the writeup and pics.

 

You are welcome! BTW, to be on the safe side I changed out to stainless mounting screws.

 

A magnet will solve the mystery

 

I did. It's steel, not aluminum.

 

I did not find a video or link to one...did I miss something somewhere?

 

Some toyota has aluminum, some not but will soon. Can't find a definitive answer on runner hoods. Kinda odd as other manufacturer hoods have been aluminum for a long time
https://parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/7241/toyota-jumps-aluminum-bandwagon

 

Apologies but having trouble uploading the video but the video essentially captures what's in the photos.

 

Just a thought. Will probably add an in-line on/off switch for times I'm doing under hood work and don't need the light. Had the hood open for a few hours while I installed a powered lift gate (Autoease). Ran down the battery!

 

Nice setup.

 

As mentioned, installed a fuse/relay block and connected the underhood light. Good outcome!
https://www.4runners.com/threads/aux-fuse-box-diy.13079/#post-144215

 

Awesome solution! This has got to be one of the only true mods for under $50.

 

Nicely done!

 

Do you like the AutoEase Powerlift? Is it working well? How was the install?

 

Nice job. I plan to do a similar mod but with a mercury switch

 

I've had the Autoease Power Lift for just over 6 months and no issues with reliability. Got it primarily because the lift gate is a bit heavy to open one-handed particularly so for my wife. Ended up this is way more useful/convienent than I imagined.

Install was a bit of a challenge but doable with a bit of patience and $&%&##ing.

First, the directions aren't the clearest but at least the harness connections are mostly one-way fits so it isn't the worst to figure out.

Second - and most important/challenging - the clips to splice into the Toyota wiring harness is too large. Not much space to work in and the clips are simply to large for 20 gauge and thinner wires. I ended up carefully removing the insulation on the wiring harness but be very careful as the wires are thin and if you break one there is virtually no slack to reconnect them. Spoke with Autoease about this and they sent another set of clips but had the same issue. Autoease finally said to splice them in, which I had already done, but mentioned they are working on a new clip so they may have an improved product with the current kits.

Third, fishing the wire bundle in the tail gate can be a challenge. I used Klein's smallest wire snake but will probably take a few tries to hit the right channel. The connectors to the lift arms were too large to fit down tail gate innards so I ended up cutting the wires and reconnecting once I fished every thing through. Also, make sure the wires aren't in the way of the lowering the window.

Lastly, If you want to install the optional foot switch, fish that wire through the tail gate along with the main wire bundle. The foot switch directions are seperate, and woefully inadequate, so I didn't realize the foot switch wiring also had to be snaked through until I had completed the main bundle. Simply didn't want to risk "jacking up" the wiring I had already done so I didn't install the foot switch. (Probably would not have ordered the optional foot switch but it was included in the kit as a special promo back in December 2019.)

Note that Autoease replys to emails and even phone calls promptly to assist with installation questions. Plus, the overnighted the replacement clips to me. They definitely are trying to stand behind the product and value customer support.

At the end of days - I'd do this again!

 

"Nice job. I plan to do a similar mod but with a mercury switch"



This!!!!

I've installed underhood lights on every vehicle I've owned and the weak point is always the same; the pin switch.