Diode Dynamics "Tails as Turn"

Evening all,

All just got done installing Diode Dynamics "Tails as Turn" on my 4Runner. Essentially what this does is make your brake lights your turn signals, and makes your old turn signal an additional reverse light.

Just took me about 20 minutes to install and all I can say is holy shit. My reverse lights are ignorantly bright and I really like the red LED turn signal instead of the yellow incandescent.

I'll post up a video tomorrow when its not so dark. In the mean time, here's a video from Diode Dynamics install video to give you an idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixRhoT70P0s

 

I did this about a month ago. Except I rewired the turn signal to be used as an extra red brake/turn light.

Steve

 

That's cool.

 

I concur. This was an easy and effective mod. I live in the sticks and it is DARK here at night. Rear camera sucks but this mod really helps.

 

I imagine this would work on a 4th gen so long the plugs are the same?

 

They only list it for 2014-17 4runners so it doesn't even cover all of the 5th gens. Works on my 2018 though so I'm guessing they haven't updated their site with the newer models.

Couldn't hurt to call and ask though.

 

It should work on the 4th gens that have LED taillights... it doesn't work on 2010-2013 4th gens because those have non LED taillights. I know some 4th gens had LED taillights.

But definitely call to double check because the issue would be if they used the same connectors between 4th and 5th gen - I believe they do, but I'm not 100%.

 

One of the Tail as Turn modules works on 08 and 09 4Runners. It's not the plug n play module like for the '14 and newer 4Runners but it still works the same. It is the Tail as Turn Module, DIY for $30. You just have to splice into the proper wires versus plug-in. I will probably do it sometime this summer.

 

Hi,

Sorry to revive this post. Did you ever post the video of how they work?
I read somewhere that front and back then lights blink alternating, and I want to get an idea. I’m thinking about installing this in my 4Runner. Also, how did you fix the resistor to the frame? This may sound silly, but I resist myself to opening holes on the frame... that’s just me...
And it seems you’ve had it for over a year now, any issues?

Thanks!

 

Hi Steve,
Can you share a video of your result and explain a little what you did?
I’m researching ideas for my 4Runner and your mod sounds interesting

Thanks!

 

Sorry, I didn't take pics or a video when I did this mod.
I'll try and explain though.
First off, the grounds are all ganged together.
Then I did a simple test light poke to see which one was the turn wire on the chassis side.
Then, with the tail light in hand, I held on to the connector and used a very small screwdriver, I pushed the pin back through
the connector. Once it was free, I cut the metal part off and crimped a spade on.
And then, spliced it to the (edit) wire from the T to T module. I then changed the amber light to a red light.
I can't remember if it was a 7440r or a 7443r red LED bulb though.

HTH, Steve

Another thing, it took a little time to do the first one, the left one but, the second was easier.
And before you remount the housing back in the body, test it first. It's something I should have done first but it turned out ok.
And about alternating turn signal flash, it's no biggie to me because it's a normal flash and not a hyper flash. And only when the brake pedal is applied.

Ps, I have old eyes so I used 3x reading glasses to see how that tiny little pin got released.

I corrected my self about the extra wire from the T to T. It was not used in my mod.
Sorry for my confusion.

 

So PVT Pablo,
Did you replace any of these individual leds while installing and if you did what did you get as replacement bulbs… was looking to do this myself after watching vids a few months ago just couldn’t come to a decision.

 

I got the full kit from diode dynamics. Installed over a year ago, Works great!

 

Hey sorry for the delayed reply, somehow I missed this. Unfortunately I still haven't made a video of it, mostly because it looks exactly like the stock video.

As far as alternating front and rear, no, mine all flash together.

I stuck the resistors using double stick tape to the metal body work. I know this isn't ideal as the resistors use whatever they're touching as a heat sink. My turn signals are only ever on for maybe 30 seconds of intermittent flashing so they do not get hot. A year ago after installation there is no visble issues. I'm extremely happy with this mod.

I didn't change any of the LED's in the brake housing. Those are all still stock and bright as hell. My turn signal (which is now my reverse light because of the mod) has a Rayhoo 921 LED in it. They are extremely bright and have operated flawlessly.

 

Thank you!

I’ll see if I can do it

Best,

Ale

 

Thanks for the reply!

I have been thinking about using 3M adhesives (the same ones used for toll transponders).

I’ll order the module this week.

Best,

Ale

 

For everyone that’s already completed the mod, are the $90 lights required to get the most light output? I don’t want to be disappointed by choosing the cheaper option if they aren’t nearly as bright.

 

Yes, upgrading to lights with more light output is needed to get you more light output....

 

Shop around, look at reviews. I just bought the module and sourced my own bulbs.

 

I am definitely ordering this kit. Their bulbs, however, do seem a bit pricey. I can get LED bulbs from superbrightleds.com for a lot less. I am curious as to what makes their LED bulbs so special.