How do you turn on outside light on rear hatch?

There is a light below the spoiler on the rear hatch. How do you turn it on? I couldn’t find the bulb either in the owners manual for replacement instructions?

 

Yes, I feel like an idiot. I assumed the light would be red. It’s clear but turns red once it illuminates. I thought it was some exterior light when using hatch at night. My mistake. Thank you

 

Don’t feel like an idiot. That’s what the forum is for. We all learn from these questions. Some are just too shy to ask.

 

it's the brake light but it would have been cool if that was also a rear light when needed (like a bed light on pick up truck)

 

3rd brake light. Will come on when braking only.

 

Like those interior LED panels that have a red AND white light modes...That would have definitely been cool!

 

No worries. I noticed that this third brake light console retains water after a rain..... days after a rain.... water drips' down once the trunk is lifted or opened. Is this normal for everyone?

 

Ya know. That would be cool if someone like MESO would make a combo brake/flood light with a dedicated switch for that location.

 

Yes, it's kind of stupid design. I have to clean mine out every so often as it gets all green and mossy.

 

How do you clean it out? Remove the lens screws? And then just clean back side of lens?

 

Yes, 100%, this is exactly how you would clean if the need arises.

 

This thread has gone from "C'mon man!" to "Hey, that's a great idea!"

 

Sign of a good forum, perhaps

 

Meso had this prototype tease from about 3 years ago but haven't heard about it since.

 

Funny I've actually been taking things apart and finding a wire path to this location for a rear flood (truck bed light), or rear chase light that strobes for dusty trail groups. I've even contemplated fishing 12v power supply into headliner, down pillar and below truck then up into cargo 120v outlet for easy on/off since it wouldn't be used often.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/125783401417

 

Can’t say I love the look, but do love the idea. Don’t they have a hatch light prototype too that hasn’t seen the light of day?

 

Design looks like the 70s. if it doesn't also trap rain.

 

ICS has a mount that utilizes the BD S2's (Kinda pricey, since it doesn't actually come with the S2's):

https://www.ics-fab.com/products/20...a-4runner-third-brake-light-housing-pre-order

 

My 2021 Limited has two lights located on the rear hatch, each have a 3 position switch, (on, hatch, off) if in the hatch position they light up when the hatch is opened. Hope this helps.

 

The problem with having a cargo light in the 3rd brake lamp assemble is that it would be useless with the hatch open.

 

The 4Runner Lifestyle one does that.
https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/pr...rake-light-replacement?variant=43415295525109

It’s got an extra white wire that can be used to make it a reverse light too!! It also blinks when the brake is first pressed. The red one is always in stock but the smoked one is always out of stock. They just restocked it but it’s out again. I’m going to get the red because it’ll be brighter during the daytime & nighttime. Mainly I’m buying it because it’s red & blinks & I don’t want some texting idiot to hit my shit!

 

rmiked. Did you find the lights? I had to look specifically for lights, since I usually open the hatch during daylight hours I never noticed them. They are there! My 2021 owners manual shows them under 'Back door' page 133. RoyL

 

Agreed. May be neat to utilize the reverse lights for this. Could use a relay (normally closed?) with a switch to allow them to be turned on when the vehicle is off. Would have to think thru it some more to figure out exactly how to wire it to ensure it doesn't cause an issue with normal function.

 

I swapped in Archlights all around and they are really bright for open hatch use.

 

RoyL, I’m my 2023 Manual “back door “ is on page 124. It describes the 2 interior door mounted lights, each independently switchable for “on”, “off” and “door” position. Another area of manual describes the license plate lights on outside of rear door hatch. Another area of manual describes the high mounted brake light, that I originally thought was for general illumination outside (but was wrong). I don’t see any other lights except the corner lens containing brake lights, turn signals, parking lights and back-up lights.

 

I still think you've got your million dollar idea staring you in the face

 

Do you like them though? I had them in my wife’s and opted to replace with Meso in the map and dome lights and some KC Cyclones in the hatch lights. Didn’t even bother with the ArcLights in mine. The dome light switch sticks down too far and has been broken off twice now by me fiddling with stuff in the back seat. The map lights have never fit well and jostle around on any slightly bumpy roads. The hatch lights were ok but were constantly being pressed by bags and dogs and whatever else in the cargo area. The KCs don’t have a button and the amber seems like a good middle ground between white and red

 

I like them. The only issue I have had was knocking the button off of the dome when changing in the back before a hike. I haven't installed the map lights yet.

 

Ah. Well I am of the opinion that they are hot garbage and everyone should avoid them at all costs