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LED replacement question

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Loco Larry, Nov 1, 2025.

  1. Nov 1, 2025 at 11:16 AM
    #1
    Loco Larry

    Loco Larry [OP] New Member

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    I am curious to know what folks say about replacing stock interior bulbs with LED's. I've heard some say, they are fine. And others say they have had issues with them, i.e. burning smell, etc.

    Nothing is perfect and each scenario is different. What works for one, won't necessarily work for another.

    So, I'm just throwing this out there for some feedback...

    ...that and I'd rather not start an electrical fire in my vehicle. :)

    Thanks.
     
    Rocket-67 likes this.
  2. Nov 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
    #2
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

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    Oooh look, another mod.....
    I installed the full interior light package on my 2023 4Runner the day after I bought it. It's been over two years now, and I have had zero issues. I bought a set on Amazon. If you want/need the link I can dig it up for you.


    Picture to show how bright it looks at night:

    IMG_20231006_212448344.jpg
    IMG_20231006_212455921.jpg
     
    Rocket-67 and RumHamRunner73 like this.
  3. Nov 1, 2025 at 12:27 PM
    #3
    Loco Larry

    Loco Larry [OP] New Member

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    Thank you, that would be appreciated... No hurry whenever you have a free moment or so.

    I've seen a lot of LEDs advertised on Amazon. I just don't know which ones are better than the others. Also, with so much listed on Amazon, you can get info overload at times. At least for me, that's the case.

    Thanks again!
     
    Rocket-67 likes this.
  4. Nov 1, 2025 at 12:44 PM
    #4
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

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    Oooh look, another mod.....
    They're LED's, so I doubt there is a huge difference between different brands. Esentially you're getting the same hardware, just assembled by someone else. At any rate, here is the set that I bought:


    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LLZ2NJB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1


    [​IMG]
     
  5. Nov 1, 2025 at 12:54 PM
    #5
    Loco Larry

    Loco Larry [OP] New Member

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    You're probably correct, just like anything else, a million versions of one item. :)

    Thanks again, appreciate the input. Enjoy your weekend.
     
    Rocket-67 likes this.
  6. Nov 1, 2025 at 5:50 PM
    #6
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

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    This is the status of my cheap Amazon interior light situation on my 5th gen 4runners. If I'm not mistaken each set is about 20 bucks.
    20251101_183846.jpg


    On duty since 2019-
    20251101_183828.jpg

    On duty since 2021-
    20251101_183816.jpg
     
    Loco Larry[OP] and Rocket-67 like this.
  7. Nov 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
    #7
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    Welcome.
    As the others said, those lights aren't really that high output to care how expensive they are since the plug in bulbs are really the same on bezosworld. You can spend a wad on high output ones if you want supernova from meso customs. But the bulb upgrades will be better than stock no matter which ones you choose.
     
    Loco Larry[OP] and Rocket-67 like this.
  8. Nov 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
    #8
    Rocket-67

    Rocket-67 New Member

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    I just did an Amazon Firefly led kit on my '19
    Super easy instal, the mirror puddle lights were a little challenging, but youtube was there to help!
    best $20 interior upgrade you can do!
     
    Loco Larry[OP] likes this.
  9. Nov 1, 2025 at 9:15 PM
    #9
    Gman2530

    Gman2530 New Member

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    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B088QHZM3M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

    What is in mine 2yrs next month no issues
    Great mod
    I did have a little problem with the two map lights in the front top. I think that’s what they’re called. Just take your time and as someone mentioned before watching a YouTube video and take your time and be patient
     
    Loco Larry[OP] and Rocket-67 like this.
  10. Nov 1, 2025 at 9:26 PM
    #10
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I replaced my interior gauge cluster and console lights with LEDs as they were starting to burn out after 15+ years. But they didn't look right to me, you just can't get the same color and I guess I was just to accustomed to the original look.

    Regardless, one damn LED would not stay lit on the left side of my gauge cluster. I changed it out twice, checked continuity and it would still go in and out when driving.

    I just went back to the old bulbs and replaced any that were burned out with ones I sourced from the dealer and all has been solid for like 5 years now, even that one pesky gauge light. YMMV
     
    Loco Larry[OP] likes this.
  11. Nov 2, 2025 at 3:26 PM
    #11
    Loco Larry

    Loco Larry [OP] New Member

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    Well, thank you all for your input.

    I don't need blinding light, just more than what you get from stock. I noticed that I had some areas that didn't light up anymore, hence my question. My vehicle is a 1998, so I'm sure that some of the bulbs have been in there for a while now. I figured, since I have a few to replace, why not get some advice too.

    Aside from the interior lamps, I have to replace a few in the center console and the one for the ignition. Just looking at the prices on Amazon, it's not going to break the bank either. That's also a plus!
     
    Rocket-67 likes this.
  12. Nov 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
    #12
    zoverlander

    zoverlander New Member

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    Highly recommend replacing OEM bulbs with LEDs.

    Don't need a kit specific to the runner ... I bought one with max amount of different sizes on Amazon and have replaced bulbs in 4 vehicles I own so far. Just open the panels and match the sizes...quite easy!
     
    Rocket-67 likes this.
  13. Nov 27, 2025 at 7:42 AM
    #13
    legend1011

    legend1011 New Member

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    If you are looking for a higher quality LED bulb, I recommend Diode Dynamics. They are pricier, but the best LEDs I have ever used. I used Super Bright LEDs in a prevous vehicle and the quality is terrible/inconsistent compared to them. I have all Diode Dynamics LEDs in my 2 vehicles (4runner and Civic), wife's vehicle (Lexus), and my Mom and Dad's (Honda Accord). Highly recommended.
     
    Loco Larry[OP] likes this.
  14. Nov 29, 2025 at 2:48 PM
    #14
    Loco Larry

    Loco Larry [OP] New Member

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    Hmm, thanks for the advice. I'll take a peek at 'em!

    Enjoy the weekend!
     
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