3rd Gen AC LED Third brake light

This mod is for Gen 3 Access Cabs and doesn't apply to Gen 3 Double Cabs. (It also applies to Gen 2s.)

This mod does not require any wiring changes to the truck. It can be unplugged and the original light can be plugged back in its place.

I am paranoid about inattentive drivers behind me. So I've been thinking about ways to catch their attention when I apply the brakes. I've looked for LED replacements for the 194 bulbs in the stock third brake light.

I bought some 194-NWHP5 LEDs from Super Bright Leds. They were an improvement, but didn't seem eye catching enough. So I kept looking.

I'd also bought an LSC-100A Brake Strobe Module, but since I was going to put the strobe module behind the third brake light, I needed a new foam gasket. So it hadn't been installed until now.

ttps://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/strobe-controllers/brake-light-strobe-module/195/845/

What I wanted was an LED replacement for the third brake light that I could use with the strobe module.

I found several listings on Amazon that looked like good candidates. Looking closer, it appeared that they were all the same, even using the same photos. There were options for Chrome/Red, Smoked, and Black. I ordered a Chrome/Red. When it arrived, there was no Chrome. Which I expected, and was happy about.

As I read the different listings, they all had mistakes, contradicting descriptions, etc. Typical for imported stuff.

I took a chance and ordered one. Vendor was "Henkeyl". Price was $24.69.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FDYY4SK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's what I got.

It appears to be of decent quality. WARNING: It did not include instructions. It did have some extra mounting hardware, which I did not use.


Here's the strobe module.


Installation was easy. The toughest part was getting all of the adhesive from the foam gasket off of the cab. Goo-Gone to the rescue.


I unplugged the original light and this one plugged right in its place. Worked first try.

Then I spliced the strobe into the new light's pigtail.


Note: The truck's wiring was not modified.

The finished product:


It looks good, and between the LEDs and the strobe module is much more eye catching.

I'll post a short video of it later.

 

Here's a short video demo. It's actually brighter in person than it looks in the video, but you can get an idea of what it looks like in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1BlVc__JxM

 

I just wanted to say that you can find anything on TW. I wanted a cheap replacement brake light and found this post. I got the smoke one, and took a chance because even though everything in the description said for a Tacoma, when you select the smoke option it comes up as for a Dodge ram. A glitch in the system because it is definitely for a Tacoma. I just installed it today, and it works great!! Thank you!

 

Glad to be of assistance. It looks good!

 

Looks like someone has a slight phobia of being rear-ended? Just Say-n.

 

You are absolutely correct. I've been rear-ended twice in the past, and that was before people had the distractions that they have now.

 

I too have been rear ended.....funny the other driver tried to blame me even though I wasn’t even moving...just waiting for traffic to pass.... pretty sure the other driver was looking at her phone......
Point being I think the danger is real especially with the cell phone addictions of today.


Good mod.

 

I decided to add this unit to my receiver hitch. Going to add an additional 4-way plug in behind so I can route the wire underneath the bumper.

 

@oostroma , Back when I first did my Auxiliary Lights, I temporarily ran the plug's cable behind and over the bumper.


Well, here we are about 6 months later and the "temporary" arrangement is still in place. I never even notice it, so it's likely to stay that way.

 

I wish my 2018 third brake light was as simple as unscrewing it from the outside instead of going thru the headliner etc... Good jop OP!

 

It is that simple with the right tools...

 

What did you replaced it with? Did you made any modification to the base?

 

I replaced it with a Meso KC-5 third brake light which bolts right up to the factory sheet metal using the factory holes from the outside. There is a thread on these in the sticky section a good read. I added a flasher and with some basic wiring and connectors it’s all plug and play right from the factory wiring.
https://youtu.be/p8AAk4_XpMo

 

extr

Extremely nice sir!!!...Did you ended up making the holes to the metal? I don't see any screws holes when you removed it.

 

If you want to take it even further you could do this.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tail-light-mod-both-lights-used-as-brake-and-signals.471450/

How it should have been from Toyota in the first pace.

 

What flasher didju use?

 

I've considered it, and haven't ruled it out yet.

 

This comes upas not a replacement for 2019?.
Also where did you get the other lights under the. back end of truck? We’re they plug and play?

 

The fitment guide is not up to date. The light is a direct replacement for a 2019 Access Cab.

Information on the other lights is in the Auxiliary Lights link, in my signature.

 

OK thanks