LED lights for instrument cluster, AC controls, & interior

Aloha,

I've owned my 2002 since new. It now has over 202K miles.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
For a few years now, half of the primary instrument cluster lights have been out (RPM and temp gauges). I finally got around to replacing the burned out bulbs.

I was under impression that the bulbs are amber. They are actually clear but covered with amber rubber sleeves. I replaced the bulbs with white LEDs. So much better, brighter, and easier to see. I think using regular bulbs but not installing the amber sleeves would be good too.


Instrument cluster now with white LEDs


The OEM bulbs with the amber rubber sleeves.


AC CONTROLS

The bulbs behind the temperature and mode controls were out. They are clear. No rubber sleeve like the instrument cluster bulbs. I replaced them with white LEDs.

Unfortunately, the panel that's illuminated by the bulbs have been designed with amber vinyl on the backside. I tried to gently peel the vinyl off one of the mode settings. That didn't work or didn't make a difference. Peeling the vinyl also removes the pattern for the mode. What a bummer. The only other option I can think of is to find a panel that has clear markings. I couldn't find any at Amazon or ebay. If one exists, please let me know.

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS
I replaced the dome light and the rear plate lights with white LEDs. Much better.

As far as the headlights go, I replaced them with LEDs a while back and they make a huge difference.

Below are links to the bulbs I used.

• Dome/rear plate:
  $19 LIGHSTA 8PCS Super Bright White LED Interior Light Kit Package for Toyota Tacoma 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 + License Plate Lights and Install Tool
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0927M2SWV
• Instrument cluster:
  $17 12V White T5 37 74 73 2723 2721 T10 158 168 194 2825 with Socket Instrument Cluster Light LED Bulb Replacement Dashboard Panel Gauge Indicator Lamp PC74 PC37 PC118 PC168 PC175 PC194 PC195 PC160 PC161
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBVRVQRH
• AC controls:
  $8 britelites Jtech 10x T4 / T4.2 Neo Wedge 2 SMD LED White Car Dashboard Instrument Cluster Panel, A/C Climate Control HVAC Switch Light Bulb
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HJGOAA
• Headlights: I bought Sealight brand H4/9003 Hi/Lo bulbs a few years ago. The link at amazon isn't up anymore but there are a bunch of others that will work just a well or better.

VIDEOS that helped me:

• Instrument cluster: https://youtu.be/ll-hRzrEXbY?si=MOZsu3AVztVvkxgU
  
  
• AC control panel lights (5:21 mark on the clip): https://youtu.be/KO_jhfGIVVI?si=IsMKW-Dthgwum0rD

 

You need an AC panel from a 2001-02 SR5 4Runner. They are clear on the backside.

 

I switched bulbs for LEDs about a year ago. One of the best improvements I've done to my truck!

 

Thanks for the write-up! I too have owned my 2002 Tacoma since new and half of my dash lights are out. Its been on my radar to replace them but I rarely drive in the dark so it hasn’t bothered me much. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

Appreciate this - the light for the fan control on my AC panel is intermittently out. Might just swap in a LED when I put in a new head unit.

 

I kept the orange covers on my cluster bulbs because I find it easier on my eyes at night. But I changed my gear shifter, ashtray, and glovebox to blue LED and I really like the look.

 

Thanks Blue92.

I haven’t had any luck finding 01/02 SR5 4Runner white faceplates either at Amazon or Ebay. Will keep looking.

 

I bought mine years ago and had to get the entire HVAC unit as a whole. that being said they are not as plentiful anymore