Tail as Turn Mod Installation on 5th Gen 4Runner

Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn + Backup Module on 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner

They really should call this mod Tail as Turn and Turn as Reverse. That makes more sense to me than Tail as Turn + Backup.

This mod turns your factory Tail light into a turn signal and then turns your turn signal into a reverse light. However you want to chalk it up, this is a cool little mod.

Make your LED tail light also function as the turn signal on your 5th Gen 4Runner plus an option for backup light (reverse lights) with the Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Mod.

There are a lot of different modifications you can do to your 5th Gen 4Runner, however, some will help you both off-road and on-road. These types of installs are the most bang for your buck because you can utilize them in your day to day life and also when you go off the beaten path and hit the trail. One such multipurpose upgrade is lighting.

There are many different lighting upgrades you can do to your 4Runner, but potentially the most needed improvement is the reverse lighting. I don’t think it is a secret that the stock reverse lighting needs improvement and makes it hard to see behind your 4Runner when reversing in low light situations.

Stock Reverse lights on 4Runner are not Bright!

From my experience, I would consider the stock reverse lighting as almost dangerous, as it can be very difficult to see what is behind you. I think the idea is for the stock reverse lighting to aid the reverse camera, and therefore the reverse lighting doesn’t emit too much light to the sides. If you prefer to use mirrors you will want to upgrade your reverse lighting.

Replacing the reverse light bulbs with LEDs

Simply replacing your reverse bulbs with some LED’s will make a small improvement in lighting, but in my opinion, this will really only benefit you in visual appeal as there is not much improvement in actual visibility – in my opinion.

After replacing the stock reverse bulbs, the most immediate idea would be mounting two external lights on your bumper. Although this would create a large improvement in lighting, it requires mounting lights, wiring, and typically isn’t very cheap. There is a solution that can help you out quite a bit without any drilling and nearly a plug and play install, the Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module.

Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module

The Tail as Turn Module from Diode Dynamics essentially reroutes electrical signals so that your stock LED brake light will function as a turn signal and your existing turn signal will operate with your reverse lights.

You do need to replace your turn signal with a white bulb – preferably an LED bulb for optimal performance. I suggest purchasing your LED bulb that replaces your turn signal bulb from Diode Dynamics.

They offer three different bulbs with different outputs and costs. In consideration that the stock backup bulbs are 250 lumens, here are the bulbs you can get to replace the turn signals to make them function as a reverse light with the Tail as Turn Module.

Tail as Turn Module Reverse Light Parts

• HP48: 280 lumens. SMD LEDs arranged radially.
• HP11: 310 lumens. LED panels in an aluminum housing.
• XP80: 510 lumens. High-power chips in an aluminum housing, designed for maximum output.

Parts Needed

• Tail as Turn + Backup Module: Check Price
• 7443/7444 Turn Signal Bulb XP80: Check Price
• Optional: 921 Reverse Light Bulb: Check Price

The cost varies on each of these bulbs, but I would suggest purchasing the XP80. If you are going to spend the money to do this install I think it is wise and well worth the investment to spend a little extra money for the maximum output possible.

If you go with the XP80 you are more than tripling your reverse light output. You really are doing even more than this though, as the lens that is used for the turn signal will help to spread light more efficiently and out to the sides of your vehicle. The XP80 uses less than 6 Watts in comparison to the nearly 25 Watt turn signal bulbs, so there is no need to upgrade your wiring either.

I also think it would be well worth purchasing a LED reverse bulb if you do not already have one. By doing so, after this install, you will have completely LED tail light assemblies. For the sake of the photos you will see in this install, I already had Sylvania Zevo 921 LED reverse bulbs installed, so output and visual appearance may differ depending on your current setup. In the case you do not already have LED reverse bulbs and would like to switch to LED bulbs, this can be completed easily and with little additional cost.

Amongst the performance of the Turn as Tail Module is also the reliability of Diode Dynamics. You will have a three-year warranty and excellent customer service from my personal experience with any questions I had. On top of all this, Diode Dynamics is made in the USA!

Step One: Remove Taillight Housing Cover

Remove the cover in the cargo area of your 4Runner that provides access to the rear taillight assembly. You can do this with a plastic pry tool. There is a small notch near the bottom corner of each cover. This is a great spot to utilize your pry tool and the cover should pry off without much effort.

You can use your hands to pull the cover off after initially popping the cover loose from its tabs. Diode Dynamics suggests removing the taillight for this install, but I have completed the install without removing the taillight.

Step Two: Unplug the wiring to your tail light

This can be removed by depressing the tab on the clip and then pulling back towards your body.

Step Three: Unplug the wiring to your turn signal

This is located at the very top of the open cavity and can be removed by twisting the turn signal light assembly counterclockwise. After removing the turn signal wiring, go ahead and remove your stock turn signal bulb.

Step Four: Replace LED Bulbs

Replace your old turn signal with your choice of LED bulbs from Diode Dynamics. For the sake of this install, I used the XP80. To install the new bulb, simply push the bulb into the light housing connected to the turn signal wiring. The bulb is polarity sensitive, so don’t install the assembly back into the turn signal housing yet as you will need to check the polarity.

Step Five: Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module

Now you need to install your Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module so that your stock LED brake light will function as a turn signal, and your old turn signal will work as an additional reverse light. In order to make the module work for an additional reverse light, you need to use the included wire splicing clip and attach this to the green wire on your module.

Make sure the green wire is centered in the channel of the wire splicing clip and then close the clip.

If necessary, a pair of pliers can be useful. After installing your wire splicing clip, plug the loose wire from your Tail as Turn Module into the clip.

Step Six: Plug in the module to the tail light

Plug in your module to the tail light input and plug the existing wiring harness for the rear tail light into your module.

Step Seven: Testing Brake Lights

Now you will want to get someone to assist you with testing out your new LED bulb and module. First check to see if the brake light works as both a brake light and turn signal. After verifying this, have someone place the vehicle in reverse. If the LED that you have plugged in to the turn signal wiring lights up, you are good to go. If not, you simply need unplug the bulb and rotate it 180 degrees.

Step Eight: Fit bulbs back into place

After verifying the polarity is correct on your new LED bulb, place the bulb back into its location and turn the assembly clockwise to lock in place. I will note that the wiring for the turn signal bulb (now your extra reverse bulb) is extremely short. You will really have to be patient and slowly maneuver your new LED bulb into location. This was by far the most difficult aspect of this install. Take your time…it can be done.

Step Nine: Close taillight assembly

Replace the cover to your rear taillight assembly and repeat these nine steps for the other taillight.

Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module Before and After

Final Thoughts

The Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module can drastically improve your 4Runner’s reverse lighting in both performance and aesthetics. Although this is not the cheapest install, you are getting quality parts that will last and you are also supporting the USA!

I think that the value of this install would not be as good if you didn’t go with the XP80 bulbs and therefore I highly suggest spending the extra money on getting the top of the line LED bulbs to complete your Tail as Turn Module.

It is also well worth your money to upgrade your stock reverse bulbs to LEDs. By doing so, you will have a unique look when reversing, as there will be four reverse lights. You will also have a completely LED tail light assembly.

In conclusion, the Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn Module with upgraded reverse bulbs not only improves the performance of your reverse lighting but also your safety and visual appeal of your vehicle. There are a lot of lighting upgrades you can do to your 5th Gen 4Runner, and I highly recommend adding the Diode Dynamics Turn as Tail Module to your list.