LasFit Yellow / Amber Switchback Fog Lights For 5th Gen 4Runner: Install Overview & Initial Impressions
We all have different preferences when it comes to light temperature.
When I bought my first set of replacement fog lights (Xenon Depot LED Xtreme Pro) I couldn’t decide if I wanted to fully commit to the 2700K yellow color. I didn’t have experience driving with them and I was worried that I would not have the same visibility. I ended up going with the 5500K to be safe, and honestly, I love them.
However, there were times when I thought I could really benefit from the reduction of white light bouncing off water and dust. In comes the LasFit Switchbacks to change the game with these white to yellow/amber switchback LEDs.
How does it work? Just switch your fog lights on, off and then on again to switch between white and amber.
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Initial Thoughts
The LasFit Switchback is a replacement LED bulb that fits into the stock housing.
The name comes from the ability to switch the visible light between a 6000K white light and a 3000K yellow light. With LED chip sizes becoming smaller and more powerful we can have different colors on one unit with the ability to switch the current between the two. This premise works great with turn signals and DRL’s already.
Previously, I was running the XexonDepot (XD) lights, and since they are similar in price, many of my opinions are directly comparing the two bulbs.
The stated output of these lights is a hefty 3,000 lumens per bulb. To put this in perspective, the output of the XD Pro is 1,750 lumens per bulb. Why is the Switchback almost double? The answer lies in a couple of key terms.
Understanding LED lumen output
For those that may be just starting your search for LEDs, or even a reminder to some of you veterans, there are two definitions that you need to be on the lookout for:
- Raw Lumens: The theoretical output of a light-based on the number of LEDs multiplied by the maximum output of the individual lights.
- Effective lumens: The actual output of light taking into consideration losses from thermal, optical, and assembly lenses.
LasFit has listed the lumen count in raw lumens while the XD bulbs are listed in effective lumens. Many companies list their products using raw lumens, and there is a way to calculate the effectiveness when given the raw.
By taking the raw lumens (3,000) and multiplying it by the loss factor (20-40%) you can quickly determine the true output (1800).
3,000 x .40 = 1,800
I prefer to use the larger of the loss factor to be more conservative. The worst-case scenario is that you end up with a brighter light. So a better thought is that these lights produce about 1,800 lumens which are still nothing to scoff at.
Install Overview
The install is straightforward. Depending on your familiarity with changing these bulbs I would budget around 30-45 minutes. There have been several great write-ups on replacing the stock fog light bulbs that you should reference for this install, such as this fog light install here.
One way to save time is by foregoing peeling back the liner on the driver’s side and simply reaching up to the housing. I found that both lights needed to have the visible + and – sign showing in the small space of the female connector. If the lights do not turn after install, just unplug them and flip the male connector around.
Initially, the lights will start off white. To change the color you just turn the fog lights off, and then back on using the switch on the left side of the steering wheel.
Review
Upon initial install, I thought that the lights were very similar to the XD in both forward and peripheral vision. Driving with them for several hours, there wasn’t any distinguishable difference in the performance.
Switchback Only – White
Switching from the white to yellow color was shocking at first.
Once you adjust, the output is still a bright light with no loss to peripheral sight. I was able to cycle between the two on a rainy evening. I was pleasantly surprised at the reduction of light reflecting off the water and surroundings.
Switchback Only – Yellow
There is a small difference in the color of the white light between the Switchback and the XDs.
The Switchbacks have a small amount of blue. Here I had the XD bulb in the driver side and the Switchback in the passenger to give a comparison between the two aftermarket LED bulbs.
XD Driver’s Side + LASFit Switchback Passenger’s Side – White
XD Driver’s Side + Switchback Passenger’s Side – Yellow
Final Thoughts
For a replacement bulb that fits in the stock housing, these make a solid option. The ability to control the temperature output of the lights is a huge plus. The yellow lights were an adjustment, but after using them for a few weeks, I came to enjoy them. These bulbs are cooled using an internal fan. This could affect the longevity, and if it does I will update this post to reflect that.
For those that are certain the yellow color is what you want to run, I would suggest a different bulb like the XenonDepot.
Overall, updating the stock fog lights on your 4Runner is one of the first mods I would suggest. The Switchback is a great option and will let you drive safely in all conditions.
Gage, I’m considering these on my 2023 4Runner. How have they done over these past couple years? I’ve read a couple comments where they flicker or have just gone bad in less than a year, but most of the reviews are pretty good. Just curious how their performance is now. Thanks
Hi, do you know if the switchback lights will work after doing the anytime fog light mod?
Hey Rikka, I haven’t ran that mod personally so couldn’t say for sure. Since the lights are LED and simply need power to the chip I can’t think of a reason that they wouldn’t. LasFit has really good return policy (request within 45 days of purchase) so if for some reason they don’t you can send them back.