LED Fog Light Install 5th Gen 4Runner

LED Fog Lights (6000k) on 5th Gen 4Runner (Overview and Installation)

UPDATE: We installed these lights in my girls 4Runner a few days ago. After driving around with them in the dark, we got to know them a little better. These bulbs help SO MUCH when running the low beams and fog lights together. She has the stock halogen headlights (low and high beam) with these bulbs and it was an outstanding difference. The fog lights almost wash out the yellow/orange hue from the stock halogen low beam bulbs. The wide light was much better, much brighter, and much whiter. The color is crystal white and the light output is much better than the factory light bulbs. We were both really impressed.

After talking about headlights for the last couple of weeks, we are still at it. This time, we are talking about the fogs, and specifically, an LED bulb.

The first option that many owners consider is the Baja Squadron line. These are complete housing that you swap in and replace the OEM assembly.

These off-road pod-style lights are incredibly powerful. The Baja Designs Squadrons are not DOT (Department of Transportation) approved for on-road use. The Squadrons have such intense light output, they might be too bright for on-road use and daily driving.

There are a handful of different options for fog light upgrades to choose from, it’s on you to decide which is best for your needs.

Off-Road Lights Vs. Single LED Bulb

With the off-road lights installed, instead of a single aftermarket LED bulb, you will get flashed by oncoming traffic. We know this because we installed the Baja Designs Squadrons as fog lights recently.

By installing a single aftermarket LED bulb, you will have peace of mind when cruising around town, knowing that you will not get flashed by oncoming traffic. While this bulb (H16) is not as bright as off-road lights, they will still light up the road much better than any halogen bulb.

The Price

The price difference of these bulbs compared to the Off-Road LEDs is quite substantial as well. We paid almost $400 for our Squadrons. And, we only paid $125 for these Philips bulbs. That is a huge difference in cost. But, the Squadrons for example, produce much more light output and are built for off-road use. If you don’t intend on traversing off-road much, or you are not looking for a really expensive light, then consider these Philips bulbs, the Xenon Depot H16 bulbs or a less intense set of off-road lights like the KC HiLiTES Gravity G4s.

The Install Process

The Install was incredibly simple. This install can be done in under 30 minutes. All you do is remove your fender liner, reach in and swap the bulb out. That’s it.

If you have some time on the weekend, this is a great little mod that can be finished with your second coffee.

The only real hassle of installing fog lights is the passenger side. On the passenger side, there is a large black box that surrounds the assembly. You need to pop two tabs on both sides of this box and then remove it completely to get access to the assembly.

Recommended Philips bulbs:

• H16 LED Bulb: Check Today’s Price

These LEDs feel and look like pretty high-quality lights. They are not the cheapest h16 bulb you can get, but you never want to skimp on lighting.

With a quality bulb, you will have a product that lasts longer, performs better and is easier to install. Some of the lower quality bulbs out there are prone to burning out and can be a pain in the ass to install due to oversized tabs and bulky fans or fins.

Step #1 – Remove Bolts on Fender Liner

Step #2 – Remove Bolts on Lower Fender Liner (2)

Step #3 – Pop Tabs on Top Fender Liner (Gently)

If you have some plastic removal tools, I would recommend using those. A set of the plastic pry tools are usually under $10 and make the install process a little smoother.

If all you have is a flathead screwdriver, then use it. Just be gentle as you are prying apart the tabs from the body of your 4Runner. These fender liner tabs are extremely tight against the body, so just be patient and gentle.

The bottom two tabs in this section kind of cap onto the body curl, while the top just fits underneath. Again, patience goes far here. Just be patient and work the fender liner from the bottom to the top and then back down again. You will get it eventually.

Step #4 – Push Back Fender Liner/ Fold Behind Tire

Once you have the fender liner free from the body, curl it back and place it behind your tire. This should keep the fender liner in place and give you plenty of room to work on the LED light bulb swap.

Step #5 – Unplug Fog Light Harness

Start by removing the wiring harness from the OEM bulb. Unclick the harness from the bulb.

Step #6 – Rotate Fog Light Bulb and Remove Bulb

With the wiring harness disconnected, you can remove your OEM fog light bulbs. Just twist counter-clockwise and pop the bulb out. This is much easier than the Low Beam Headlights and the High Beam Headlights on your 4Runner. All of which are pretty simple, but this is about as easy as it gets.

Step #7 – Plugin New Bulb (Note Tabs)

When you go to plug in the new LED light bulb (H16), note the tab positions. There are three tabs on the H16 LED bulb. Each of these tabs has their specific position within the fog light housing. The largest tab is in the top left position when looking at the housing. Fit the LED bulb into position and then turn the bulb clockwise.

Step #8 – Plugin OEM Light Harness Bulb

Once you have the LED fog light bulb into position and secure, you can plug in the OEM harness.

Step #9 – Ziptie Wiring

Ziptie everything down and secure the loose into one bunch. You don’t need more than one ziptie here. Just ziptie the wires together into one bunch.

Step #10 – Put Fender Liner Back Into Place

Fog Light Install (PASSENGER) – Remove Black Cover Housing

The only thing different on the passenger side of the 4Runner fog lights is this black housing that covers the fog light assembly. This was kind of a pain in the ass to pop off. In the picture above, this should help you understand what’s on the other side. There are two tabs that hold the fog light cover in place. You need to use a flathead screwdriver for this part.

Place the flathead screwdriver inside the tab area and pop the tab loose. Once you have the outside tab loose, you can come from underneath the 4Runner, reach up and pop the other tab off. From here, you will be able to wiggle the whole fog light cover free and out.

PASSENGER – Repeat Same Steps as Above

Fog Light Upgrade 5th Gen 4Runner (Before and After)

BEFORE AND AFTER GROUND SHOTS COMING SOON!!