Toyota RAV4 LED Interior Lights Upgrade (Step by Step)
Are you having trouble seeing your RAV4 when it’s dark? I get it. The interior lights that come with the RAV4 are not very bright. They just don’t light up the inside well.
I often find myself searching for things in my car, and the interior lights are so dim that I end up using my phone’s flashlight. That’s why a lot of Toyota RAV4 owners choose to upgrade to LED interior lights. It’s a popular change because it makes a difference.
I believe everyone with an RAV4 should think about doing a Toyota RAV4 LED interior lights upgrade. To help you through the process, I’ve written down every step for you. Pay close attention, though, because there are some important things you need to know to avoid breaking your map lights.
Note: I did this on my 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE. Your vehicle might be a bit different, especially if it’s a 2015 model or older.
How to Install Toyota RAV4 LED Interior Lights?
Let’s get started with installing your new LED lights! Whether you’re about to install them or just curious to see the process before getting your hands on them, I’ve got you covered.
I’ll guide you through each step of the installation so that you can easily set up your new lights. Pay attention, and you’ll be all set.
Before we dive in, it’s essential to note that installing the map lights is the trickiest part of this process. To make it easier for you, we’ll start with the simple steps first and save the most challenging ones for later.
Now, let’s talk about the materials you’ll need. If you’ve ordered the LED kit I recommended earlier, you should have:
- 8 LED lights
- Plastic wedge
A quick heads-up: This kit also comes with 2 lights for the license plate. However, I won’t cover the license plate lights in this article because our focus is on upgrading the interior lights. I don’t think upgrading the license plate lights is necessary. I suggest keeping these extra lights as replacements for the future if needed.
Installing the Visor Lights
Let’s start the installation process by adding the two visor lights.
These lights are located behind the visors and light up when you slide open the mirror cover. To remove the cover, use the plastic wedge on the left side. It’s important to use the left side for both visors.
Gently insert the plastic wedge into the light cover and pry it open. Don’t worry; it won’t break.
Once the visor light cover snaps open, pull down on the left side to reveal the bulb.
Optional tip: To make removing the bulb easier, release the “U”-shaped clip holding the cover in place.
Now that the bulb is exposed, pull it outward to remove it. You might need to wiggle it a bit, but don’t twist it.
After removing the old bulb, insert the new LED into the slot.
Before putting the cover back, test the new LED by opening the visor mirror to ensure it works.
If the bulb doesn’t light up, take it out, flip it around, and insert it again (reverse the polarity).
Once you’ve confirmed that the new light works, reinstall the cover and repeat these steps for the other visor light. This way, both sides will have upgraded and functional visor lights.
Installing the Dome Light
Now, let’s move on to the dome light, located above the rear passenger seats. You’ll be using the LED indicated in the image below for this step.
To open the dome light, find two small notches on the cover, located at the bottom. I’ve circled one of them below. Although they might be hard to see, you can easily feel them with your fingernail.
Use the plastic wedge to gently pry open the dome light cover. Work on each notch, and the cover should come off easily.
To replace the old dome light bulb, press down on the metal holding the light and pull out the bulb.
Now, insert the new LED light into the empty spot. If it doesn’t stay securely in place, you may need to bend the metal piece outward to provide more tension on the bulb.
Remember this crucial step: Test the new LED light before putting the cover back on. If it doesn’t light up, try flipping it around to reverse the polarity. This ensures that your upgraded dome light is working correctly.
Installing the Cargo Area Light
Now, let’s focus on upgrading the cargo area light located in the trunk on the right side.
To open the cargo area light, start by prying it from the left side. When you pop off the cover, you’ll reveal the light assembly. Slide off the cover, as indicated below. It might not be the easiest, so use the pry tool to assist you.
Once the cover is off, gently wiggle out the old bulb and replace it with the new LED.
Before putting the cover and light assembly back in place, take a moment to test the new LED. This ensures that it’s working correctly before you finish the installation. It’s a quick and easy step that guarantees your cargo area light upgrade is a success.
You should also check: How to Fix Toyota RAV4 Electric Power Steering Problems?
Installing the Map Light
Now, let’s tackle the map lights, but before we dive in, it’s a good idea to take a short break. This step can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not accustomed to dealing with automotive parts made of plastic.
The map lights, shown below, are integrated into a larger piece housing various buttons and the sunglasses holder. Keep in mind that the map light assembly might vary based on the model year, trim level, etc. However, the assembly featured in this tutorial seems to be the most common.
To minimize the risk of breakage, I suggest removing the entire assembly, and yes, it will require some force. Be patient; it may feel like it’s going to break, but it’s unlikely. I’ll share some tips that helped me release mine, even though it took over 20 minutes.
Focus on the pry points on the left and right of the front part of the assembly, especially the right-side pry point pictured below. By prying these locations, you’ll release the clips holding the assembly in place. Scroll down for more advice on handling these clips.
To identify the clip locations, insert the wedge into the map light assembly and look for three plastic lines peeking out from the headliner. These lines guide you to the proper pry points to release the clips.
Once you’ve located the clips, use the plastic wedge and your hands to gently pry the assembly loose. It will take some force, so apply short bursts until it comes loose. Be prepared for it to drop down suddenly from the ceiling.
If you find this step challenging and aren’t comfortable, consider taking it to a local auto shop. They can assist you at little or no cost, especially if it’s a shop specializing in accessories.
After successfully removing the map light assembly, you’ll see two circular pieces for each light. Twist them out to release the old bulbs and replace them with the new LEDs. Don’t forget to test the bulbs before securely snapping the assembly back into place. This ensures a smooth and successful upgrade to your map lights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading your Toyota RAV4’s interior lights to LEDs not only enhances visibility but also adds a modern touch to your driving experience. With improved brightness in the visor, dome, cargo, and map lights, your RAV4 will shine brightly on every journey. Enjoy the upgraded lighting and the added style it brings to your car’s interior.
