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Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 6:54 am
by MR2-Blue
Already done a few months ago when my wife was in Europe for 2 weeks - but for everybody who is interested: it's quite easy the "re-activate" the GEN 3 taillights. The complete wiring is already done from the manufacturer, it just needs 2 bulbholders for twin-bulbs to connect the brake- and taillight and another bulbholder for the 2nd rear fog light on the passengers side. Furthermore, the US version of the indicators can be activated (red flash due to the glass) - which I didn't do as I don't like the red version. It would require another 2 buldholders for 10W bulbs, bigger holders for 21W don't fit.
The pics describe the individual steps of the modification. Tools needed/used:
- Dremel
Solder-Station
Cutter
Fluke Multimeter
Original connector - it's pre-wired and fully active for all functions: tail-/brake-/foglight + indicator
The attachment RL_02.JPG is no longer available
Bulbholders from the scrapyard - key is, the need to have the "minus-wire" as well.
The attachment RL_04.JPG is no longer available
First fitting done for the left foglight to see if it works, tool: DREMEL

- Wiring for the left unit with original plug

- First opening done - left fog light

- Bulbholders from the scrapyard

- Original wiring, icludes all required cables
Final results at sunset....

- Final result: Brakelights
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 11:57 am
by Bigwill
I did much the same on my Gen 3. Although I painted the reflector part of the big round lamps with white paint to get better light intensity reflected, I was still not happy with the way these tail lamps differed from the ones in the bumper. So I changed the top tail /stop lamps to the fog light positions and the fog lights to the round lamp positions.
By installing one extra wire I also moved the turn indicator lamps to where the reverse lamps are and visa versa. To me this is a much more acceptable place for the indicators.
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 9:26 am
by CATS
I also did much the same but left the fog lamp to function as fogs and just put dual bulbs(not sure of exact name) in the top lights, ie they function as light as well as brake lights with higher intensity on brake and lower intensity on lights on.
The solve the reflector problem completely one can retrofit GEN4 SWB rear tail lamps, which is a perfect fit, although a bit pricey. They come complete with all the lights and proper indicators as well and all are fitted with reflectors.
CATS
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:02 am
by MR2-Blue
CATS wrote:I also did much the same but left the fog lamp to function as fogs and just put dual bulbs(not sure of exact name) in the top lights, ie they function as light as well as brake lights with higher intensity on brake and lower intensity on lights on.
That's what I did as well - I would call them "twin-bulbs"...anyhow, it works to my personal satisfaction and I wanted to keep the original scope rather then changing the complete setup.
CATS wrote:The solve the reflector problem completely one can retrofit GEN4 SWB rear tail lamps, which is a perfect fit, although a bit pricey. They come complete with all the lights and proper indicators as well and all are fitted with reflectors.
I would invest the money if I would have the car longer...but for another year the investment is too high...
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 4:40 pm
by Mr H
Hi, Just what i have been looking for THE PAJERO CLUB, looked up on changing the taillights on my Gen 3 SWB as the dealer could not help me. Read your advice this morning and got the elec. at work to change the lights & now (on same day) I have top lights.
Also looked up the self made awning, not sure if i will do the stitching myself but will have the awning made up.
Thanks Guys
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 12:48 pm
by ThePajeroMan
MR2
How did you get the wiring into the original plug?
I'm gonna do the same with some aftermarket plugs, but would rather use the original stock if possible.
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:18 am
by MR2-Blue
The plug on the "car side" is fully fitted - no need to touch.
I got the bulb holders from the scrapyard, cut off the "original" plugs and soldered new pins to the wires I needed to connect to the original plug on the "light side". Then removed the rubber seal from the plug, drilled a 2mm hole trough (rubber doesn't drill properly, so it remains a good sealing), put the wire with the new pin through and positioned correctly in the plug - that's all.
The new pins I used were from my "electrical collectors box" - no idea anymore from where originally...sorry.
Cheers - JK
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:13 pm
by ThePajeroMan
Great, Thanx
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 9:25 pm
by ThePajeroMan
This was my gona be my weekend project but in the end only took about 4 hours from start to finish (wiring, cutting plugs etc.)
Re: Re-Activation Gen 3 Taillights
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 8:04 pm
by maccarron
The rear lights are the strangest setup ive ever seen.
Am i correct that on the left its only a reverse light and right the reverse and fog in the "normal" light cluster..?