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Tail light retrofit

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by HarSherm, Nov 5, 2019.

  1. HarSherm

    HarSherm Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2014
    31
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    Location:
    Burlington, Vermont
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I have a 2012 Pruis C with 145,000 miles on it. Recently, the left tail light started to go out. I found I could rap on the side of the housing, and the light would come back on for awhile. Now, the right taillight is acting up.

    So today I installed new bulbs in both lights. However, in removing the left housing, I found that it is delaminated on the forward edge, and that water had filled up the housing, taking out the reverse light bulb, and obviously causing my problems with the tail light bulb. I drained out the water, but the reverse reflector, lowest down and filled with water for who knows how long, is darkly stained and ruined.

    Next, I went to the right side. Sadly, In trying to get the right housing assembly loose from the car, the clips holding the housing to the body would not come loose, and though I tried everything, I was forced to crack the housing lens in two places, just to change the stupid bulb.

    Now, although I have all lights working at the back of the car (with exception of left reverse bulb), I have one delaminated housing on the left, letting in water and staining the reflectors, and one cracked housing on the right, that will also likely fill with water in a short time. So it is time for new tail lights!

    My question is: Will the newer tail light housing assemblies from the newer Pruis C's fit my 2012? I'd rather retrofit with them, if they fit. They look better, and hopefully are better designed. In looking online, I see nothing on the subject, but the newer housings look as if they attach to the car the same way, and I doubt that Toyota would have changed the sheet metal of the car over the years. The back sheet metal of the new car looks the same as mine.The wiring harness compatibility is a question, however. Anybody know if they will work?
     
  2. Bryce Husserl

    Bryce Husserl Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2017
    28
    27
    1
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
  3. frenzee

    frenzee Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2013
    95
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    Location:
    Costa Mesa, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    2018 tail lights fit perfectly and they look great, but you'll also need the corresponding wiring harness and the two LED modules which are sold separately and no longer part of the assembly. Those aren't cheap and the harness is not something you can modify yourself easily. I did this swap a year or two ago and posted detailed part numbers, etc. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to find my own post on this forum, or I would post the link.
     
  4. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
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    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    post below
     
  5. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
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    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
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