Fits: 2009-2020 Nissan 370Z Z34, coupe and roadster, all trims including NISMO.
Most of this job is trunk trim. The lamps themselves come out quickly once the side panel is off, so take your time with the clips and keep the fasteners sorted by side.
Required Tools
- Trim removal tool
- Ratchet
- 8mm socket
- 10mm socket
- Wire snake, only if you are also fitting the optional boost bar
Part 1: Open Up the Trunk
Step 1: Clear the Trunk
Open the trunk lid and take out the trunk mat and carpet. You can remove the spare tire cover as well, or just slide it out of the way.
Step 2: Release the Trunk Lid Straps
Pry open the middle and upper section of each of the two securing straps on the rear panel, then pull the straps out.
Step 3: Lift the Sealing Strip
Starting from the middle of the car, pull up the sealing strip that runs above the edge of the trunk lid inner panel.
Step 4: Remove the Trunk Lamp
Pry the trunk lamp out of the rear interior trim panel and unplug its harness. Set the lamp aside and tuck the harness back behind the panel so it does not catch.
Step 5: Remove the Rear Scuff Plate
Pull the rear scuff plate firmly upward to release its clips, then lift it out and set it aside.
Step 6: Remove the Side Panel Straps
Take the securing straps off the side panel.
Step 7: Remove the Side Panel Clip
At the rear edge of the side panel, pry the center pin of the plastic clip up first, then pry out the body of the clip.
Step 8: Remove the Side Panel
With the clip out, work the panel free of its retaining clips and lift it out of the car.
Part 2: Remove the Factory Tail Lights
Step 9: Remove the 8mm Nut
In the recess behind the tail light, remove the 8mm nut.
Step 10: Remove the Trim Strip
Pry up the trim panel that sits above the tail light and set it aside.
Step 11: Remove the 10mm Bolts
With the trim strip off, remove the two 10mm bolts holding the tail light to the body.
Step 12: Pull the Lamp Out
With the mounting bracket free, pull the tail light straight back and out of the body.
Step 13: Unplug the Lamp
Go around to the back of the lamp, press the latch on the connector and unplug the factory harness from the assembly.
Step 14: Repeat on the Other Side
Work through Steps 6 to 13 again on the opposite side of the car.
Part 3: Install the New Tail Lights
Step 15: Mount the Resistor
Place one of the magnetic resistors in the cavity between the body and the rear bumper cover, as shown.
Warning: resistors get extremely hot. Mount them flat against a metal surface, away from wiring and plastic, or they will melt what they touch.
Step 16: Connect the New Lamp
Lift the new tail light assembly up to the car and connect both the tail light harness and the resistor.
Step 17: Fit the Lamp
Push the assembly into the tail light recess, taking care not to pinch or trap any wiring, then refit the two 10mm bolts.
Step 18: Leave the Mode Switch Wires Accessible
Tuck the mode switch wires into the gap shown so you can still reach them later without pulling the lamp back out.
Step 19: Repeat and Test
Do Steps 15 to 18 on the other side, then get in the car and confirm every function works before anything goes back together.
Step 20: Reassemble
Put the trim back in the reverse order you removed it.
The Clear White and Smoked White models are now fully installed. The next section applies only to the Partial RGB and RGB models.
Partial RGB and RGB Models: Star Light Running App Setup
1. Remote control pairing. The remote comes pre-paired with the lamps and switches to Red Light Driving Mode (static red, no flowing animation) with one press. If the remote does not work, press the brake pedal and hold the remote button for 10 seconds to pair it again.
2. Animation control. The app controls the running-light animations. The startup animation is preset and cannot be changed.
3. Download the app. Search for "Star Light Running" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on the controller box.
4. Bluetooth connection. Open the app, tap Add Device (Figure 2), open the interface (Figure 3), and select the nearby device.
5. Adjusting modes.
- Dynamic mode: the number in the center of the blue box shows the current mode. Tap + or - to switch effects, or AUTO to cycle through all of them.
- Static color: drag the color wheel in the green box, or tap a preset color. This stops any running animation.
- Brightness: drag the slider in the first row of the red box.
- Speed: drag the slider in the last row of the red box.
Tip: if you used the older "Light Running" app and have trouble connecting, use "Star Light Running", the upgraded version.
Only one side responds? The left and right lights sync through a signal wire. Check that the wire between them is plugged in securely.
Road use. Color modes are for show and display use where permitted. Confirm that the standard road-light functions work normally before using any color mode, and return the lights to Red Light Driving Mode for driving.
Common Issues and Solutions
Tail light does not turn on after installation. Check that the harness connectors are fully seated. Inspect the pins inside each connector; if any are bent, carefully straighten them with a small precision tool and reconnect securely.
Swap test. If a tail light still does not work, swap the left and right units to find out whether the issue is the light itself or the vehicle wiring.
App cannot connect. Turn on Bluetooth and Location Services on your phone (Android needs Location for Bluetooth scanning). The vehicle's running lights (parking lights) must be on to power the Bluetooth module. Keep other strong signal sources away from the vehicle.
Condensation inside the tail light. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.
