Fits: 2013-2020 Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S (ZN6).
This is one of the quicker tail light jobs. Four nuts and one plug per side, with the trunk liner being the only part that takes patience.
Required Tools
- 8mm socket wrench
- Panel removal tool
- Flathead screwdriver
Part 1: Remove the Factory Tail Lights
Step 1: Remove the Trunk Threshold Trim
Open the trunk. Use a panel removal tool to pop out the clips holding the center trunk threshold trim, then pull the panel straight up and set it aside.
Step 2: Peel Back the Trunk Liner
Remove the plastic clips holding the side trunk liner and peel the liner back until you have clear access to the tail light mounting nuts and the wiring harness.
Step 3: Disconnect the Wiring Harness
Find the white power connector on the back of the tail light. Press the locking tab and unplug it.
Step 4: Remove the Mounting Nuts
Use an 8mm socket to remove the four nuts holding the tail light assembly.
Note: take care with the nuts deep in the corner. If one drops it will fall inside the body panel.
Step 5: Remove the Factory Tail Light
With all four nuts out, push gently from the inside while pulling straight back from the outside to release the lamp from the body.
Part 2: Install the New Tail Lights
Step 6: Fit the New Tail Light
Line the guide pins of the new lamp up with the mounting holes. Check that the gasket is sitting flat all the way round, then push the lamp firmly into place.
Step 7: Secure and Reconnect
Refit the four 8mm nuts and tighten them. Do not overtighten: too much force will crush the gasket. Reconnect the wiring harness, test the lights, then put the trunk liner and trim panel back.
The Smoke Red and Smoked White models are now fully installed. The two sections below each apply to one model only.
RGB Model: Happy Lighting App Setup
- The Happy Lighting app controls the colors and animation modes of the light bar. The startup animation is preset and cannot be changed.
- Download: search for "Happy Lighting" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on the controller box.
- Pairing: turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Open the app, tap the menu icon (arrow 1), and select your device from the list (arrow 2).
- Color: tap the Adjust tab (arrow 3) and use the color wheel (arrows 4 and 5) to choose a solid color.
- Dynamic modes: tap the Music or Mode tab (arrow 6) to choose an animation. Use slider 8 to adjust speed and slider 9 to adjust brightness.
Digital Model: 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.
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.
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.
Only one side responds? The left and right lights sync through a signal wire. Check that the wire between them is plugged in securely.
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.
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