Fits: 2018-2024 Toyota Camry (XV70). These steps cover both the Halo and the Rectilinear sets.
This is a four-piece set. Two outer lamps sit on the rear quarter panels and two inner lamps sit on the trunk lid, and the two sections are joined by wiring you run yourself in Steps 7 and 8.
Required Tools
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- Trim removal tool
- Zip ties
Part 1: The Outer Lamps
Step 1: Remove the Trunk Threshold Trim and Liner
Use the trim tool to pry up the plastic clips on the trunk threshold. Take the threshold trim off and pull the side carpet liner back to reach the back of the tail light.
Step 2: Remove the Outer Lamp Nuts
With the liner out of the way, use the 10mm socket to remove the three nuts holding the outer tail light.
Step 3: Disconnect and Remove the Factory Lamp
From outside the car, pull the lamp straight back. Find the white harness connector, press the tab to release it, and take the old lamp away.
Step 4: Check the Mounting Brackets
Make sure the white mounting clips on the body are all intact. The guide pins on the back of the new lamp have to drop into these clips, and that is what sets the alignment.
Step 5: Connect and Fit the New Outer Lamp
Plug the factory connector into the new lamp until it clicks, push the lamp into position, and refit the three 10mm nuts.
Part 2: The Inner Lamps and Wiring
Step 6: Remove the Inner Lamps
Take out the clips holding the trunk lid liner. Unplug the inner tail light connectors, remove the nuts, and lift the old inner lamps off.
Step 7: Connect the Bridge Wire
With the new inner lamps mounted, connect the brown and black bridge wire that links the left and right inner lamps. This is what keeps their signals in sync.
Step 8: Route the Main Power Wire
Run the main harness along the trunk hinge arm. One end goes to the power source at the outer lamp, the other to the inner lamps. Taking the hinge cover off lets you hide the wiring inside it for a tidy finish. Secure any slack with zip ties.
Test before the trim goes back on. With all four lamps connected, switch the car on and check running lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights and the startup animation. Confirm the inner and outer sections are in step on both sides, then refit the trunk lid liner, the side liner and the threshold trim.
The Smoked Red and Clear Red models are now fully installed. The next section applies only to the RGB and Digital models.
RGB and Digital 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.
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.
Only one side responds, or the inner lamps are out of step. Check the brown and black bridge wire from Step 7 at both ends, and the main harness along the hinge from Step 8.
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.
