Fits: 2022-2026 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ (ZN8).
Two things on this car are easy to miss: the bracket on top of the factory lamp has to be transferred over, and the sequential turn signal is set by a plug on the back of the new lamp before it goes in. Both are covered below.
Required Tools
- Plastic trim removal tool
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- Security bit (included with the lights)
- Masking tape
Part 1: Remove the Factory Tail Lights
Step 1: Remove the Trunk Side Trim Cover
Open the trunk and use a plastic trim tool to gently pry out the black plastic cover beside the tail light.
Step 2: Remove the Mounting Bolts
Remove the two 10mm bolts behind the trim cover, then the single 10mm bolt on top of the tail light.
Step 3: Remove the Factory Tail Light
Pull the lamp firmly straight back to release its clips, taking care not to scratch the paint. Unplug the connector and lift the lamp away.
Part 2: Prepare and Install the New Tail Lights
Step 4: Transfer the Top Bracket
This step is easy to skip and the lamp will not mount without it. On top of the factory tail light there is a black plastic bracket held by two screws. Use the included security bit to remove them, then fit the bracket onto the new tail light.
Step 5: Set the Sequential Signal (Optional)
On the back of the new tail light there is a small plug joining a blue and a black wire. Connected gives you the sequential sweep; disconnected gives a standard blink. Decide which you want now, while the lamp is still out.
Step 6: Install the New Tail Light
Plug in the harness connector. Line up the guide pin on the side and the tab on the inner edge, then push the lamp firmly into place.
Step 7: Secure and Reassemble
Refit the three 10mm bolts, two on the side and one on top, then snap the black side trim cover back in.
Step 8: Function Test
Switch the ignition on and check the startup animation, brake lights, reverse lights and turn signals on both sides.
The Smoked Red Halo model is now fully installed. The next section applies only to the Digital model.
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, 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.
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