Fits:
- Lexus IS 250, all trims, 2006-2013
- Lexus IS 350, all trims, 2006-2013
- Lexus IS F, 2008-2014
- IS 200d / IS 220d (European models)
Does not fit the IS250C Convertible — different body shape, different lamp.
These steps cover both builds, Smoked Red and Smoked RGB. Removal and fitting are identical; the RGB build has an extra app setup section at the end.
Two Sections Per Side
The rear lighting on this car is split into a straight section and a curved section, each held by three 10 mm nuts and each with its own connector. You will do them one at a time, and the trunk liner has to come back for each.
The curved lamp's connector is the awkward part of this job — see Step 5.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground, switch off, and disconnect the negative battery terminal while handling wiring.
- Use masking tape around the painted trunk and quarter-panel edges.
- Fold back liners and sound insulation carefully so the clips can be reused.
- Do not put dielectric or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets.
- Leave the trunk trim open until every function has passed testing.
Required Tools
- Quick ratchet handle with 10 mm and 8 mm sockets
- Trim removal tool
- A small flat-head screwdriver or pick — for the tight connector in Step 5
- Masking tape and clean microfiber towels
- Zip ties
- A helper for brake light and turn signal testing
Part 1: The Straight Section
Step 1: Open the Trunk Liner
Pry off the clips and remove the trunk liner.
Step 2: Unplug and Unbolt
Unplug the connector, then remove the three nuts with a 10 mm socket.
Step 3: Remove the Straight Lamp
Support it as it comes free and pull it in line with its locating points — do not pry against a painted panel.
Part 2: The Curved Section
Step 4: Open Up the Access
Remove the hook at the curved lamp's location, pry off the clip, and remove the trunk liner on that side.
Step 5: The Tight Connector
This connector sits in a cramped spot. If you cannot get a finger on the tab, use a small flat-head screwdriver or a pick to press the tab and pull the connector out carefully. Do not pull on the wires to gain leverage — that is how this one gets damaged.
Step 6: Unbolt and Remove
Remove the three nuts with the 10 mm socket, then take the curved lamp out.
Part 3: Install the New Tail Lights
Step 7: Compare Before Fitting
Set each removed lamp beside its replacement. Transfer a bulb holder, seal, bracket, module or decorative piece only where your kit and the car's configuration require it.
Step 8: Connect
Match each supplied connector to the corresponding vehicle connector and confirm the lock tab clicks home. On the curved section, seat it fully before you try to bolt the lamp up — there is no room to correct it afterwards.
Step 9: Route and Secure
Run extension wires, controller wires and decoder wires along the factory trim and grommet paths. Zip-tie so nothing can rub, pinch or pool water, and keep wiring clear of hinge travel, latch movement, weather seals and sharp edges.
Step 10: Refit and Tighten
Align the locating pins, clips and body gaps, then tighten the nuts evenly without overtightening plastic mounts. Check the straight and curved sections line up with each other across the body seam.
Step 11: Test Before the Trim Goes Back
- Running and parking lights on both sides.
- Brake lights, with a helper on the pedal.
- Left and right turn signals, hazards, and the sequential sweep — confirm it runs across both sections.
- Reverse lights, with the car safely in reverse and the parking brake on.
- Startup animation, once the road-light functions pass.
- Check for dashboard warnings, hyperflash or flicker.
Step 12: Reassemble
Refit the trim panels and close the trunk slowly, confirming no wire is stretched or pinched.
The Smoked Red build is now fully installed. The next section applies only to the RGB build.
RGB: 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
The sweep stops partway across. Check the connector on the section that went dark — usually the curved one, because it is the harder to seat.
One lamp does not turn on. Recheck the main connector, the side's extension wire and any plug-in adapter.
Brake, reverse, running or turn behaves wrong. Stop and recheck the connector choice and wire routing before moving pins or changing wiring.
Warning, flicker or hyperflash. Confirm any included decoder, resistor or harness adapter is installed as supplied for this product.
Trim will not sit flush. Check for a trapped harness, a misaligned clip, a folded weather seal or a grommet out of position.
App cannot connect. Turn on Bluetooth and Location Services on your phone (Android needs Location for Bluetooth scanning). The car's parking lights must be on to power the Bluetooth module.
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.
