LED taillights

[weatherdan822]

I've seen the LED taillights installed on the SP2.3 models of the Mazda 3. Question - are the LED lights simply plug and play or would you have to rewire certain things if you were to install the OEM LED tails on say an '04 hatchback?

 

[superdoughboy4]

I'm pretty sure it's all plug and play. The LED tail lights are a whole new tail light assembly, so you just replace the OEM ones with them.

 

[oaklandopen]

You'd have to find the oe ones for a hatchback since the sedans are different

 

[weatherdan822]

Yea, I have an 04 hatchback, so finding the hatchback version LED's should be pretty easy. On that note, anyone know where I can get them pair for a reasonable price?

 

[oaklandopen]

You could try to find a "you pull it" place around you, that would probably be the cheapest. Just see if they have a hatch with led tail lights. Other than that id say googles

 

[icspots]

Oh and any hatchback with LEDs from '04-'09 will work. I don't know if they were actually available in '04 in the US. In '05 they were on the sp23, and from '06-'09 they're on the GT trim.

 

[bbrich57]

Yes, but good luck trying to find a pair. I waited to find some for years and finally gave up, opting for the eBay aftermarkets instead (+/-$150/set.)
I kept the OE reverse lights though. Just didn't like the AM's look so big and imo, gawdy.

You can buy the OE's new as well, from Mazda (like $650/pr) and one AM site I know of sells the outer set only for around $450, IIRC. Too rich for me to only get LED running and brake lights. But they do look sweet.

 

[chwast]

Any idea if those lights form ebay will fit '08 hatch?

 

[bbrich57]

Yup! all '03 - '09 HB's are the same, except the MS3's which have a different bulb/connector approach angle. The sedan tails are different too.

 

[chwast]

I know sedans are different, but on ebay they pos those lights '04-'06 for hatchbacks.. Thanks for info.

 

[bbrich57]

There are similar tails available for the sedan too. I didn't want you or anyone else reading this thread to become confused and buy the wrong ones.

 

[bigboi3]

The aftermarket LED tails aren't all that great.

 

[bbrich57]

Well they're not that bad either... especially if you keep the factory reverse lights which in my opinion is what ruins the look of the AM tails.
They are more easily seen than the OE, have a bigger spread and of course faster reaction time too.
I originally had a problem with the chrome in mine until I really looked at the OE's and they are FULL of chrome plating too. Plus, the way the AM's are, the LEDs actually reflect off the chrome giving drivers behind you an even better view!!
But the absolute BEST thing about the AM's is they don't cost you your right arm to purchase and are still pretty easy to come by should you have an accident.
Would I prefer the OE's? Sure! But not at that price when all you get are LED running and brake light out of them. You would still need to use LED "bulbs" if you want the turns and reverse lights LEDed too.
I waited a few YEARS before I decided... weighed the pros and cons and bought the AM's.