The Official OEM Tail Light Difference Thread
 

:wave:



Seeing another thread asking about tail lights made me want to create another “difference” thread, similar to the one I did for the A-Spec lip kit which can be found here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/unofficial-spec-difference-thread-853331/



****Before we begin...ALL 3G TL tail lights are interchangeable. Listed below are the different types.****



2004-2006 Tail Lights

• These tail lights are solid red and were equipped on every USDM 2004-2006 TL. The whole outer lens is red while the reflector, turn signal, and area in front of the LEDs are clear. The housing/bezel is chrome.

Attachment 48292

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaKlq63wal...Package_05.jpg

http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/a...DSCF0499-1.jpg

2007-2008 Base Tail Lights

• These tail lights were on every 07-08 NON-TL Type-S. Compared to the 04-06 lights, the outside lens is clear, meaning if you take apart the assembly, the only red parts are the housing, lower reflector, and the corner turn signal piece. Also, you’ll notice that the area in front of the LEDs is clear.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--vN9eZq6h6...llpapers_3.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9...471ee097_b.jpg



2007-2008 Type-S Tail Lights

• These tail lights have a dark chrome housing compared to the red or bright chrome housing on the 04-06 and 07-08 Base lights. Just like the 07-08 Base tails, the outer lens is clear, but the area in front of the LED board is red, as well as the turn signal and lower reflector. These tail lights were standard ONLY on Type-S models.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/9...16c67cc4_b.jpg

http://www.linenoyz.net/files/images/DSC08244.jpg



2006-2008 CDM (Chinese Domestic Market) Tail Lights

• The CDM tail lights are the least common out of the 4 total. They are most similar to the Type-S tails but these have a clear corner lens for the turn signal, meaning you could swap in an amber bulb if desired. Also, these tails have an extra set of reflectors, mounted vertically where the LEDs are. They mount to the car the exact same way and have the same connecting wires on the back.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...c/IMGP3767.jpg

Attachment 48293

Attachment 48294

*The picture above does not show actual CDM tails, rather ones that were modified to look similar. You can see that the vertical clear reflectors are missing. I had a hard time finding actual CDM tails installed :tomato:

• When it comes to installing your new tail lights, the install is exactly the same no matter which housing you bought. This DIY is from “jnc2000” that is in the 3G Garage here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/g-094-diy-installing-type-s-tail-lights-716996/

• If you’re interested in modifying your tail lights yourself, look under “Section G – Lighting” of the 3G Garage here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-garage-faq-3g-tl-newbies-553554/

• There are multiple vendors who can modify your tail lights for a fee if you’re not up to the task. If you’re not sure how you would like you tail lights to look, please look at this thread for ideas: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-photograph-gallery-96/custom-tail-light-pictures-only-876026/

*If I used a picture owned by you and you would like it removed, please let me know and I’ll have a moderator edit my post. I used your picture strictly for educational purposes.

*If you see that any of the above information is incorrect, please let me know so it can be corrected.

**Big thanks to jnc2000 and KB1Spec for information found in their threads and their pictures :thumbsup:

Very well put information

Good standard information here Tyler, well laid out.

And I like that first shot of the Type S tails, very nice :snicker:

Great info. It is much appreciated. I didn't know about the CDM lights until now.

Sweet! This was definitely needed.

Great post. Lots of info.

Glad you posted this, it will help me out here soon

Nicely done, Tyler. :thumbsup:

Great DIY!! Thanks for taking your time with this.

Outstanding work Tyler. I'm changing you from Unofficial to Official-Congrats!

Awsome CLtothTL32, But still a PITA to do.. HAHA

Actually you don't need to take out the whole rear bumper. When I did my I just loosen some bolts on the bumper and barely enough space to use my socket wrench and nudge in to loosen the bolts of the bracket of the tail lamp.

FYI here is the CDM tail lamp with the vertical reflector and also the comparison of the USDM modded tail lamp

Attachment 48287

Attachment 48288

Attachment 48289

Attachment 48290

Attachment 48291

both your aspec and taillight differences thread get so many thanks, but my seat difference thread is like dead....should i make a headlight difference thread? LOL

Good info, but in the bumper removale DIY you do not need to completely remove the bumper as it states. Infact, all you have to do is pull out the upper portion of the bumper just enough to get to the two bolts under each tail light.

I didn't even know the CDM taillight existed. Kinda cool.

Such a great thread. I need this valuable information. Thanks:thumbsup:

the CDM's are not flat!
there's a little protrusion that sticks out, which I think is pretty neat!

you can kinda see it in this photo
Attachment 48247

CLtotheTL32, Thanks for the great write up!

Taillights
 

Is it possible to get the CDM tailights
if so how &where

They cannot be bought new. Only chance you have is to purchase them second hand from someone selling theirs. Also expect to pay big $$$ as they're extremely rare now.

Depending on how you look at it. Its not worth getting it. I see some floating around on Ebay selling copies of the CDM style tail light. I used to do tail lamp conversion back in the days where I swap out the outer lens of the base TL tail lamp with the TL-S tail lamp

Where can I purchase the 2006-2008 CDM (Chinese Domestic Market) Tail Lights? All TL's should have had amber turn signals!

I see someone is selling only the driver's side on ebaY. Asking them where I can get the other side is like talking to a brick wall.
.
.

I think everyone and their brother has tried asking that eBay seller for the passenger side. I can confirm that they responded to me a looong time ago saying that they do not have the passenger side available.

Good luck lol

Where is that CDM 4th brake light at tho

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5692/2...2047cdf6_b.jpg

Poor man's version of CDM tail lights with amber LED turn signals :rofl:

Here is the 4th brake light

http://autonews.gasgoo.com/resource/...39e34b01e7.jpg

I have an irrational need to find one of those.

I was one of those people. I called them to ask and remember getting a brain dead pleeb on the other end of the phone.

Ugh, that's frustrating. The demand for these is so high too. It's a shame that both sides aren't available right now.

I got a pair of these, cleared with carbon fiber inserts for $300 2nd hand. I sold them with my last TL, and seriously thought they were some cheap replica housings.

*cough

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...9071346e89.png

Fuck don't remind me

Distilled water.

Don't use a hair dryer, you'll just blow more dust in. Sun dry or leave it in a dry area for a few days.

He is lol

lol I thought so