The Jeep TJ, produced from 1997 to 2006, is a beloved icon of off-road capability and rugged simplicity. But even a legend can benefit from modern upgrades. One of the most impactful and aesthetically pleasing improvements you can make to your TJ is switching to LED tail lights. Not only do LED tail lights enhance your Jeep's appearance, but they also offer significant safety advantages. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about Jeep TJ LED tail lights, from their benefits and installation to choosing the right set for your needs.
Why Upgrade to LED Tail Lights on Your Jeep TJ?
Jeep TJ LED Tail Lights: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading Your Wrangler
The factory incandescent tail lights on the Jeep TJ, while functional, are often dim and prone to failure. Upgrading to LED tail lights offers a multitude of benefits:
- Increased Brightness and Visibility: LEDs are significantly brighter than incandescent bulbs. This translates to improved visibility, especially in low-light conditions, heavy rain, or fog. Other drivers will be able to see your brake lights, turn signals, and running lights more clearly, increasing safety for you and those around you.
- Faster Response Time: LEDs illuminate almost instantly, whereas incandescent bulbs take a fraction of a second to reach full brightness. This faster response time can make a crucial difference in preventing rear-end collisions.
- Longer Lifespan: LEDs boast a significantly longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. You won't have to worry about replacing them as frequently, saving you time and money in the long run.
- Lower Power Consumption: LEDs consume significantly less power than incandescent bulbs. This can help reduce the strain on your Jeep's electrical system, especially if you have other aftermarket accessories installed.
- Modern Aesthetics: LED tail lights offer a modern and stylish look that can significantly enhance the appearance of your Jeep TJ. They come in various designs, from classic replacements to aggressive, custom styles.
- Durability: Many LED tail light housings are constructed from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of off-road driving, including impacts and vibrations.
Types of Jeep TJ LED Tail Lights:
When shopping for LED tail lights for your Jeep TJ, you'll encounter several different types:
- Direct Replacement: These are designed to directly replace your factory tail lights without any modifications. They typically use the existing wiring harness and mounting points. These are the easiest to install.
- Modified Tail Lights: These often have a more aggressive or unique design and may require some minor modifications to your Jeep's body or wiring.
- Integrated Tail Lights: These combine the tail light, brake light, turn signal, and reverse light into a single unit. Some integrated lights may also include a license plate light.
- Euro Style Tail Lights: Feature a more European design, often with clear or smoked lenses and unique LED arrangements.
- Sequential Tail Lights: Feature a sweeping or sequential turn signal effect, adding a distinctive touch to your Jeep.
Choosing the Right LED Tail Lights for Your TJ:
With so many options available, choosing the right LED tail lights for your Jeep TJ can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider:
- Budget: LED tail lights can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive. Determine your budget before you start shopping.
- Style: Consider the overall style you're trying to achieve for your Jeep. Do you want a classic look or something more modern and aggressive?
- Functionality: Think about what features are important to you. Do you need a built-in license plate light or a reverse light?
- Ease of Installation: If you're not comfortable with wiring or making modifications, choose a direct replacement set that's easy to install.
- Quality: Read reviews and choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality products. Look for housings made from durable materials and LEDs that are bright and reliable.
- DOT Approval: Ensure the tail lights are DOT approved (Department of Transportation) for street legality in your area. This ensures they meet minimum safety standards.
Installation Guide: Replacing Your Jeep TJ Tail Lights with LEDs
While specific installation instructions may vary depending on the brand and model of LED tail lights you choose, here's a general guide to the process:
Tools You'll Need:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Socket set
- Wire stripper/crimper (if needed)
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- Multimeter (optional, for testing)
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Steps:
- Disconnect the Battery: Before starting any electrical work, disconnect the negative terminal of your Jeep's battery.
- Remove the Old Tail Lights: Locate the screws or bolts that secure the factory tail light housings to the Jeep's body. Remove them and carefully pull the tail light assembly away from the body.
- Disconnect the Wiring Harness: Disconnect the wiring harness from the old tail light bulbs. Most TJ tail lights use a simple twist-lock system.
- Prepare the LED Tail Lights: If necessary, connect the wiring harness adapter (if included) to the LED tail light. Some LED tail lights may require you to splice into the existing wiring harness. In this case, use a wire stripper/crimper to connect the wires securely, and then insulate the connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
- Connect the LED Tail Lights: Plug the wiring harness from the Jeep into the LED tail light wiring harness.
- Test the Lights: Before reinstalling the tail light assembly, reconnect the battery and test all the lights (running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights) to ensure they are working properly. If a light isn't working, double-check your wiring connections.
- Reinstall the Tail Lights: Carefully position the LED tail light assembly into the opening and secure it with the screws or bolts you removed earlier.
- Repeat for the Other Side: Repeat the process for the other tail light.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of your Jeep's battery.
Important Considerations and Potential Challenges:
- Hyper Flashing: Some Jeep TJs may experience hyper flashing (rapid blinking of the turn signals) after installing LED tail lights. This is because LEDs draw less power than incandescent bulbs, which can trick the Jeep's flasher relay into thinking a bulb is burned out. To fix this, you'll need to install a load resistor or replace the flasher relay with an LED-compatible one.
- Wiring Compatibility: Ensure that the LED tail lights you choose are compatible with your Jeep TJ's wiring harness. Some older TJs may require additional wiring modifications.
- Waterproofing: Some aftermarket LED tail lights may not be as well-sealed as the factory lights. Consider applying silicone sealant around the edges of the housing to prevent water from entering.
- Polarity: LEDs are polarity-sensitive. If a light isn't working, try reversing the wiring connections.
- Legal Requirements: Be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding tail light colors and brightness.
Tips for a Successful LED Tail Light Upgrade:
- Read the Instructions Carefully: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific LED tail lights.
- Test Before Installing: Test the lights before fully installing them to ensure they are working properly.
- Use Quality Wiring Connectors: If you need to splice into the wiring harness, use high-quality wiring connectors to ensure a secure and reliable connection.
- Protect Your Connections: Insulate all wiring connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to prevent corrosion and short circuits.
- Consider Professional Installation: If you're not comfortable with electrical work, consider having a professional install your LED tail lights.
Price Table for Jeep TJ LED Tail Lights:
| Brand/Model | Description | Price (Approximate) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics LED Tail Lights | Budget-friendly direct replacement | $40-60 | DOT Approved, Simple Installation |
| EAG LED Tail Lights | Mid-range, durable construction | $80-120 | Integrated turn signals, reverse lights, durable housing |
| Smittybilt LED Tail Lights | Rugged design, suitable for off-road use | $100-150 | Heavy-duty construction, bright LEDs, optional smoked lenses |
| Oracle Lighting Oculus Bi-LED Tail Lights | High-end, advanced features | $300-400+ | Advanced LED technology, Halo running lights, sequential turn signals, impressive aesthetics, DOT approved |
| RECON LED Tail Lights | Premium, sleek design with smoked lens | $150-250 | Modern design, high-intensity LEDs, easy installation |
Please Note: Prices may vary based on retailer, promotions, and specific model features. Always check with the retailer for the most accurate pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jeep TJ LED Tail Lights:
- Q: Will LED tail lights cause hyper flashing on my Jeep TJ?
- A: Possibly. Some TJs are more sensitive to the lower power draw of LEDs than others. If you experience hyper flashing, you'll need to install a load resistor or replace the flasher relay.
- Q: Are LED tail lights street legal?
- A: As long as the LED tail lights are DOT approved, they are generally street legal. However, it's always a good idea to check your local laws and regulations to be sure.
- Q: Do I need to modify my wiring harness to install LED tail lights?
- A: It depends on the specific LED tail lights you choose. Direct replacement sets typically don't require any wiring modifications. However, some sets may require you to splice into the existing wiring harness.
- Q: How long do LED tail lights last?
- A: LEDs have a very long lifespan, typically lasting for tens of thousands of hours. You can expect them to last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Q: Can I install LED bulbs in my existing tail light housings?
- A: Yes, you can install LED bulbs in your existing tail light housings. However, the results may not be as good as replacing the entire tail light assembly with LEDs. LED bulbs are designed to work with specific housings, and using them in a different housing may not provide optimal brightness or light distribution.
Conclusion:
Upgrading to LED tail lights is a worthwhile investment for any Jeep TJ owner. The increased brightness, faster response time, longer lifespan, and modern aesthetics make it a significant improvement over the factory incandescent lights. By carefully considering your budget, style preferences, and functional needs, you can choose the perfect set of LED tail lights to enhance the safety and appearance of your beloved Jeep TJ. Remember to follow the installation instructions carefully and address any potential challenges, such as hyper flashing, to ensure a successful and satisfying upgrade. So go ahead, illuminate your ride and enjoy the benefits of modern LED technology on your classic Jeep!