Gabriel Tyler pointed out to me on the MR2 message board that one thing that is often not mentioned in write-ups on the taillight modification is the different illumination that results when using the 1990-1993 wiring harnesses as opposed to that given by the stock 1994 and later harnesses.
The stock 1994 and later MR2s had the taillights wired such that only the outer two bulbs illuminate when the taillights are switched on. The inner pair are used only as brake lights. This differs from the pre-1994 models in which both pairs of bulbs are lit when the lights are switched on. The dual-filament bulbs in the earlier models are wired so that all four shine brighter when the brakes are applied. The later models appear to use dual-filament bulbs only in the outer pair of lights.
To show the difference more clearly, Bryan Feldman helped me out by taking some photos of his black 1994 MR2. Compare these with the photos of my white 1993 MR2, in which I used the existing 1993 wiring harnesses when I performed the taillight upgrade installation. If I had spliced-and-diced the 1994 wiring harnesses instead, I would have achieved the lighting effect shown on Bryan's car.
Just taillights:
Just brake lights:
Taillights and brake lights:
Click here to return to my MR2 page.
© 1999-2006. Please read these notes before copying or linking to this site.