Upgrading Your 3rd Gen Tundra’s OEM Fog Lights With The Diode Dynamics SS6 Fog Light Kit – Install & Review
So you just bought a brand new 3rd Gen Toyota Tundra, congrats! If you got the Limited trim with those fancy LED fog lights, why in the world would you want to start pulling apart your brand-new truck? The answer is simple – Diode Dynamic makes a direct replacement in the form of their SS6 fog lights.
Yes, the factory fogs are adequate and produce decent lighting. However, for those of you who desire a little bit more and just can’t leave your rig alone, you’ll want to take a look at these. Keep reading, as I walk you step-by-step on how to install the Diode Dynamics SS6 fog light kit for the Tundra.
Find It Online
- Diode Dynamic SS6 Fog Lights (3rd Gen Tundra): Check Price
Tools Required
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- 10mm Socket
- 10mm Wrench
- Nylon Body Panel Tool
- Painter’s Tape + Microfiber Towel To Protect The Paint (Optional)
Diode Dynamics Tundra Fog Light Kit
Table of Contents
Step 1. Remove Fog Light Valance
The first step is to remove the fog light valance. Begin by placing your finger/hand between the radar sensors and the valance. Then, begin to pull it towards you. It is pretty flexible and definitely a little scary when it starts to flex, but don’t worry. There will be some popping sounds as the clips release from the grill and lower bumper cover.
Note: The outside of the valance has “tabs” for lack of a better word, so proceed slowly.
Once the middle section is free, use the nylon pry tool to press the outermost edges of the valance toward the center of the body. There are tabs on the outside edges that prevent the valence from coming completely free. This step can be done from either the right or the left side. Repeat on the opposite side and place the valance somewhere safe and out of the way.
Step 2. Remove Factory Lights
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the factory fog lights in place. Once the light is detached, you will need to unplug the connector behind it. Do the same for the opposite side.
Step 3. Assemble Diode Dynamics Lights
Assemble the new Diode Dynamics SS6 by using the supplied 10mm bolt and the 90-degree L brackets that come in the shipping box. Place the 10mm bolt through the top horizontal slot on the bracket as shown above. Do not over-tighten the bracket. Leave enough play to adjust the light angle.
Next, install the supplied wire harness adapter between the light and the factory fog light harness. The plugs and adapter can only be installed one way. If you’ve made it this far, you’ll figure it out pretty quickly.
Step 4. Wire Lights & Test
Route the factory wire through the opening as shown. The white wire with a black stripe is the ground wire on both sides. The green/black and blue/black are the positive wires. Diode Dynamics was kind enough to mark the plugs on the wire harness adaptor so you can get this right the first time.
Once everything is connected, turn your lights on to see that everything works properly.
Step 5. Mount New Lights
Attach the light to the factory mounting points using the two factory screws you previously removed. I found that I had to loosen the 10mm bolt to get a little more play to get the screw holes to line up properly.
Once the screws are installed, tighten them so they are secure but still have a little play. The bracket should be resting on the factory locations with the inner screws at nearly the very top and the outer screws at the bottom. Once everything is in place, hand-tighten the bolts.
Step 6. Reinstall Valance
Reinstall the valance by fitting the outer tabs between the bumper cover and the grill surround and snap them in. If it goes on perfectly and the lights are square in the housing – congrats, you’re done and did better than I did!
As you can see in the photo above, my light wasn’t quite in the right place. I had to make some small adjustments so that I wasn’t illuminating the inside of the valance. See the step below for how to make adjustments.
Note: If the lights are too high, the cover won’t go on. If they are slightly crooked, you’ll know immediately.
Step 7. Adjust Lights If Needed
If the new lights don’t fit just right, remove the valance and loosen the mounting screws and/or 10mm bolts to adjust as needed. I had to adjust both the height and the angle of the light to get the right fitment.
Initial Review & Output
Pictured above are the headlights and fog lights turned on at the same time.
The new lights are quite a bit brighter than the factory lighting. They also fill in the lighting gap nicely between the headlights and the bumper. The SS6s definitely project a wider light beam over the factory lighting. Personally, I like the amber color when wheeling since I feel the shadows aren’t quite as harsh as they are with white lighting. That being said, both white and amber lights have their place. I would rate this kit as a 9/10 for performance and value.
Final Thoughts
Pictured above are the Diode Dynamics SS6 fog lights only.
The Diode Dynamics SS6 fog light kit is of high quality and well-built. They’re also easy to install with the provided wiring harness. Without stopping to take photos, the installation would have taken me about 30 minutes. My only complaint about this kit is that there’s no sticker included! Despite that, though, I’d happily make this purchase again.
