Type X Tail Light Conversion Wiring Harness Pinout

So, you're taking the plunge and upgrading to Type X tail lights? Excellent choice! They're a classic upgrade that can really modernize the look of your ride. But before you start wrenching, let's talk about the wiring. A proper wiring harness is absolutely crucial for a clean, functional, and, most importantly, safe installation. This article will walk you through the pinout of a typical Type X tail light conversion wiring harness, giving you the knowledge you need to avoid headaches and ensure a successful upgrade.

Understanding the Basics: Why a Harness?

First, let's address why you need a conversion harness in the first place. The electrical connectors and wiring configurations for older tail lights (let's say, from a pre-facelift model) are often different from those of the Type X lights. Trying to directly splice the old wires into the new tail lights is a recipe for disaster. You could end up with short circuits, blown fuses, or even damage to your car's electrical system. A conversion harness acts as an adapter, bridging the gap between the existing wiring and the new lights. It provides the correct connectors and, often, built-in resistors to simulate the load of the original bulbs, preventing issues like hyper-flashing turn signals.

Anatomy of a Type X Tail Light Harness: Inputs and Outputs

A typical Type X tail light conversion harness has two main sides: the input side and the output side.

Input Side: This is the side that connects to your car's existing tail light wiring. It usually consists of connectors that plug directly into the factory tail light sockets.
Output Side: This is the side that connects to the Type X tail lights themselves. These connectors are designed to mate specifically with the sockets on the new lights.

Inside the harness, wires run from the input connectors to the output connectors, with any necessary resistors or other components integrated along the way. The color coding of the wires is crucial for identifying which wire carries which signal.

The Pinout: Decoding the Wire Colors and Functions

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the pinout. This is the roadmap that tells you what each wire in the harness does. Keep in mind that the exact wire colors and pin locations can vary slightly depending on the harness manufacturer and the specific car model you're working on. Always consult the documentation that came with your harness, if available. However, a typical Type X tail light conversion harness pinout will follow a general pattern, which we'll outline below.

Input Connector Pinout (Connecting to Your Car's Existing Wiring)

This section describes what to expect on the connectors plugging into your car's original tail light sockets. We'll assume a typical 4-wire system common in many older vehicles. Remember that some vehicles may have slightly different configurations, so verify against your vehicle's wiring diagram if possible. Common colors used are listed, however your harness may have different colors – trace the wiring back to the connector and test if necessary.

Ground (Black or Brown): This wire provides the electrical ground for the tail light circuit. It's usually connected to the car's chassis. Without a good ground, nothing will work properly. Ensure this connection is clean and secure. A poor ground is a common cause of tail light malfunctions.
Tail Light (Green or Brown with a Stripe): This wire provides power to the tail lights, which illuminate when your headlights are turned on. The tail lights are usually dimmer than the brake lights.
Brake Light/Turn Signal (Red or Yellow): This wire carries power to the brake light and, often, the turn signal light (depending on whether your vehicle uses a combined brake/turn signal). This wire is energized when you press the brake pedal or activate the turn signal.
Reverse Light (White or Blue): This wire provides power to the reverse light, which illuminates when you put the car in reverse.

Output Connector Pinout (Connecting to the Type X Tail Lights)

This section describes the connections to the Type X tail light unit itself. Type X tail lights often have separate bulbs (or LEDs) for each function, leading to a connector with more pins than the input side.

Ground (Black or Brown): Just like the input side, this provides the ground for the entire tail light assembly.
Tail Light (Green or Brown with a Stripe): Powers the tail light portion of the Type X assembly. This will often illuminate a ring or bar of LEDs.
Brake Light (Red or Yellow): Powers the brighter brake light LEDs.
Turn Signal (Yellow or Orange): Dedicated wire for the turn signal function. This will activate the turn signal LEDs.
Reverse Light (White or Blue): Powers the reverse light LEDs.

Troubleshooting Tips and Best Practices

Even with a detailed pinout, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues:

Hyper-Flashing: This usually means your car's computer thinks a bulb is burned out. This is because the Type X lights, particularly if they use LEDs, draw less current than the original incandescent bulbs. The conversion harness *should* include resistors to simulate the load of the original bulbs. If you're still experiencing hyper-flashing, double-check that the resistors are properly connected and are of the correct resistance value. Some vehicles may require additional resistors (sometimes called "load equalizers") to resolve this issue.
Lights Not Working: Start by checking all your connections. Make sure the connectors are fully seated and that there are no loose wires. Use a multimeter to verify that you're getting power to the appropriate pins when the corresponding function is activated (e.g., brake pedal pressed, turn signal on).
Fuses Blowing: If you're blowing fuses, you likely have a short circuit. Carefully inspect all your wiring for any exposed wires or pinched connections. Disconnect the tail lights and check for continuity between the power wires and ground.
Incorrect Wiring: Double-check your wiring against the pinout. Even a slight error can cause unexpected behavior.
Use a Multimeter: A multimeter is your best friend when troubleshooting electrical issues. Learn how to use it to check for voltage, continuity, and resistance.

Important Considerations

Quality Matters: Don't cheap out on the wiring harness. A poorly made harness can cause all sorts of problems down the road. Choose a reputable brand known for quality connectors and wiring.
Weatherproofing: Ensure the connectors are properly sealed against moisture and corrosion. Dielectric grease can help protect the connections.
Fuse Protection: Verify that the fuse rating for the tail light circuit is appropriate for the new lights. Overloading the circuit can lead to blown fuses or, worse, damage to your car's electrical system.
Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal of your battery before working on any electrical components.
Consult a Professional: If you're not comfortable working with electrical wiring, don't hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic. Electrical work can be dangerous, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

In Conclusion

Converting to Type X tail lights is a rewarding upgrade. By understanding the wiring harness pinout and following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and safe installation. Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Good luck, and enjoy your new tail lights!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Type X tail light conversion wiring harnesses. The exact pinout and wiring configuration may vary depending on the harness manufacturer and the specific car model. Always consult the documentation that came with your harness and your vehicle's wiring diagram for accurate information. Electrical work can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, consult a qualified mechanic. We are not responsible for any damage or injury that may result from the use of this information.