The 2019–2025 Toyota RAV4 Stage Series Backlit Ditch Light Kit adds powerful forward-facing auxiliary lighting with integrated backlight accents — a serious upgrade for visibility on the trail and in low-light conditions. Here's how to get it installed on your RAV4.
Watch the full install video below, or scroll down for the step-by-step written guide.
Table of Contents
- Installation Video
- Tools Required
- Installation Instructions
- Questions About the Install?
- Shop RAV4 Lighting at Ess K Customs
Installation Video
Tools Required
- 10mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 13mm wrench
- Trim removal tool
- Cable fish or pull tool
Installation Instructions
Step 1 — Open the hood and use a 10mm socket to loosen the two hood hinge bolts on one side of the vehicle. Don't fully remove them — just loosen enough to slide the bracket in.
Step 2 — Slide the supplied ditch light bracket between the hood hinge and the vehicle body. On the passenger side, make sure the windshield washer fluid line isn't pinched during installation.
Step 3 — Adjust the bracket so it doesn't contact any painted surfaces, then retighten the hood hinge bolts to approximately 10 ft-lbs. Repeat Steps 1–3 on the opposite side.
Step 4 — Feed the carriage bolt through the LED pod U-bracket and the hood-mounted bracket. Use a 13mm wrench to tighten the hardware, leaving the pod slightly loose for aiming later.
Step 5 — Route the wiring harness from each LED pod toward the engine bay. Secure the wiring away from sharp edges and moving components.
Step 6 — Connect the harness power wire to the battery or designated power post. On hybrid models, connect power at the fuse box power post. Attach the ground wire to a factory grounding point near the driver-side headlamp.
Step 7 — Using a factory firewall grommet, route the switch wiring into the cabin. A cable fish or pull tool helps guide the wiring through the firewall.
Step 8 — Route the wiring across the dash to your desired switch location. An extension harness can be used if you need additional length.
Step 9 — Install the three-position rocker switch in an available factory switch blank or another preferred mounting location inside the cabin.
Step 10 — Turn the ignition on and test both the ditch lights and backlight function. Adjust the LED pod angle as desired, then fully tighten all mounting hardware. The install is complete.
Questions About the Install?
If you run into any issues, contact Ess K Customs — as an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, we're here to help.
Shop RAV4 Lighting at Ess K Customs
Looking to upgrade your RAV4's lighting? As an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, Ess K Customs carries genuine products with full manufacturer warranty.
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This install guide applies to Diode Dynamics SKUs: DD8803, DD8804, DD8805, DD8806, DD8809, DD8810, DD8811, DD8812, DD8802