This mod is quick, inexpensive and easy, and it makes a world of difference.
I didn’t capture a decent ‘before’ photo of the murky trunk, but the stock light was a feeble little yellowish bulb that didn’t really illuminate the Avalon’s expansive trunk with any effectiveness. I found a write-up of this mod on the now-defunct site of John ‘Gadget’ Lawrence, which I could only reach through the internet archive: https://www.gadgetjq.net/ . The site today is apparently home to very colorful Chinese squatters.
Though I’ve never spoken with the fellow, John and his breadcrumb-trail of Avalon insights and modifications has been a source of real joy for me, and they have allowed me to tailor my new-old car to my own personal preferences. Mr. Lawrence has moved on from the Avalon scene, but he’s left behind a legacy that is inspiring.
Now, on to the mod.
The stock trunk light bulb is shown at left. A small incandescent bulb, set on the underside of the rear deck, protected by a plastic cage.
Our plan is to replace this with a bright LED strip tape-mounted to the angled metal beside the bulb. We won’t have to modify any wiring or run any wires or anything. It should take less than 1/2 an hour, start to finish.
The product of choice is a 12″, 18-LED strip that comes in a two-pack from iJDMTOY on Amazon. There are various color choices for the bold of heart, but i chose Xenon White.
12″ LED Strip Light – 2 pack – Xenon White
Peel to expose the adhesive on the LED light strip, center it and press to adhere to the place of your choosing. The LED strip comes with adapters to allow it to plug right into the socket from which you removed the bulb. Press the cage closed, and you’re all done.
That’s about all there is to it. Open and close the trunk a few times to see how bright your trunk area is now, and appreciate how wonderful you feel, accomplishing so much in such a short time.
Optionally, peek through the back seat trunk pass-through to assure yourself that the light goes out when you close the trunk. Open and close the trunk a few more times, then find someone to come look at what you’ve done and appreciate your cleverness and handiwork.