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My 2007 4Runner
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4Runner History
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Other
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Concept:
The purpose of this upgrade was to modernize the fog lighting system on my 4Runner by replacing the long-serving V-LEDS HID fog lights with
the company’s latest LED technology.
When HID (High Intensity Discharge) systems first appeared, they offered unmatched brightness and color purity compared to traditional
halogen bulbs. However, over time HID lighting has largely fallen out of favor as LEDs became more efficient, compact, and reliable.
HID systems require external ballasts and igniters to operate, which introduce extra wiring complexity and potential failure points.
They also have a warm up period before reaching full brightness, while LEDs achieve instant illumination.
LED technology now delivers equal or greater light output with lower power consumption, cooler operating temperatures, and longer lifespan.
The switch to LED fog lights therefore represents not just a replacement, but a step forward in performance, simplicity, and reliability.
Why V-Leds?
I have been using V-LEDS lighting products for over a decade, and my previous HID fog light setup from the same company performed
exceptionally well for almost fifteen years with no reliability issues until both bulbs finally failed at the same time.
That longevity and consistent performance left a strong impression, making it an easy decision to stay with the same brand for this next upgrade.
You can read my original review of the V-LEDS HID Fog Light Kit Here.
V-LEDS continues to innovate with new designs that combine high output and compact construction. Their products are designed specifically for
vehicle enthusiasts who value performance and precision optics rather than generic universal solutions.
Features and Benefits
Compact Design:
The Monochrome Series 9006 LED Fog Lights feature an integrated driver and compact body that fits easily in standard housings without additional external components.
High Output Performance:
Each bulb produces 2500 lumens of output at a pure 5000K white color temperature. This creates a clean neutral white light that complements OEM headlights and delivers improved visibility in low light conditions without excessive glare.
Precision Beam Pattern:
The LED chips are positioned to replicate the factory filament location for proper beam focus, ensuring that light is distributed evenly with a defined cutoff to minimize glare for oncoming traffic.
Durability and Construction:
Each light uses an aluminum body for efficient thermal management, allowing the LEDs to operate at lower temperatures for extended lifespan. The build quality and finish are consistent with V-LEDS premium standards.
Low Power Draw:
Operating at approximately 2.8 amps per bulb, they are energy efficient while still producing strong usable light output.
Optimized Beam Pattern:
Thanks to the innovative 1mm PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and single row HP 1860 chips, the V25 projects a focused and powerful beam, maximizing visibility in any condition.
Dual Square Copper Heat Pipes:
Experience rapid and efficient heat transfer away from the source with our innovative dual square copper heat pipes. This optimized design maximizes surface area contact, ensuring superior thermal conductivity.
Copper-Plated Internal Heat Sink:
The copper-plated internal heat sink further enhances heat dissipation. Copper's exceptional thermal properties work in tandem with the heat pipes to draw heat away quickly and effectively.
CNC'd Anodized Aluminum Outer Heat Sink:
Crafted with precision, the CNC'd anodized aluminum outer heat sink provides a large surface area for heat to radiate away. The anodized finish adds a touch of style and enhances durability.
12000 RPM Whisper Flo Fan:
The high-performance 12000 RPM "Whisper Flo" fan delivers exceptional airflow while maintaining a surprisingly quiet operation. Experience powerful cooling without the distracting noise.
V25 Single-Color White:
Unlike many high-output bulbs like our V50, the V25 is specifically designed for optimal performance in fog light and driving light applications. Its lower output and a more precise beam pattern significantly reduce unwanted stray light, enhancing visibility in adverse weather conditions.
Unrivaled Precision:
The V25 achieves its exceptional beam pattern thanks to its ultra-thin 1mm Copper Core PCB. This innovative design allows for a near back-to-back mounting surface for the HP 1860 chips, resulting in the most focused and crisp beam pattern ever produced by an LED bulb.
Effortless Installation:
The V25 sizing ensures a perfect fit even in the tightest applications.
Its plug-and-play design, coupled with an internal driver, simplifies the installation process.
The clever multi-position removable collar design allows for easier installation and precise bulb indexing, guaranteeing a perfect beam pattern every time.
Warranty:
The lights are backed by a three year warranty for peace of mind, which reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their design and durability.
Technical Specifications
Series: Monochrome
Output (Each): 2500 Lumens Per Bulb
Current Draw @ 14.4V: 2.8A
Driver Style: Constant Current
Contact Material: Flat Nickel Plated Copper
Compatible Bases: 9005, 9006, H10, HB3, HB4, 9045, 9145, 9140, 9155
Color Selection:
Color selection is a big part of selecting an LED kit.
Color temperature is one of the biggest misconceptions regarding lighting. The Kelvin (K) rating simply measures the color output of the light
on the Kelvin color temperature scale. It does not measure the amount of light output of the bulb. The intensity of the bulb is measured by
luminosity. The lower the color temperature, the more yellow the coloration. The higher the color temperature, the more blue the coloration.
Luminosity goes down as you climb the color scale. This is due to the amount of blue light that is present. Bulbs with more blue color actually
reduce headlamp performance and increase dangerous glare. This phenomenon is a result of the fact that blue and violet are the shortest
wavelength and highest frequency colors of visible light. As such, they scatter the most readily.
Halogen light bulbs are 3250K in color. Most factory original equipment manufacturer (OEM) HID kits are 4300K in color. While 3000K color
provides the greatest contrast (which many believe is well suited for foul weather, fog, snow, etc.), 4300K color provides the most lumens to
the ground.
Many competing companies only offer a 6K choice in color temperature. V-Leds offers both 5K and 6K letting me match the color (5K) to that
of all the other LED bulbs I upgraded on my vehicle. I chose to purchase the VLED kit in 5000K Pure White color.
I wanted lighting that is as white as possible without going over into the blue range. I feel that 5000K is a good balance between color
and lumens to the ground.
Kelvin Color Temperature Chart |
Installation:
These lights are a plug-and-play design, with an internal driver they simplify the installation process.
The multi-position removable collar design allows for easier installation and precise bulb indexing,
guaranteeing a perfect beam pattern every time.
First remove the factory 9006 fog lamp bulbs by disconnecting the wire connector attached to the factory halogen bulbs.
Then turn the bulb 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull out to remove.
9006 Fog Lamp Bulb removal |
HID 9006 (left)
Halogen 9006 (right) |
Reuse bulb casing
to protect factory halogen bulbs |
Monochrome Series 9006 Fog Light
SKU 9000_V_W_FL-C 5K Pure White 2500lm each
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Monochrome Series 9006 Fog Light
SKU 9000_V_W_FL-C 5K Pure White 2500lm each
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Monochrome Series 9006 Fog Light
SKU 9000_V_W_FL-C 5K Pure White 2500lm each
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Light Aiming:
According to the AAA Foundation’s report,
Countermeasures for Reducing the Effects of Headlight Glare , as many as 50 percent of all
headlamps on the road, over 110 million vehicles, may be misaimed. Shock, vibration and wear and tear are the greatest contributors to headlamp misalignment.
Aiming is critical to avoid blinding other drivers on the road.
Detailed Headlight Aiming Procedure (PDF)
Detailed Fog Lamp Aiming Procedure (PDF)
Headlight Aiming |
Fog Lamp Aiming |
Review:
Installation was very straightforward and really ony takes a few minutes.
Since the factory fog lamp system uses 9006 connectors, no adapters or wiring modifications were required.
The old HID ballasts and igniters were removed completely, leaving a clean and simplified setup. The new LED bulbs seated firmly
into the factory fog housings, and clearance around the cooling fins was perfect. Once connected, the lights powered on instantly with no
flicker or delay, a noticeable improvement compared to the gradual warm-up of HID systems.
If they do not turn on at first, simply remove the wiring connector and install the other way around since these are polarity sensitive.
Initial impressions were excellent. The 5000K pure white light output produced a modern, neutral tone that blended well with the VLed HID
headlights I am still running. Brightness was impressive, with each bulb producing a wide and even spread of light that illuminated both the
near foreground and the outer edges of the road. The beam pattern maintained a proper cutoff with no excessive upward glare apparent,
a common issue in lower quality aftermarket LED bulbs.
On road testing confirmed the upgrade’s effectiveness. The LEDs provided strong usable light output without overpowering reflections
or hot spots. The color temperature kept road markings and signs appearing sharp and natural. Visibility in wet conditions was particularly
good, with the lower beam placement helping reduce glare from puddles or mist. Compared to the older HID setup, the LEDs offered similar color,
instant output, and a consistent uniform beam while eliminating all ballast related complexity.
Thermal performance was also stable. After hours of continuous operation on a road trip, the housing and fins were only moderately warm
to the touch, showing that the thermal control design works effectively.
Overall, the V-LEDS Monochrome Series fog lights performed exactly as advertised...compact, bright, and reliable.
The visual improvement was immediate, and the installation simplicity makes them a strong choice for anyone seeking to modernize
their fog lighting system.
Final Thoughts:
Upgrading from the older HID fog lights to the new V-LEDS Monochrome Series LEDs feels like a natural evolution rather than just a replacement.
The LEDs deliver instant, bright light with accurate color and simpler installation, all while consuming less power and generating less heat.
They preserve the premium quality and fitment I have come to expect from V-LEDS over the years.
After nearly fifteen years of dependable service from the original VLed HID upgrade kit, it is impressive to see how far lighting technology
has advanced. These new LED fog lights are a worthy successor — cleaner, cooler, and more efficient. For 4Runner owners or any vehicle
enthusiast looking to replace aging HID or factory halogen fog lights, the Monochrome Series stands out as a refined and dependable option
backed by a solid warranty and proven brand history.
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