Reviews for Putco 12018 Luminix LED Tail Lamps for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK
Price
Excellent product and bright. I like the way they are designed cause they complement the body lines. The sequening amber turn signal is cool!
EXCELLENT TAIL LIGHTS. REVERSE LIGHTS ARE SUPER BRIGHT, I CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT'S BEHIND ME WHEN BACKING INTO A SPOT, OR TRYING TO BACK UP WHILE GOING THROUGH TRAILS
Wow! What amazing lights. Always wanted amber- - and now I have it! It's so much easier to discern intention, highly visible, plus they really upgrade the rear end in 10 simple minutes. I was going to get a rear bumper with led lights, but now I don't need to: the backup light is that bright! Mine fit my 2011 JKU PERFECTLY, and I had a 2008 JKU prior to this one- doesn't look any different in the taillight space on my 2011. Came WITH directions, although if you need directions to install plug-and-play taillights, best take it to a mechanic... seriously- the first step says "take old taillights off". The next step? You guessed it- "install new taillight using existing screws". The third step instructs to connect lights by plugging opposing ends of what looks like a waterproof fiber optic connection, then securing that up into the bumper. It's not rocket science. I had mine done in 10 mins, then when I saw the cords needed connecting I read the directions. It explains what to do; never really explains what that cord is for however. There's no need for an extra part to hold resistor in place- if you study the design of the back of the taillight for a second, you'll see there's a skinny slot to tuck it into that'll hold it it in place- had to be by design.
Many reviews mentioned the need to bend body part (will be hidden behind light) to be able to install these lights. Also, I found it easer to remove the other 2 screws and install that plastic brackets before the lights.
I will highlight what I noticed in these lights operation:
1-When the parking lights on, if you quickly touched (and let go) the brakes.. the lights will turn bright and the go off completely for one second!!
2- if you turn on your hazard lights. Only red light will blink. Just like brake lights and again it will go totally off after each blink.
However, I like them and I hope the next version will solve all these issues. T
Like the other reviews mention, you have to bend the tabs on the lights so that they stick out far enough to work. The tabs are easy to bend and since I read the reviews before buying I was aware it would need to be done. There is also a need to route a wire from the driver side taillight to the passenger side and this was unexpected. Maybe I could have read more reviews or the installation instructions before buying but either way I didn't realize that was going to be required. There isn't a great way to route the wire without it being exposed under the back of the Jeep, but some cable ties worked well enough to secure it. Overall these lights are super bright and the growing effect of the turn signal looks awesome. I've only had them install for a day, so my review/rating is limited to the install and the short time I've had with them.
Why did it take 10 years to get Amber rear turn signals for the JK. These work exactly as advertised. AMBER turn signals in sequence from center up and down, RED tail and brake lights, very bright CLEAR backup lights. Had initial issue with metal tabs to get them to hold against Jeep sheet metal, but called Putco, immediately got live human being who but me in touch with tech support and advised cure (slight bend with needle-nose pliers on metal tabs). Worked. Install was less than 30 minutes and that included removing old taillights, mounting resistors, running pigtail connection, and then the very simple "plug 'n play" to the factory wiring. You Tube video on this is essentially worthless, nevertheless, this is pretty easy and intuitive. Lights work great and easily visible. Putco needs to include resistor mounting plates in this kit; deducted one star for that. Let's see how things are in 6 months.
Loved them initially (especially the brightness in reverse!), however I needed to bend the latch on each side of the taillights to get them to fit my 2010 Wrangler…not terribly easy to install, but got it done. AFTER 3 years, my drivers side tail light in REVERSE decided to dim to the point you can’t see it well when backing up. A friend of mine said that reverse white was out (but everything else was working, break, signal, hazards etc). Weird. Took it to a mechanic and he said nothing you can do about it. They are out of warranty. You would think LED’s would last longer. $350 gone.
Like most of the reviews here, I had the same issues. Instructions were worthless, had to bend and rebend the tabs to get them to touch the Jeep at all. Had to mount the resistors which weren’t mentioned in instructions and that included drilling which description says is not necessary. I also had to bend a tab on the jeep itself so the lights themselves would sit flush on the body. It took me about 90 minutes to mount these through trial and error. On the bright side, these lights are very bright and look good. Let’s hope that they last.
Not sure which engineer came up with the tab system for holding the outside edge of the lights in but it might be one of the worst designs ever. Once you bend and tweak and bend and tweak again the light finally sorta catches on the non screw side. Instructions, no mention that you may have to bend the tabs to get the lights installed, no mention of what to do with the resistor just hanging loose with no apparent mounting option, same engineer apparently. Fit is barely acceptable, the JK design hasn't changed since 2012, why can't PUTCO make a housing that fits correctly?? Now for the lights themselves, Outstanding as far as brightness, function and looks. The sequential amber turn signals are great and the reverse light are pretty close to daylight when in use. I'll keep them and keep playing around with the tabs to get a more secure fit but this is a classic case of going through the trouble of designing something and choosing to do it ALMOST right rather sweat the details and make it almost perfect.