December 5, 2025

How to Install Fog Light Upgrades on Your Toyota 4Runner (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Fog lights are one of the easiest lighting upgrades you can make on a 4Runner—and one of the most transformative. Better visibility, cleaner style, and more usable output on dark canyon roads or early-morning drives makes this a must-do mod for trail rigs and daily drivers alike.

Today’s guide covers the basics: what you need, how the installation works, and which fog light kits on 4RunnerLifestyle.com offer the best fit and performance.

Why Upgrade Your Fog Lights?

Toyota’s factory fog light output is… fine. But compared to modern LED tech, the OEM units can feel dim, scattered, and inconsistent.

Upgraded fog lights give you:

Better clarity in rain, snow, and low visibility
More controlled beam output
Improved color temperature for safer nighttime driving
A cleaner, more modern look

Whether you’re running pavement, snow-packed canyons, or steep forest access roads, an LED fog upgrade is a huge improvement.

Recommended Fog Light Upgrades for 4Runner

All products below are available on 4RunnerLifestyle.com:

LED Fog Light Replacements

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/lighting

A direct swap for factory housings—clean fitment and a major performance jump without any cutting.

Fog Light Pods / Pod Brackets

https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/pod-lights

Perfect if you want a more off-road-focused setup. Pods give you more output, more beam patterns, and a rugged look.

Yellow Fog Light Options

Great for snow, fog, and dust conditions. Many 4Runner owners prefer yellow for the improved contrast on Utah’s winter roads.

Step-by-Step Fog Light Install (Beginner Friendly)

This covers most 4Runner fog light upgrades—LED housings and pod brackets follow the same basic process.

1. Turn your wheels for access

To reach the fog light pocket easily, turn your wheels fully left/right depending on the side you’re working on. No need to remove the bumper.

2. Remove the inner fender clips

Pop a few of the plastic clips along the fender liner using a trim tool. Pull the liner back just enough to access the fog light housing.

3. Disconnect the factory fog light plug

Press the tab and unplug the OEM connector.

Pro tip: wipe the connector clean before plugging into your new light.

4. Remove the OEM fog light

Most 4Runner fog lights are held with three screws. Unscrew them, slide the fog light out, and keep the hardware.

5. Install the new LED fog or pod bracket

Align mounting holes
Reuse factory screws
Don’t overtighten—LED housings are usually aluminum

If you’re installing pods, bolt the pod to the bracket first, then mount the bracket to the bumper.

6. Plug everything in & test before closing up

Always test before reinstalling the fender liner.

Check:

Left & right fog lights
Yellow/white modes (if applicable)
No flicker or loose connectors

Then reinstall the clips and repeat on the opposite side.

When to Choose Yellow vs. White Fog Lights

Yellow Output

Best for stormy weather
Cuts through snow & fog
Can help reduce eye fatigue on long night drives

White Output

Maximum brightness for dry conditions
Clean, modern look
Great for daily commuting

There’s no wrong answer—just choose based on your environment and driving habits.

Upgrade Your 4Runner Lighting Today

A fog light upgrade is simple, affordable, and instantly improves both style and safety.

👉 Shop 4Runner fog lights & lighting upgrades: