It doesn't matter whether you use 14 or 16 gauge wire for the connection. If you go to radio shack to buy quick-connects and quick-splice connectors, they will often be used for several gauges of wire. The quick splice connector was rated for 16-18 gauge I believe and the quick-connects were for 14-16 gauge. You shouldn't have any issues with using 14 gauge wire.

 

Thanks! My connectors and taps are both rated for 14-16. Got them at advanced auto while there getting the 7440 bulbs. Wire is 14 so I should be good all around I guess. Now I just hope I can find a way to cut the tail light housing without screwing it up.

By the way, anyone know if the bumper has to be loosened on the 2011? That kinda bothers me too. Don't mean to be a pain but I JUST got this car 2 weeks ago and don't want to mess it up. I've been reading this board since then and everyone seems to be very helpful.

 

For the hole, I found the easiest way to drill it was by using a step drill and just doing trial-error. For the slots, just get a $5 file from local hardware store, line up the bulb socket with hole and then mark up the slots then file away.

You shouldn't have to loosen or touch the rear bumper at all. All I had to take off were the panels by the tail lights and all the things in the trunk. If you want to zip-tie your wires for a cleaner install, you can take off the middle plastic piece by pulling up on it. To make routing the wire easier, you can choose to detach the rear-section of the side pieces as well.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. It's nice to have as much as info as possible before just jumping in head first! I'll post back once I see how it goes or if I reach any stumbling blocks. Thanks again!

 

I need to get this done, I'm just too lazy to order a socket, lol

 

Me too...usually but it bugs me enough I guess. Just noticed my 7440 bulbs are 25w, not 21w. Hope thats not an issue!

 

Well.....my socket didn't come in the mail like it was supposed to. Guess I'll try tomorrow. While I'm here, it IS the red and the black/white wire I need to tap into on the car side of the harness, correct? Just want to be sure since the reverse light has black and black/white from what I can tell. Thanks everyone.

 

Got the 2nd reverse light in today. Looks much better!

 

Awesome!!! Congrats! Post some pics and show off your workmanship!

 

Well, I don't know about workmanship bragging. The only pic I have is this cell phone shot but you can see that both sides now light up. As you can also see, the inside of the hatch is still out of the car but I tested and took this pic before putting everything back and then finding any problems. Sure is nice to have this completed.

I wired the new socket to the car side of the harness by the existing reverse light; same way that is shown earlier in this thread using the red and black/white wires at the harness. So far so good.

 

First off, just wanted to thank everyone for the great write ups and tips. I got my socket here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...96176&viewitem=
And I picked up the 7440 bulb at Advance Auto Parts. I already had some wire, wire taps, and crimp on connects from past stereo installs so I didn't have to buy those. Here are a few pics of the install. Even though the tabs don't look cut out that well, it fits almost as good as the factory plugs.[/html]

 

Great Job! Love to see ppl are still doing it. Enjoy another reverse light!

 

Will the dealership do this for you if you ask them?

 

Don't think anyone has asked. It's really pretty easy to do

 

Alright thanks

 

@ albertariza95 If you are mean, 'Will the dealership do it for free'? I highly doubt it since it wasn't supposed to come with the 2nd light (dumb, I know), but If they have the socket and bulb on hand they might do it or at least recommend you to another local garage that would install it. You can be sure they will charge more than what it will cost to do it yourself...
As Obie, MightyP, and others have pointed out it's a fairly easy & cheap install. Just take your time, especially when drilling and making the tabs for the socket, and you'll do fine.

 

just go with Papa Bear

he has a kit and video for it

 

^ Agreed. It's more expensive the finding the parts yourself, but takes the guesswork out of it. And will be a lot cheaper than getting a shop to do it.

 

Ok thanks blktc2

 

i just bought mine saturday. just waiting for it.