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Interchanging US and Japanese parts

I have a Japanese built UK registered Toyota Camry (2.2i, 2000 registration but this probably doesn't matter). The tail light is damaged so I have bought a replacement OEM part (complete with bulbs) from ebay in the US. The original part was manufactured in Japan and the replacement in the US. There are what look like minor differences in the pattern of part of the lens - not an important part I think, but other than that the two tail lights look the same.

Before I do the replacement, does anyone know of any compatibility issue that I might have missed? They are both 12 volt systems etc so I don't think that there could be any problem but still have a lurking suspicion that there could be a hidden snag.

If anyone has experience of replacing Japanese electrical components with US originating kit, I would be very keen to hear of it. Thanks John

Reply to
jnw4
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I have a 97 Camry made in Japan that I have replaced light bulbs in made by Sylvania or GE. I don't think those are made in Japan. I think the only part you have to worry about is the contact area making proper connection and not falling out.

Reply to
badgolferman

I don't think he is talking about the bulb, but maybe I am wrong.

Reply to
Mark A

First thing I'd wonder is whether the US-spec part is UK street- legal. I noticed, while in *.ca.us recently, that the US Prius has differently coloured filters in the tail light cluster: in the UK, red is prominent, whereas the US version is clear. And the patterns of light distribution may differ. Am guessing, NB.

Reply to
Andrew Stephenson

The colours and patterns look the same with the exception of the bit that wraps around the side, although this looks like some kind of reflector so probably doesn't matter. Of course, it is possible that there could be invisible internal differences but surely brake lights are are focussed in any particular direction or are they.....?

Anyway, it sounds as if the electrical bits are likely to be interchangable so is probably worth a punt.

Reply to
jnw4

I think officially it needs to be E marked for it to be uk legal. But so long as it looks right and has reflectors inbuilt and doesnt glare you'll be fine.

Reply to
Coyoteboy

I think you guys have a different tail light set up from the US.

The lenses may be different, or maybe not. What probably happens is that one red lens is used for a taillight, and the other used for brakes only (I modded my 'Hachiroku' to emulate this...with 50Watt Halogen brake lights! When I stop...people KNOW it!)

This really should be more a function of the wiring harness, but I think some of the bulbs are different voltages (? Through a Step Down or Step Up??) or perhaps different wattages. I noticed markings on my Corolla GTS that said US=XX and UK=XX so I will have to look on the spares I have.

Reply to
Hachiroku

I used to have fogs on my old car converted to be brakes but they were rather bright (still work as fogs and sides too) and ive had a few people moan that they are so bright they nearly hit me by being dazzled. Never made any sense to me - see big bright red lights - STOP. lol. (unless its the red light district).

Reply to
Coyoteboy

Curb-Crawling?

Reply to
Hachiroku

Trust me - in Liverpool, UK the last thing you want to do is curb crawl

- have you SEEN them? lol. I get enough "want any business love?"s on my way back to my car from work to last a lifetime.

Reply to
Coyoteboy

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