I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do this on here, so I wanted to post my rear cargo light fix.
![4772]()
I know some people have installed the forester lights in the tailgate, but I wanted the cargo light where it should have been installed from the factory. On the rear trim directly above the cargo area.
The new light is the exact same one that is located on the left of the cargo area.
Part number : 84671FG000
First remove the trim and get a center mark from side to side on the trim. After that tape out a rectangle that is the size of the inside tabs of the light. Continue to tape off around the rectangle to protect your work area. I usually put many layers of tape. I was told along time ago that painters tape is much cheaper than the area it protects, so don’t skimp. After that I take a drill and a sharp small step drill bit and start drilling well within the finished border.
![4773]()
Just keep drilling all the way around.
![4774]()
You will get to a point that the center drops out. At that point you switch over to a hand file. I use flat and round files to get the desired finished hole.
![4775]()
Once I get very close to the tape I remove the tape to fine tune the hole with the files. Slow and steady without the tape there.
![4776]()
You can always remove more plastic but you can’t add it...
Once the light fits you done with the hard part.
![4777]()
This is the area behind where the new light will go. I moved one harness out of my way. I just had to unclip it in one spot and then push the wire forward to almost under the headliner.
Everything else up there is not in the way.
![4778]()
![4779]()
For the new light wiring I just tapped off of the two wires at the factory cargo light. Then ran the wires up to the new location. I used some insulated spade connectors to hook to the new light. If I could have found the factory style pigtail easily I would have went that route. I left the factory location light in place and added led lights to both. You can still pop out the new light to change the bulb.
![4780]()
If you have any questions let me know.
I know some people have installed the forester lights in the tailgate, but I wanted the cargo light where it should have been installed from the factory. On the rear trim directly above the cargo area.
The new light is the exact same one that is located on the left of the cargo area.
Part number : 84671FG000
First remove the trim and get a center mark from side to side on the trim. After that tape out a rectangle that is the size of the inside tabs of the light. Continue to tape off around the rectangle to protect your work area. I usually put many layers of tape. I was told along time ago that painters tape is much cheaper than the area it protects, so don’t skimp. After that I take a drill and a sharp small step drill bit and start drilling well within the finished border.
Just keep drilling all the way around.
You will get to a point that the center drops out. At that point you switch over to a hand file. I use flat and round files to get the desired finished hole.
Once I get very close to the tape I remove the tape to fine tune the hole with the files. Slow and steady without the tape there.
You can always remove more plastic but you can’t add it...
Once the light fits you done with the hard part.
This is the area behind where the new light will go. I moved one harness out of my way. I just had to unclip it in one spot and then push the wire forward to almost under the headliner.
Everything else up there is not in the way.
For the new light wiring I just tapped off of the two wires at the factory cargo light. Then ran the wires up to the new location. I used some insulated spade connectors to hook to the new light. If I could have found the factory style pigtail easily I would have went that route. I left the factory location light in place and added led lights to both. You can still pop out the new light to change the bulb.
If you have any questions let me know.
