How To Remove a Headlight in 2nd Gen Toyota Tacoma 2005-2015

[@EccentricNarwhale]

Thank you, my headlights were yellowing so I got new ones (i usually do this rather than the restore kits), thought it would be simple, watched this video and realized I would need 2-3 times the time I thought. So... you saved me from me half completing a job today, and I will do instead next weekend when I have the time available.

[@teamdjfe]

Thank you so much for this. Just changed out my headlights and that pesky screw underneath was giving me fits. Thank you for guiding me through the process.

[@teamdjfe]

oh and the stubby wrench! A nice bonus.

[@scottclarkson6862]

This was the best video to describe this project. To reach the dreaded third attachment bolt that can’t be seen from above, I ended up removing the fasteners under the front fender & pulling back the soft plastic guard. Attach with a short bungee to the coil spring & it keeps it out of the way without completely removing it. Once out of the way, I was able to see the 10mm bolt head. I could get to it with a short box wrench then I was able to get a 3/8 drive 10mm socket on it to finish the job. Getting the grill off was tricky & required some gentle banging with a rubber mallet to free the bottom of the grill. I put a dab of petroleum jelly on the plastic tabs spaced along the bottom of the grill assembly & it snapped back in easily & cleanly. Was a good opportunity to clean all the surfaces that would normally be hidden behind the grill assembly. VERY helpful video!

[@edwardk6764]

Thanks for this video. I watched it again because I dropped an led corner bulb in the light casing on the passenger side.

[@asacarruthers8893]

My Tacoma is an earlier 2nd gen so things were slightly different, but this video helped me out tremendously nonetheless. Huge help knowing what I was getting into before I dove in. Thank you so much!

[@borndiy5490]

03/30/23_You did great with you patience & being calm. Looks like trick to taking light out is to start turning it 'counter clock' . Had my friend from NC visiting and ordered him the Head Lights + the LED & Fogs Bulbs. I felt if you have to change out, why not install LEDs. I have them all on my '19-Rogue and love seeing the White Light. Friend does not do computers so can't send him your video. I hope he gets a friend up there to help. Be his first time changing lights. He also had a lens crack and why he needs new light units. Thanks for your excellent video. Like to tell you ... Like your Orange Truck. I have the Monarch Orange on my Rogue, we both have Cool Colors.

[@MrRiverrat2112]

Been watching you for years. Love your videos. Very well dine on explaining step by step on all you vids

[@ZRXBILL]

I just finished my 09 Tacoma and that stubby ratcheting wrench was a big help. My lights were so bad that the piece of glass inside the assembly that covers the turn signal had completely melted and was broken on both headlights and the drivers side was also very hazy so the improvement is fantastic. Also make sure when you are trying to remove the bolt up under the fender that attaches to the headlight bracket that you get the correct one because the one you see has a nut on it and the one you want is the one above that that you cannot see.

[@snafumagu]

So I just did this today. Found your tutorial after the fact. I went through the wheel well with a ratchet. Not that bad. Removing and installing the headlight was the rough part. It all took my son and I 1.5 hours. If anyone decides to do this, hit me up as I have a couple pointers you may want to know.

[@stephaniebarton660]

Replacing my headlights as we speak but needed a refresher course. What are your tips?

[@snafumagu]

You working on a 2013ish? The right side (drivers side) is a breeze. The passenger is tough to maneuver out and in. Its super tight, and has bolts that are difficult to get to. You have to pull the entire front grill off. Use painters tape on the lenses so you don't scratch them.

[@Therock007dmx]

Thanks for changing my mind about changing my headlights 🥴

[@MPerez1972]

It's not that bad. I just replaced my stock headlights with AlphaRex Novas. I removed the bumper which made it super easy to remove the old lights and replace with the new ones. (I would have saved several hours had I figured this out sooner hahah) The bracket for the green clip that's on the front bumper impact bar needs to come off. It will make your life so much easier. I removed the 3rd screw by accessing thru the wheel well liner, my little arms aren't long enough lol

[@thatredyota4619]

Patience keyword. Here in az it's so dry plastic pins and such usually become so baked by the heat they become equal in strength to a potato chip. Seems like I need to buy an new pin kit every time I take something off. Also I have annoyingly large hands so that's super useful in those tight spaces. But good job on the video. Clear and informative, nice your headlights are finally gettin cleared up!

[@Tacomaholic]

I bet some of those plastic tabs snap pretty easily in your environment out there.

[@hurricane6014]

Yea! I’m about to try it! Thanks for the demo

[@tylerpatterson4059]

This video helped me out step by step with changing my headlight casings. Every little detail counts, and he worded everything perfectly. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@gerardgerryliburd8223]

Thanks for your video and honesty. I viewed other videos and had to give up in trying to replace the headlight assembly until I found your video. The 10mm ratchet wrench that you mentioned was a game changer. Thanks

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks for watching Gerard! Glad the video helped.

[@roughtk]

Once again your videos helped tremendously. I ended up loosening up the trim pieces in the wheel well though, the bolt can only be taken out from the "backside, and i couldn't get to it from the front. Thank you again sir

[@evanm.2300]

Dude this vid was so helpful thank u so much! Fyi u can also get to the tricky bolt underneath which is easier to install but harder to remove (but easier to identify at first. There r 2 screws in that area folks, but its the top one) my opinion

[@roybradley5532]

Interesting reaching behind the head light fixture like that to get to those nuts on the side bracket. I will see if I can do it. Thanks for the idea.😃

[@Tacomaholic]

Ha ha it requires some patience but it's doable.

[@roybradley5532]

@@Tacomaholic I tried but I guess I am too fat. I ended up opening up the finder well plastic. I did use a stubby 10mm ratcheting end-box wrench just like the one you have. I could not have done it without that little wrench. Thanks to your Insight😊

[@rickyfleshman7856]

Lol I'm glad I found this , I'm thinking about smoke out head light Thanks again for your knowledge and your time , be safe brother

[@LeslieSox]

Thanks for reminding me to buy windshield repair adhesive glue and seal the groove all the way around the lense on my new headlights before installing them. It's summer so the glue will dry very fast. I recommend letting it dry overnight before installation. They will never be dryer than fresh out of the cardboard.

[@scarney29]

I replaced both headlights and it was a pain. Now I have the condensation issue in one so have to take it out. Going to try your method thanks.

[@RiderObvious]

I'm doing this today, thanks for the tips!

[@ClandestineWoodwork]

I started to do this once, a few years ago because of the moisture, and gave up. Now my amber lens is cracked and falling over, so it's time to just replace them completely I think. Perfect timing on releasing this.

[@Tacomaholic]

Just remember to take your time and be patient with the headlight when you are sliding it out. All kinds of weird angles in there to get it to come out.

[@andrewgoodwin310]

I’m really happy I found your videos ! Didn’t take me long to “subscribe” to your page !!! It’s awesome seeing Tacoma specific videos !!! 👍 👊🏻

[@Tacomaholic]

Ha ha glad to hear it Andrew! I've got a ton more stuff coming. My pile of uninstalled mods is huge!

[@03_Ceaze]

Informative! I have a 2nd gen Taco but 08 and it seems like you and I have have similar pieces with yours being a later version of the 2nd gen tacos! Keep the videos coming! You have my sub! 👍🏼

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks so much for watching Cesar!

[@quickdraw42]

very good informative video...thanks sir.

[@BobReed1]

Great explanation of the headlight removal process, but having trouble with the "using my arm like I'm artificially inseminating a cow back on the farm" part - as I am a city boy.

[@Tacomaholic]

😀

[@petersack7658]

If you have a 2005-2007 then the connections are different. There is an additional bolt at the bottom of the light under the bumper cover. Also, DO NOT REMOVE THE HARD_TO_REACH NUT - it is part of the crash cage - remove the Bolt that's above it instead. You will need a 10mm socket wrench to get the bolt out and it's pretty easy if you go through the wheel well.

[@NavinJohnson_thethird]

The third bolt was easy for me to remove. Lay down under the front bumper and you can see and reach up with a rachet and socket. No need to remove any panels.

[@robertamandab7932]

Holy moly! Great video thanks.

[@reedrancho]

For Cry'an out loud! That is a major pain in the bovine insemination port. But like you said bring your patience- wheew. Good all 'round video, shows the real world action needed to change out these lamps, so ya better Really want to change 'em.👍👍👍👍 p.s. glad your gettin' a handle on the problem; too bad the TW guy couldn't do a swap but I know how much of a hassle that would be, to get worked out( an its not like you'd want to drive your truck in the mean time😵 ). As we used to say, "Keep on Truckin' "

[@Tacomaholic]

I don't know why car manufacturers make it so difficult to remove a headlight. Crazy.

[@Max-vh9eh]

Thanks man! About to wet sand my headlights and don’t feel like leaving them on and putting paper on it to clear coat lol.

[@flashback5391]

Woah. Lol. He took off his sunglasses. 😎😎😎

[@Tacomaholic]

Lol it happens from time to time.

[@rrvallance]

Thank you

[@gutyolivas8250]

You got a pretty good dance practice taking it out.

[@thestig007]

Great video man, looks like a tricky job.

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks buddy! Patience is the key!

[@MichaelT-ft3cz]

What is that big pad in the bed of your truck? I love that!

[@Tacomaholic]

Genuine Toyota bed mat! amzn.to/4c4fYlm

[@MichaelT-ft3cz]

@@Tacomaholic thank you!

[@slicked1]

The outer lower connection on the 2013 TRD headlight is a bolt, not a nut. It is 2" above the nut that holds on the front fender. Loosen the lower wheel cover to easily access.

[@Plumbkin180]

Good vid very detailed

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks Jacob.

[@sidneychummoungpak8487]

That bolt that is accessed from under the fender guard is supposed to be removed correct? I can remove the nut but I can’t get the bolt out.

[@Tacomaholic]

I know I was saying bolt in the video but if I remember correctly it's just a nut that comes loose for the bottom one.

[@MartinM04]

Such a helpful video. Thanks man

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks for watching Martin!

[@chrisgarcia9761]

How long did the install take? I'm in no rush while doing it just wondering what everybody else average was? Thanks for the help

[@Tacomaholic]

I had mine installed/wired by a professional and it only took him about 30 minutes. Not sure for a non-professional.

[@mattmeaney1125]

Why did you remove it in first place? What's causing the condensation? I have same issue.liked your video best by far still dreading the operation

[@Tacomaholic]

Condensation was caused by a bad seal on the headlights. I removed that headlight because there was so much water in there that I had to pour it out.

[@dh05z28]

People without baby arms: Go through the fender liner

[@ServantofChrist81]

😂😂😂

[@carsandguitars7064]

Great vid.Where did you get the the TRD grill emblem?

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks buddy! Here's a link to the grill emblem amzn.to/2uN5ZyD and then I just painted mine orange to match.

[@homie817x]

I just removed mine and the hidden bolt 3rd bolt is actually a bolt with washer, not a nut. Thanks for the vid.

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks for watching! I think for mine it was a flanged nut but Toyota is known to change these things up all the time.

[@charlesgardner4875]

Thanks another great video! Question have you done a video yet on how to change out your fog light blubs yet on your Tacoma? I was thinking about just changing all my stock headlight and fog light blubs to LED and just keep the OEM headlight housing since $$ tight and Just now watching how much fun changing the whole headlight assembly is now. Thanks for any help on this!

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks for watching Charles! Be careful with just adding an LED bulb into the factory housing as it will typically throw light everywhere and annoy oncoming traffic. LEDs are great for other lights but they output for headlights isn't as good (yet) compared to halogen or HIDs. I haven't done a foglight bulb install video yet but can add that to the list.

[@charlesgardner4875]

Thanks for the tip and which is it you have in your Tacoma ? I remember it one of your video you said in mods just can't remember which it was.

[@Tacomaholic]

I've got some VLEDs LEDs in my fogs right now and the VLEDs V3 Triton Switchback kit for my DRLs and turn signals.

[@CJ-RISE]

Thanks for this video, it helped me a lot with this job on my 2015 👍

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks for watching Bill!

[@jpallen719]

I bought after market stock lights and they both condensed water like that… well buying new ones again and replacing….

[@evanm.2300]

What do u use to protect the headlights from fading the clear coat away?

[@Tacomaholic]

I haven't used anything on my headlights yet other than just keeping them clean.

[@soullaidbare7737]

Really made this procedure look difficult. If you slide the outside IN at an angle and slide down, then the whole headlight just slides right out...no fighting....

[@martynrosa]

What is the name of the company the horns you mounted. And a another great video.

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks Feliberto! They are some Hella Supertones. Here's a link to the ones I'm using: amzn.to/2F3gKmA

[@andrewgoodwin310]

Tacomaholic did you have to get a mounting bracket for the Hella Horn ?! A video on the horns would be great !! 👍

[@Tacomaholic]

Hey Andrew! No they bolted directly to where the factory horns attach. Video coming on the hella horns.

[@lizzoid]

I'm first?...I don't know where else to ask you this question...Is it possible to use the back up camera as a rear view mirror driving?

[@state48overland]

I just did an anytime rear camera mod on my Gen 2 rear view oem mirror/screen. My buddy makes the kits for 3rd or 2nd Gens.

[@Tacomaholic]

I need to do this!

[@state48overland]

Is yours a mirror or head unit reverse screen? It would be a good vid of the install. Your sPod would probably make it even more simple.

[@Tacomaholic]

Mine is the head unit.

[@state48overland]

Oddly. I am not on TW-ha. But JJ is. Hit him up @Logistics91 Just say that Erick’s already dropped him a heads up. He’ll take care of you. 👍🏻

[@robertmacdonald2735]

Question....do you still have the truck in video....and what lights did you replace the stock headlights with?

[@Tacomaholic]

Greetings Robert! Yes I still have the truck and am running some custom made headlights that a member on Tacomaworld made. They look nice but I've had moisture issues when them and can't say I'd recommend them.

[@robertmacdonald2735]

@@Tacomaholic So not Spyders...custom lights?

[@Tacomaholic]

@@robertmacdonald2735 No not Spyder, mine were hand-made.

[@donnieraines2066]

@@Tacomaholic ...was the TW headlight dude named "Ambiguous"...cuz Im having the same fogging, and condensation issues...$1200 learning experience...😣

[@Tacomaholic]

@@donnieraines2066 No that's someone else. Sorry to hear about your issues.

[@RageQuitszz]

This would have been helpful a week ago when I replaced my headlights lol instead had to watch bad tutorials throughout KZbin

[@Tacomaholic]

Dang sorry I was a week late Dustin!

[@dh05z28]

Also at 6:02 it IS a bolt on 2013 models. Not a nut. There is a nut just below the bolt that goes to something else.

[@sblcobra]

I am going to install a new set of black headlights in my Tacoma next week, but before doing the installation, I will apply silicone to the damn thing all the way around.

[@Tacomaholic]

Good idea. Which brand are you installing?

[@sblcobra]

Some generic from Ebay, at the end it doesn't matter the brand, they are all bad quality compared to OEM. I've seen people paying up to $300 just to end up with the same condensation inside the headlight. Don't you think?

[@Tacomaholic]

Yep. If I could redo it I would do the same thing you are doing.

[@nickweiss3394]

i am getting ready to do mine. did the silicone work?

[@Bayarea-ud6qo]

Were you able to put back in that bolt in the corner that you can’t really see? I bought some projectors from Tacomabeast and those corner bolts do not seem to line up now. Currently not being used 😖

[@Tacomaholic]

Yes I was.

[@Bayarea-ud6qo]

I think I have to move the bumper and line it up

[@Bayarea-ud6qo]

Your video really helped out, thanks again!

[@photodog13]

Looks like your headlight fluid needed to be replaced as well. 😂

[@silentknight5943]

Walking out of my apartment to see my headlight filler missing from my truck 😭

[@uno3863]

I just want to bite the treads on those tires.... Is that weird?... Anyone? 🤔🤔

[@terranbrown8624]

Is that part really called an eye lid? Trying to find it online?

[@Tacomaholic]

I think the real term is headlight filler or headlight trim plate.

[@terranbrown8624]

@@Tacomaholic thank you man!

[@3lynyrd]

Is there a video on sealing those lights so they will not fog up again ?

[@Tacomaholic]

Yessir! I'm actually editing it now and it should be up in a few hours.

[@state48overland]

I thought you got this problem resolved a while back man? This stinks. Good looking lights that leak. Man...

[@Tacomaholic]

When I first got these headlights the driver side fogged up just a little and I was able to eventually dry it out and it didn't come back until about 3 weeks ago when both the driver and passenger headlights really collected a lot of moisture. I applied some fixes to the driver side headlight 2 weeks ago and it's remained dry though some rainy weather so I'm doing the same to the passenger side tomorrow.

[@TheBryeguy]

Tacomaholic after you took the headlight out, what did you do to it to fix the problem?

[@Tacomaholic]

Greetings Brian! I did a few follow-up vids on hunting down the leak. Here are the links: First Vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2XVZpZpmqdsetk Second Vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKizlYNnetiBosU

[@TheBryeguy]

Tacomaholic VERY technical! Your vids make me jealous that mines just 2wd!

[@LiveMasTaco]

Just removed the bumper to get that third bolt.

[@edwardk6764]

It is easier going from the bottom. I snapped off a tab on top towards the corner. Too impatient I guess.

[@brmtaco1201]

I feel bad for you about your headlights. I hope you can get those fixed someday. Thanks for the vid...

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks buddy! Doing a video tomorrow on how I'm fixing the headlight.

[@brmtaco1201]

cool, can't wait....

[@arturosanji]

How easy is taking the bumper down and then the lights?

[@Tacomaholic]

The bumper does come off fairly easy compared to other vehicles but would still add alot of time just to remove the headlight.

[@MrCoppedge93]

Are those stock headlights? If not, what brand and type?

[@Tacomaholic]

No a guy on Tacomaworld called LSC15 made them. HID retrofits with multi-color halos.

[@MrCoppedge93]

Aside from the water inside (Which I see you fixed and posted a video about, THANKS!) they looks really well done! Any complaints on angle and view?

[@Tacomaholic]

The light output from the HIDs is nice. I just wish more care went into building these ... especially for the price.

[@CaptainFALKEN]

Mine are all yellowed out and finally the left one went out.

[@Abundanthealthcoach]

Where can good quality lights be found? I’ve gone through 2 sets

[@Tacomaholic]

Housings or the actual bulbs?

[@AJ3000_]

Tacomaholic housing

[@boomchakalaka0]

Small sedans are infuriating when it comes to headlight housings, they can take hours. Once I got a truck I prolly swapped those puppies out 6 times in the time it took me to do one on a Civic.

[@Tacomaholic]

I had a 2011 Subaru Outback for a few years and you had to remove the front bumper just to change one of the headlight bulbs. Ridiculous.

[@Appalachained]

4x4 I had a 2004 Cobra that I could switch out the headlight assembly in under two minutes. Twist the bulbs remove two pins and done. I had a dark tinted pair and a clear pair. I’d switch them out as needed.

[@sanchezzz1]

Is LC taking care of this or yourself?

[@Tacomaholic]

I'm doing it myself because it's a hassle to send them back for him to fix, especially considering he wasn't even going to cover the cost to ship them initially.

[@sanchezzz1]

Good luck, I'm sure it'll come out fine. I had a good outcome with my Tundra blackout procedure.

[@Tacomaholic]

Thanks buddy! Once I removed the headlight I could instantly see that not enough of the butyl sealer was used along the bottom so I'm pretty sure that's were the water was getting in from.

[@nikitalarionov3196]

Sometimes I consider taking off the bumper when I'm struggling to slip the headlight out. I hope I don't have to take them out anytime soon.

[@Tacomaholic]

Seems like most manufacturers make it a pain to remove the headlights now.

[@moonboy2691]

Hi , second :)

[@Tacomaholic]

Welcome!

[@moonboy2691]

Tacomaholic sup, can u make a video on how to remove the turning signal light on the Tacoma, I've tried but don't want to mess up my baby , ? If u can thanks?

[@Tacomaholic]

What year is your Tacoma? For the 2nd Gens (2005-2015) the front turn signal just turns and pops right out.

[@moonboy2691]

Tacomaholic 2014 , oh really? Because I've been trying to remove the bulb to put a sexy LED one , but I have not found any videos besides other cars but no tacos?!

[@Tacomaholic]

Yeah it just twists right out. If you are adding an LED for your turn signal though you will get hyperflash unless the LED comes with a resistor.

[@HandlebarTheGreat]

Just take the bumper off

[@Tacomaholic]

I know the bumper comes off fairly easy, but that seems like it's adding steps.

[@nicks7768]

Omg, what a pain in the ass.

[@Tacomaholic]

True statement.

[@ru2yaz33]

Poor design...