Toyota Tacoma Headlight Replacement 2005-2011

[@ashenfelder]

Thank you for keeping your video short and to the point. So many "how-to" videos are way too long and unnecessarily drawn out with fluff and filler. You are a great explainer. This is crystal clear. Thanks again.

[@erikt2918]

I just did this for my 2006 Tacoma. Since I had the front disassembled, I replaced the grill with a fun after-market one. That bolt under the fender flap was a butt-kicker for me too, but I finally wound some tape around a 10mm socket and was able to break the torque and spin it off and back on easily with my fingers. There was no way to get a socket wrench in there with any precision. I also took the extra step of putting a ring of silicon around the headlight bulb gasket to make it as water tight as possible. Moisture is what make my original lenses discolor in the first place. Your instructions were great and the video images perfect. I watched it all the way through once, and then bit by bit as I went along. Thanks!

[@dial2fast]

Excellent to hear. Thanks for sharing your work!!

[@maddogkilla1]

How fun was your new grill?

[@juangomez4272]

Are your lights discolored again? Mine are

[@scottdawson8553]

Very helpful video. But like most folks, the 10mm bolt you have to get to through the wheel well is a Royal PITA. I found that it was a LOT easier to get to if you turned your wheels to the opposite side you are working on. When replacing the left assembly, turn the front wheels as far right as you can, and Vice versa in the right side. This gives a lot more room to get up in there and work. Not easy, but easier.

[@dclmso]

This video was very helpful for me. Took me about three hours because it was the first time I've done it. Before taking out the old units check the aim of the headlights against the garage door or wall and mark where they point with some painters tape. After the new lights are installed be sure to aim them using the the markings you made beforehand. Mine were way off. Thanks for posting!

[@dial2fast]

Excellent to hear. Thanks for sharing. I have now added a link at the end for a video how to aim the headlight. You can check it out for reference. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZizfqKids2cm6M

[@stevenwilliams8897]

This is a great video. I just replaced my headlights today and would never have known what to do without this video. The step by step guide was perfect. I did remove the two bottom bolts under the bumper that hold the wheel well cover on (mine is a 2009). This allowed easier access to the bolt on the inside of the bumper. That bolt on the inside of the bumper accessed from the wheel well was indeed a real butt kicker. You need to be a contortionist to get a socket up there. But other that that, the process was easy. Many thanks for putting this instruction up. It saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@Busyascanbe]

Well, I’m starting off this morning changing out the headlights! Wrench in one hand and iPad in the other! I’ll check in later!

[@davidgarber1846]

I have a 2010 tacoma. The reflector on the passenger side broke and melted to the bulb. I was able to order driver and passenger side headlight assembly on Amazon for about $100 . I wasn't sure I'd be able to do this myself, even though I am pretty handy. This video was very helpful. I was able to remove the old headlight assembly and install the new one. The bolt near the Tire well was very challenging to remove and put in. I did end up breaking two of the plastic clips that held the grill in place. I was able to find them at my local AutoZone and replace them. Thank you so much for this very helpful video.

[@redpilllense7125]

Bro, this is bu far the best Tacoma headlight install by far. Well explained without confusing me. About to install my 2007 replacement headlights that I just received. Thank you so much!!!

[@johnrock2022]

Thanks very much for the help- I changed out the headlights on my '07 Tacoma this afternoon. (240,000 kms = 150,000mi). I tried one of those restoring polishing kits a few months ago: the headlight looked very good for a few weeks, and then returned to it's previous cloudy condition. Nothing beats new. Thanks again.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@kenwin2107]

We watched the video twice. Then replaced ours in about 1 1/2 hrs. We would have been clueless without the video. The bolt behind the bumper that needs to be accessed by the wheel well was by far the hardest part, but the second one was done in less than half the time. Our Tacoma is a 2011. There is also a nut underneath the bolt that holds the bumper. This one does NOT need to be removed. I found a 1/4" ratchet is the best tool to use on this. We bought Diften 114-A9007-X01 from Amazon for $105 for both. I recommend you replace both together Even if you need to replace only one considering the effort it is to do both together vs one. Thanks for the great video.

[@jimhunt1592]

Thanks for this video. I started without watching and got stuck. You made it easy to see what needed to be done and to get it done.

[@Nvp8985]

Just completed this job, first time and it took about 1 1/2 hours. This video helped tremendously! Thanks for the help.

[@dial2fast]

Very good to hear. Thanks for sharing!

[@MattRettmer]

Awesome video. I just followed your step-by-step directions and BOOM, headlights changes. No issues at all!!! Excellent description!! Thank you soo much!!!

[@dial2fast]

Very good to hear. Thanks for sharing!

[@richardhorstketter6574]

Very good instructional. I found the easiest way to get to that one bolt was crawling under on my back and reaching up behind the bumper. Wasn't happening any other way for me. The other hard part was getting the new lights in position, just took a lot of patience.

[@miketalley7021]

Just did this on my 200i9 Tacoma. It was all easy (thanks to your video) but those 2 bolts inside the fender liners kicked my butt. Thanks again.

[@dial2fast]

Very good to hear, and thanks for sharing!

[@johnmagee2394]

You Not Kidding that bottom screw was a pain to get out ! over all the install was easy. THanks for sharing !

[@kevinmac1989]

One of the best instructional videos ever. Thank you!

[@johnhellenberg253]

Excellent video. You don’t over explain things. You are succinct and do a good job of making things clear and easy to understand. I will be looking up more of your videos. Thank you!

[@ZRXBILL]

I just finished up my 09 and I could not have done it without your video so thanks a lot. I used TYC NSF certified assemblies and they fit perfect. I used a 10mm stubby ratcheting wrench to get those inner, hard to get to, bolts. I want to mention that after the bolts and push pins on top of the grill are removed it does not just pull straight up, you have to release those two clips on the bottom that are on the headlight bracket. Mine took about 2 - 2.5 hrs. but I went slow and watched the video a couple times. Thanks again.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience!

[@toddfaulkner4534]

Excellent instruction. Got mine installed using this video with no problem.

[@FourQed]

Thanks for the video. I did my 2009 Tacoma yesterday, pretty straightforward with the exception of those bottom bolts. The ones that are inside the fender. I did use a quarter inch 10 mm socket to remove them. It took a while but I did get them off. The right hand light was even more difficult. However it was well worth it. My local Toyota dealer wanted $900 to replace both lights. Bought after market lights on eBay for $90. They look great. Looks like a new truck again. Even if they only last a few years, I'll still be ahead of the game. Easy enough to replace now that I've done it.

[@dial2fast]

Excellent. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@robalan57]

Did you do anything special to get those hard to reach bolts back on?

[@bertboyce8647]

Thank you, so helpful and took about 1.5-2 hrs. I reached under the fender to get the side bolts as a few others did, couldn't access them from the top. Only new comment, my '06 has 275k mi on it and most of the plastic clips were brittle and broke on removal. Couldn't find them at a local auto parts store, and dealer had to order them in. I'd recommend ordering in advance and having them handy when doing the job to make sure it all goes back together safely.

[@jasonmcalaster6690]

My 2010 had 2 extra 10mm screws before I could pull the fender liner back. Thanks for the video saved me about $200.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ZRXBILL]

So did my 09 plus another strange plastic type push pin the I pretty much just ripped out.

[@angelicavelasco36]

Jason Mcalaster where were they??

[@BobbyW00]

I recently did what you did but for my 85 year old neighbor. The Toyota dealership he uses wanted over $500.00 to change his 2004 Tundra faded headlights and being on a fixed income he just did not know what to do as they were so bad they failed state inspection. I ponied up $62.00 for 2 headlamp assemblies and 2 day Prime shipping and became his hero...again. I was done before he could finish his morning cup of coffee. He couldn't believe how easy it was to do. I have the same Westin bumper you are showing in the video on my Chevy 2500. How long is the LED mounted on it? Is that the 23" in your other review/install? It looks good.

[@dial2fast]

Thank you for sharing your story about helping your neighbor. It's great to have people like yourself to help others. As for the light bar, yes, that's the 23" Auxbeam lightbar I installed on the same Tacoma. The owner loves it.

[@bravesfan2849]

Thank you for helping them out, you are a Hero!

[@fredymelendez4773]

BobbyW00 , thanks for help your neighbor

[@endeavorrv]

Great video. Just would add: Test the bulbs before you reinstall the light housing.

[@markthomas2166]

I have the same bull bar. Was nice to see that it didn't have to be removed as all of the other videos I've seen, they've said the bumper cover had to be removed as well!

[@markcarpenter1703]

Thank you!!!!! No way I could have done this myself. Got it done in 90 minutes. You really saved my butt.

[@dial2fast]

Glad this video helped you and thanks for sharing your experience!

[@juliegallegos6198]

Thank you for a very detailed and informative video. Most is the others I watched were very cubist for this amateur. Thanks again!

[@DeereX748]

Good video; I was a bit unsure of how involved removing the grill was, but the whole procedure looks easy and straightforward. My headlights are not only melted at the DRL's but the bezels have spiderline cracks and have started hazing over. I would like to have seen how well the lights were aimed after installation and how difficult they are to aim. Most review comments on replacement lights are critical on either how much the replacements leak, or how far out of alignment they are after installation, and that the aiming screws don't do anything. Looks like I'll find out this weekend.

[@tric25mcdaddy53]

Now that's how you're supposed to make a quality video. Tks

[@Abundanthealthcoach]

This is exactly what I needed. A bit more work than I wanted to do but I'm willing to give it a shot. You explained it step by step really well. Both mine on 2009 are after market from crash n 1 has been collecting condensation 90%for 2 years n now on both turn lights there is a single vertical crack on the front

[@Dexxtrr]

Fr. I was hoping it would just be a couple screws. This is a bit more than I thought lol

[@09taco1]

Thanks for this great video! Disassembly and reassembly were exactly as shown and mentioned. I was skeptical at first that it would take me longer, but I was able to complete the job in about the same time frame.

[@dial2fast]

Always appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback. Glad you hear you got yours installed.

[@deannicholas7673]

Awesome video many thanks. Just one thing I learned; - I fully assembled everything but when I tried to fit the grill it was too 'narrow'. That is the clips wouldn't locate by approx 1/4 inch. So I had o go back and slacken off the blind horizontal bolts on the headlight unit, - fit the grill and then tighten back up. Many thanks though, without your video I wouldn't even have bought new units. My daughter is very happy!

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for sharing and providing your feedback.

[@Delmar829]

Really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Great instruction !!!!!!!!

[@van6278]

Thank you for this video. My 2005 Tacoma will look like new after I change these out.

[@loribethulloa8406]

I would recommend adding clear silicone lining to the new headlights. They are usually not sealed in properly and cheaply made hence low prices . Will make them last longer

[@michaelsimmons8905]

Thank you for explaining everything in slow motion....👍

[@juangomez4272]

thanks for the vid, it saved me time and $$$. On that hard to get bolt inside the fender liner there an easier way. I used a 1/4 ratchet and held it through the fender liner while my wife put her thin arm through the inside where the grill goes and ratchet it up. Made it a lot easier and faster.

[@1funcar]

Great video and something I need to do on my Tacoma.

[@jhzab666]

Good video, however, I would highly recommend always testing them before bolting it all in. Even though most of those bulbs appear accessible after its mounted, still always better to find out before hand.

[@richardrodriguez2249]

Awesome video! In my opinion the most time consuming difficult part was removing the 1 screw accessing through the front side of the fender well. That alone added approximately 45min./light to the total disassembly processes. Took mysrlf 2hrs to complete. I did not reinstall these particular screws. Headlights hold solid with the other bolts installed. 👍 Thank you!

[@dial2fast]

Yes that one screw is a pain. Glad you got yours done!

[@johnwicksfoknpencil]

Great video, really good job. This seems like such a PITA

[@pcollins5334]

Dude thank you for this. Without your video this would have taken me forever. Only thing I did diff is take the bumper off even more so I could get to that one bolt. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@davidjohnson-mw3in]

Great video

[@davidruiz5383]

what brand are the headlights, model number and price that you installed ; I have a 2011 tacoma. thanks

[@MobileWebSolutions]

Thank you for the video. It was a good step by step and I got the job done in under an hour.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Appreciate your comment!

[@lessprott7122]

Thanks for the video. I missed the recall deadline in 2015 and changed them out today. The bottom screw is where the majority of the time was spent getting it out and putting it back. I need to find a parts list for all the little clips that break from being brittle with age. thanks again!

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@graysinclair6572]

Thanks much for the video. Very helpful! Putting 2 new headlights in my 2009 PreRunner this weekend.

[@estebanarizpe3901]

Excellent video, thanks for your help

[@edpritchett8478]

Great video, thanks. What was the tool you used to remove the 10 mm bolt inside the fender liner? It was at about 2:57.

[@dial2fast]

It's a right angle screwdriver adapter tool. amzn.to/36RPe9l

[@edpritchett8478]

Thanks, ordered.

[@G.hask.245]

This video is amazing, helped so much!!!!

[@kyclay58]

Excellent, detailed, clear, video that helped me decide too do this myself.

[@jayrobertson1689]

Very high quality video, very helpful, clear clean and to the point, great job on both video and headlights

[@dial2fast]

Thank you for your comment!

[@noeperalta2406]

Great video. That bottom bolt is a bear to install if you do not have a second person gently pushing the assembly in.

[@mannyrodriguez337]

Thanks for the video, it's very helpful. Just one observation, to remove the side bolt, it's easier to pull and drop the bumper and it's much easier. Thanks a lot anyway, it's the best video i found

[@stufuller5329]

Absolutely..... I just figured that out after pulling my hair out. Didn't even have to drop it. Just loosen it and pull down wheel flare enough to get at it

[@verywired1]

excellent tutorial. shows everything i needed to know. thanks for posting it.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@Navajo-man]

Hi thanks for video I replaced my today right one took longer but left one faster cause learning from right thanks and as always be safe 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@russellharvey5658]

Great video and comments. However, I ran into an issue I did not see discussed. My 2011 Tacoma is an SR5 with added cowling on the fender. How is this removed without using a sawzall?? I noticed and removed a plastic retainer, but nothing else is visable to remove for access.

[@mattkurvin3637]

This was so helpful, thank-you!!!

[@naveencunha7917]

Thanks so much! This went very well. In stead of going through the wheel well though, I went from under the front bumper.

[@Navajo-man]

Thanks awesome video my new head lights is on it way as always you be safe 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lisabotkin202]

Very helpful, will be giving it a try , because the headlight son my Tacoma are super yellow.

[@michaelnaranjo5088]

Awesome and easy to follow video. Thanks!

[@nicholasparisi3002]

Hey Dial2fast, Thanks for a great video; clear, concise & completely understandable. You're Good, Nick Parisi

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@kenmoore7281]

Great Video. Do the new headlight assemblies need to be re-adjusted or re-aimed after installation? Thanks.

[@dial2fast]

Yes you should always check the alignment.

[@matthewrichter9853]

Very clear instruction. Thanks!

[@skyhawks4ever]

Ugh! I just tried to remove the grill on my 2006 Tacoma and it won’t come up and off that easily. I finally got it up and off with a bit of brute force. The clips just broke off so I guess I will need to replace these. In fact almost every clip broke after removing them. Did you say that you put a link to these parts somewhere?

[@genanena]

I found some on Amazon for $8! 100 pc clip set in 3 sizes (the ones you need for these parts is 9mm, the largest of the 3 in this set) The brand is GOOACC

[@fvt9838]

Muy buen. Video gracias

[@richbrinkman5956]

Great video! My only comment would be that by removing the 2 hex bolts that hold the bottom side of the fender liner makes the access to get to that PITA screw on the side of the headlight a bit easier. I only did this on the passenger side since I had already fought through the process on the driver side. I would assume the same would be true for driver side access.

[@usmcsgtmaj65]

Would be the same procedure for a 2007 Tacoma? Very good instructions by the way.

[@dial2fast]

Should be the same

[@ericcartman1168]

2:10 the point of partially removing the bumper when u just have to unscrew the mudflap?

[@derekc508]

This video was helpful for my install, thanks! Where did you get that Toyota grill?

[@dial2fast]

That grill is a GrillCraft TOY1946B MX Series Black Mesh, and it's an older part. Not sure who sells it anymore.

[@jimthompson129]

Very well done and informative video - thank you!!

[@charlesromero7449]

this video was such a big help thanks for all the info

[@Leslie83249]

how has the headlights held up? Did it burn the lens again? I replaced the pair for this reason, but may have gotten some where the blinker housing was recessed so now of course im seeing some burning again and its got condensation again even with sealing with silicone.

[@michaelzheng3129]

Just took me 4 hours. Not bad for first time trying this

[@williamwiese1221]

Very nice job thank you very much!

[@smurphy8311]

Replacement went well. Video was really helpful especially understanding and accessing the bolt in the fender well. I am interested in any feedback as to light not aiming correctly. One is just fine. The other is pointing too high. I will fiddle with some shimming, but was curious if anyone else had the issue and how they resolved. Thanks!

[@jbmillard]

I found a much easier way to get the outside bottom bolts off on my 2010. If you have long arms, reach down and outward from where you removed the grill. I was able to get a small 1/4" ratchet with a 10mm socket on it and get the bolt out in a couple of minutes. Putting it in wasn't much harder. Just understand that there is a small nut, also 10mm, just below the bolt. It's easy to get them confused. If you do, no big deal, the nut is easy to put back on when you get the headlight out.

[@cybersandoval85]

Goddamit that screw next to the tire underneath was a pain in the butt. This video was spot on, thanks.

[@redpilllense7125]

Awesome install, man! Just bought a 2007 Tacoma and need to replace the headlights. How are these headlights performing as of now? All good, no issues? Thank you in advance for your reply. Just subscribed 👍

[@RV-ing]

Thanks for posting, I will be replacing my headlights very soon.

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@Edprokop]

Good job with a concise step by step explanation. Just wish Toyota engineers would have made things a bit easier. Probably did it to make sealing the assembly harder. Also adds to All Data or Mitchel's repair time for mechanic fee to replace with this design. Other than that, a Tacoma is so well made for longevity and minimum maintenance.

[@roymartin198]

Just ordered aftermarket replacements for my 2011 Tacoma. Will update comments after the job.

[@SRNae]

My turn signals melted as well on my 2007 Tacoma. Considering replacing them with the 2011 model. Did they fix the housing for that model as you mention in the video? or only fixed for the future gens? Just wondering if I should also go with an LED option to stop the melting in the future. Cheers

[@adablduya]

superb how-to video. well done.

[@joyarachel8890]

Thank you, that was clear and simple.

[@dantheman9590]

Hi, great video. well done and very helpful. Where did you get your grill? Is it just an aftermarket insert or is the whole grill an aftermarket?

[@dial2fast]

Please see link in video description.

[@skyhawks4ever]

What is that tool he is using to remove those " clips" ? I wonder if my stock grill comes out the same way?

[@dial2fast]

It's a clip removal tool. You can get a set: amzn.to/2ZmFqyE

[@ridingblues]

Oh oh my headlight is out -- I'll just change it real quick -- and then it is 2 hours later. Would have been impossible to change the dang headlight without this video.

[@ju4662]

Quality Video, Thank You

[@dial2fast]

Thanks for your comment!

[@onekoneb]

Thanks for this! Saved me a lot of heartache. Still, 3 clips were dry rotted and I have to get them replace. No biggie there.

[@texasmade1846]

Kenneth Hans where did you get the clips

[@duanehenicke6602]

@@texasmade1846 amazon has them

[@jacoe33333]

How does these replacement headlight beam pattern compare to the oem?

[@customerservice7558]

I love this guy! Dr. you have helped me on several car topics. This one went fairly smooth. I did one of the bottom bolts like you recommended. I got it but it was like tricky with my arms all tangled up. The second bottom bolt I use my lift. That was easier. I did experience trouble matching the new lights with the grill. In the end it all worked out great. I appreciate your passion for doing videos. Keep it up!

[@dial2fast]

Always good to hear feedback like yours. Thanks for sharing!

[@bachakil4388]

Great video! It was really helpful for me. I swapped out my two headlight because the DRL melted the plastic. Let me know where you got your grill, it looks awesome!

[@dial2fast]

Please see link in description. Thanks

[@bravesfan2849]

After following this video, is there no need to adjust the lights to where they don't blind on-coming traffic? Thanks.

[@dial2fast]

You should have it aligned properly after installation. There is a procedure you need to follow where you aim the headlight on a level surface to a wall 25 feet away.

[@cragslayer9270]

Thanks dial2fast for the video, i have a few questions. How did you like the headlights after install? where do I find this on Amazon, Brand etc? Most importantly where do I find that grill you have on the Truck? Loving that!! Thanks again

[@dial2fast]

Headlights are working fine. All links you looking for is in the description of the video.

[@paulrichards7152]

I just found this video and appreciate all the comments others have made. I'm in Canada and have the daytime running lights and since mine is a 2009 plastic is getting cracked and cloudy. I just bought the 2 full assemblies from autoparts.com for $33.31 each, plus $10 for for shipping and handling, which was a deal as they came in a huge box. Will update after my install, can't do it right now as it's raining. I saw mention of the recall, apparently it is not a safety recall so expired, and as I bought my truck in the US without DRL and did a mod, Toyota would not cover the change.

[@madcook1936]

Thank you for an awesome video 👍

[@88_shadesoffpv]

Hey where did you get the grill???

[@dallasryder8125]

Ahh... I have to remove the front bumper. I currently have a "cattle guard" on it. I wonder, If I could just shimmy the bolts out and in with the new. Without pulling it off... hmmm well got another project next weekend. Thanks for the informative video friend! Edit: I'm an idiot. I couldn't see you also have a "cattle guard" on my smaller device (phone). Now on my bigger monitor, I see the cattle guard.