How To Replace Headlight Assembly 1997-2000 Toyota Tacoma

I replaced the headlights on my 1999 Toyota Tacoma that were in bad shape. I had already tried cleaning them with a 3M kit to remove the discoloration and haze with some success but I was not satisfied so I bought new ones for $139. In the video I say there are 5 clips holding the grill when there are actually 7.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• SANY0001

[texasjgreen]

This video saved me hours of frustration. I have a 2001 4runner and the driver side headlight was cracked. I couldn't figure out how to take the assembly out, but this video walked me right through it. THANKS!!!

[kyclay58]

@texasjgreen So very glad it was of help.

[kyclay58]

I would advise you to visit your local salvage yard to get any replacement parts you need other than the actual light assembly.

[kyclay58]

So very glad this was a help to you.

[gilgia]

On mine, the grill and metal pieces under the lights were impossible to remove without busting some of the holding clips. The ones are bayonet-style, not like the ones you showed. Still don't understand how those should best be removed. The metal strips under the lights need the reusable plastic holder. All these parts should be lubed with teflon before everything is popped back and bolted on. The running lights have a bolt and a pop-in nipple. Hard to remove cause you can't see it.

[kyclay58]

@gilgia On the clips like yours you take a small screwdriver and push on the clip on one side and pull slightly, then push on the opposite side and it should then come apart. Like you said these are very easy to break especially on an older truck. I was lucky in that nothing broke for me.

[texasjgreen]

@texasjgreen I broke 1 clip tho..

[xin4mationx808x]

i have a 2000 tacoma what if the corner lights on the bottom which you slide in/out to install are cracked open so it does not lock in and it can wobble around? and also on the other side where you screw in the corner light is busted. What is the replacement piece called so the lights can be installed properly.

[BlasterCobra]

Thanks for posting this video, you saved me a heck of a lot of frustration and cussing. I have a 1998 Tacoma and replaced both headlights in less than an hour taking my time and didn't break any clips. I paid $65 for a new pair of headlights from Nordstrom's on ebay. I hope they last a good while. Thanks again !

[zettix1]

1997 Tacoma, replaced only passenger side headlight housing. Bought used in 2007 so I was not the first to fiddle with the lights, but thanks to your video, everything went smoothly. The lower left grille clip was too hard to access from the front, so I went underneath to pinch the clip closed from the back, worked fine. The large difficult clip for the lower metal cover was missing when I got there, replaced with a glob of RTV. All and all, quick and easy thanks to you. =D

[AnthoniJi]

awesome!



[moe609]

Thank you. Well done!