Headlight question 2018

The answer to this is probably buried in some other threads. I searched, but wasn't 100% clear. My dad and I both have 2018's. Mine is limited and his SR5. Do we have different headlights? He was complaining about his and was wondering what he should do to upgrade. I want to offer him advice, but we are a couple states away.... I am happy with mine and assuming it is because I have an upgraded version vs his? Appreciate any confirmation and/or advice to give him. He is not one that will be going to an internet forum to get advice....

 

Assuming you have LED low and high beams, yes you have different headlights. SR5s come with halogen. He would need an @iHacker harness and the LED headlights to do the upgrade. Well worth the money imo.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/201...lay-harness-for-2014-2020-models-v-2-0.24416/

 

The 2018 SR5 is halogen?

 

That’s my understanding unless equipped with the TRD OR package. Thanks to @AzureNightmare for pointing this out - I thought all SR5s got halogen.

The iHacker thread seems to confirm this.

 

Correct. Unless it has one of the TRD packages.

 

I’d thought they switched them all to LED in 2018. Seems silly to keep manufacturing the halogen ones. Adam, did your 2019 come with halogen?

 

I specifically got the TRD OR package just for the LED lights. Look at a 2021 Trail Edition. They are halogen.

 

1000% agree with this.

 

Yup. I have a 2021 Trail Edition with halogen lights...

 

I’ll be damned. I wouldn’t think anyone would waste manufacturing resources on halogen any more. Even most of my lighting manufacturers have made nearly everything non-led a special order item at this point.

 

It’s a whole other line in the plant for something nobody wants, and it’s not even cheaper to make them anymore.

 

Yup. My guess is that they kept it up so they had reason to keep up production for replacements in all the ones still on the road.

 

Makes sense that way. I’d be pretty miffed to get them on a new truck though.

 

Yup. I specifically only looked at packages the had LEDs. It's a dealbreaker on a new vehicle for me. Part of why stuff like Fords are off the table. Only the upper trims get them.


Anyway, OP, @AZBoatHauler pointed you in the right direction. Get in contact with @iHacker and you'll get all the info you need.

 

My 2019 SR5 had LED DRL and Halogen Headlights/Fogs.

My wife's 2020 RAV5 has LED Headlights/DRL and Halogen Fogs.

It's like they are using up old parts before putting LED in an ALL makes/models, like they should have been since 1994.

 

So maybe the difference is the lack of adjustment? He does have the TRD OR package but doesn't have this .

 

If he doesn’t have that, he’ll have to adjust them manually on the headlight itself. (Yet another thing I thought was standard. My 2011 SR5 has the adjuster knob.)

 

You can adjust them manually with a Phillips screwdriver if you pop the hood. You’ll see a circular cut out for the screwdriver and a gear to adjust the aim up or down. I’ve read the hot spot of the beam should be 2-4” below the center of the headlight at 25’. You can find YouTube videos discussing the aiming process in detail if necessary.

Shocked to hear someone complain about these lights - they are the best OEM lights on anything that didn’t come out of Germany IMO.

 

Well.....after 2 years of ownership, my dad did discover he does have the light adjustment....geez....maybe if he doesn't have them pointed straight down, he will be more pleased with them. Thanks for all who helped. Unbelievable....

 

Bit off topic but does the ‘18+ have foglight switch that can be turned on/off with drl without the HL on?

 

Dumb question but what does that dial do? I have it on my truck but have no idea what it actually does.

 

It raises and lowers your headlights. Nice if you are towing, etc so you don't blind oncoming traffic.

 

Moves the focus of the headlights, up and down, in small increments.

 

That angles your headlights up and down. Park with your headlights pointed at a wall, then move it one notch and you'll see your headlights move. It's so you can adjust your headlights to account for a loaded bed and such, so you don't blind oncoming traffic.