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Changing headlight bulbs

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by BenjaminBRE, Jan 27, 2023.

  1. Jan 27, 2023 at 4:25 PM
    #1
    BenjaminBRE

    BenjaminBRE [OP] New Member

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    Curious if anyone ever came up with a better method to change headlights. For those that don't know, currently you have to take apart your front grille and the quarter fender panels and unbolt the headlight assembly. It's a PITA and terrible engineering. I've been thinking about sawing an access hole or something like that. Curious if anyone has figured anything out.

    And no, taking the wheel off and going through the fender liner is not any easier. That's an even bigger PITA.
     
  2. Jan 27, 2023 at 4:40 PM
    #2
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Really ain't bad at all bud. I can have my HLs out in 10 min.
     
    eccracer104, 1lowlife and Taco-Spike like this.
  3. Jan 27, 2023 at 4:55 PM
    #3
    Fotnot

    Fotnot SSEM #69; LRCS#1

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    If you're changing one, change both. I would think sawing holes big enough for your hand would open up issues elsewhere.
    And as mentioned, it's not that difficult. I've done it in about 10 or 15 mins I think. I had changed mine to some Auxbeam LEDs and the guy that bought the truck after me still has them 3 or 4 years later.
    Do as you please obviously, but I'd vote against a drilled in vehicle for headlight bulb swaps
     
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  4. Jan 27, 2023 at 6:40 PM
    #4
    BenjaminBRE

    BenjaminBRE [OP] New Member

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    I have the SR base model which came with halogens, I tried led swap but in winter time the LEDs run too cold and the covers build snow and it dims the throw. I broke a clip on the grille first time taking it off, they're molded to the grille meaning no replacement available. Eventually you will break 1 too many and your front end won't be secure anymore. Need to buy a new grille. What a freaking joke. Toyota must hate their customers. My 08 corolla would take me 30 seconds, Hood open, twist pull out plug n play, disconnect, pop new one in, reinsert, hood close done. Why break something that worked perfectly?
     
    Fotnot[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Jan 27, 2023 at 6:41 PM
    #5
    BenjaminBRE

    BenjaminBRE [OP] New Member

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    I call bluff on 10 minutes. From start to finish that's a lie. And proper engineering you don't need tools, just a hand and a hood release. It takes 1 minute.
     
  6. Jan 27, 2023 at 6:53 PM
    #6
    Taco-Spike

    Taco-Spike Gateway from Tacoma World ~ ended up here

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    He said out (not to finish), and I say that’s valid. I could get them out in 10 minutes as well.


    Is what it is. That’s the truck. Do it or not
     
    texasrho83 likes this.
  7. Jan 27, 2023 at 6:58 PM
    #7
    BenjaminBRE

    BenjaminBRE [OP] New Member

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    I didn't expect this to become an argument but y'all are discounting the fact that because they engineered it so poorly, you now need tools and whatnot which means you spend 5 minutes gathering them all and another 5 putting then all back away. It's dishonest to not count that, in the old days you only spend the time ripping the box open and putting em in!!

    So I'm going with 20 minutes, for something that should take 1. No excuses for this engineering.
     
  8. Jan 27, 2023 at 7:08 PM
    #8
    Taco-Spike

    Taco-Spike Gateway from Tacoma World ~ ended up here

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    Yes. It’s not the greatest for ease of consumer maintenance. Still rather a low grade of difficulty and after doing it once, it gets easier.

    A Phillips and a pocket knife can complete the job. Or maybe even just a pocket knife could manage it. I forget if the hidden fender bolt has a Phillips on the 10mm bolt?

    it’s not just Toyota. Multiple manufacturers and models require this method. Even more so now with full led headlights where the entire headlight has to be replaced. So some could argue this isn’t an issue.

    or maybe an strongly worded email directly to Toyota would be more self validating than a slew of enthusiasts, idk
     
    texasrho83 and 1lowlife like this.
  9. Jan 27, 2023 at 7:24 PM
    #9
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    ^ This.
    I have the tools in my swing case to pull the grille and swap bulbs, but I no longer have to do that since getting OEM LED headlights.
    My LED bulbs in my turn signal/DRL and parking light don't burn out, so far.


    Sell the truck crybaby..
    It literally takes 10 minutes to pull the grille and 4 headlight screws to replace the bulbs and put it back on.
    That's even with my pocketed fender flares.
    Keep practicing Benji, you'll get better at it over time.

    Or better yet get 2018+ OEM LED headlights and an @iHacker harness, no more halogen bulb swaps.
    The results blow away the halogen bulbs.

    If you have an issue with pulling the grille, I'd suggest you replace the bulbs as stated in the manual, going in thru the fender panel.
    You can't even see what the fuck you're doing doing it this way..

    You seem to like doing things the hard way, the manual directions may suit you better than pulling the grille..:eek2::rolleyes:

    upload_2023-1-27_21-20-23.jpg upload_2023-1-27_21-20-57.jpg
    upload_2023-1-27_21-21-17.jpg upload_2023-1-27_21-22-5.jpg

    Quit your bitchin'.:cool:


    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2023
  10. Jan 27, 2023 at 7:36 PM
    #10
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    I don't need to lie to anyone. Especially a stranger on the net. I've had mine out many times which is why it doesn't take me long. When I first did it, yes it took longer but it still wasn't a difficult job by any means.

    Do you criticize the engineering behind the oil filter housing as well?
     
    NewImprovedRon and 1lowlife like this.
  11. Jan 27, 2023 at 7:52 PM
    #11
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    Holy shit.. it must be a Friday after a long week!

    Headlights on any new vehicle suck. Do put LEDs in- they throw miracle beams and love you long time.

    The geniuses at Chevy put halogens in my wife’s $70k 2020 Tahoe. I swapped them to LED. Wanna complain about thoughtless engineering? Try that. I was ready to microwave kittens when I got done.
     
    Retired...finally likes this.
  12. Jan 28, 2023 at 8:10 AM
    #12
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    Pulled my grille several times and never broke one. I would try to only pull it on warm sunny days. Plastic breaks easier in cold weather. There is also a little bit of technique to it.
     
  13. Jan 28, 2023 at 8:32 AM
    #13
    SPOirish28

    SPOirish28 New Member

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    I swapped my headlights to Philips extreme vision halogens yesterday. It’s annoying to have to take the grill off for sure, but it’s not that hard. Agree with above post, do it in a warm environment which only helps the plastic. Drilling holes in the truck is certainly terrible engineering.
     
  14. Jan 28, 2023 at 8:45 AM
    #14
    Sunman54

    Sunman54 New Member

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    Noted all the comments above removing the grill method for the bulb swap. Has anyone actually done it the way Toyota recommends through the wheel liner and if so time and difficulty? I've searched the internet and You Tube and cannot find any posts, pictures, or videos on the Toyota method to change out a bulb. Thanks
     

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