Introduction: Toyota 4Runner Headlight Bulb Replacement

By

I upgraded from the old halogen low beams to some new LED bulbs in my 2019 Toyota 4Runner headlights. I bought the LASFIT H11 LED bulbs from Amazon for $170.

Supplies

  1. LASFIT (or any bulbs of your choice)
  2. Electric drill with Phillips head bit
  3. 10mm socket and wrench
  4. Flathead screwdriver.

Step 1: Removing Front Bumper

Why did I choose to replace my bulbs you may ask? There are a few reasons, the first being that the stock halogen bulbs simply aren't bright enough. Considering I like to go off-roading, go camping, and go on road trips, it made sense to me to upgrade them with a more modern LED bulb that will last longer and be brighter. Upgrading to LED bulbs creates a more modern look aesthetically as well.

So let's begin with the installation,

  1. First, begin by popping your hood and locating the plastic radiator cover.
  2. Remove all plastic pins (refer to the 3rd picture for the first set of pins, 4th picture is the pins located under the plastic cover) which is where the flat-head screwdriver will be helpful.
  3. Be sure to keep track of all screws and pins that are removed during the process.
  4. Next located in the wheel wells on both the driver and passenger side you will find 3 bolts you will need to remove. (drill or socket can be used)
  5. Finally, located under the vehicle there are another 4 bolts on each side that connect the fender liner to the bumper that must be removed (refer to the last picture).

Step 2: Disconnecting Fog Lights

Removing your bumper can be a daunting task, but have no fear when doing so! My first time removing my bumper wasn't terribly difficult. As long as you start gently removing it from the driver and passenger side wheel wells, you'll be just fine. Follow the bodyline located, just under the headlights, until the bumper is loose enough to fully take off.

  1. Carefully pull the bumper off (a partner would be helpful) and make sure to disconnect the two connectors for the fog lights.
  2. Be sure to store the bumper somewhere where it will not get scratched

Step 3: Locate Screws Holding in the Headlights

Begin with locating and unscrewing the 4 screws holding in the unit. Once the unit is loose, carefully pull the unit out of place until you can access the connections into the unit. Once all connections are disconnected, you are able to fully remove the unit.

  1. There are 4 screws located on the outside, one directly in front of the headlight unit, one located on the inner side of the engine bay, and the final one located under the weather strip around the engine bay (circled on the second picture).
  2. Gently pull back the weather strip to access the final screw.

Step 4: Remove and Unplug All Connections to the Headlight Unit

  1. Disconnect all connections going into the headlight unit.
  2. Carefully pull the unit out then locate the round grey cap and twist it off (refer to the 1st picture).
  3. Disconnect the plug going into the bulb and twist the bulb to remove it (refer to the 2nd and 3rd picture).

This is probably one of the easier steps of this whole process, also for me personally, one of the more interesting steps too. It's cool to see the unit in deeper detail.

Step 5: Installing New Bulb

  1. Now reverse the process of removing the bulb.
  2. Fit the new bulb in and twist until snug.
  3. Connect the power source to the new braided power. These specific bulbs include a new cap for the bulb as well.
  4. Feed the cables into the housing unit.
  5. Repeat this step and the previous step for the other headlight.

Step 6: Reinstalling Headlight Unit

  1. Make sure to plug in all connections to the unit and then screw the unit into place.
  2. Reverse the process of removing the front bumper, plugging in the fog lights, putting all the pins in place, and screwing each screw into place.
  3. Be gentle when pushing the bumper into place.
  4. A before and after for reference.
  5. (My fog lights are also from LASFIT, they are switchback which means the switch from white LED to yellow to match my ditch lights)

The results are night and day. I am amazed at how well these lights perform especially on dark roads. The combination of my fog lights and now my bow beams is pretty amazing.