HID Bi (High/Low) Conversion Kit in 2013 Tacoma

I wanted to share the upgrade I did to my 2013 Tacoma lights. I was unhappy with the OEM lights, particularly the high beams. The problem seems to be more with the shape of the reflector than the wattage, but my initial attempt at getting more light was to replace the OEM bulbs (55W low/65W high) with after market (55W low/100W high). This helped a little but still seemed to give tunnel vision when driving at night.

I bought a DDM HID high/low kit with 55W ballasts. Instructions are scarce but there are links to a basic wiring diagram. I got the standard kit without the optional wiring harness or "blink" filter that is apparently needed on some vehicles to fool the "bulb out" system. The only trick I offer is that I used masking tape to hold the rubber boot on the back of the bulb so that I could more easily attach the spring clips.

Fig. 1 - Using masking tape to hold weather seal back during bulb insertion to OEM housing (foam is still on bulb and should be removed without touching the bulb).

I was very pleased with the conversion. The conversion didn't provide the distinctive "line" across the light pattern that I've seen on other cards with HID OEM systems. I adjusted the beams down so there shouldn't be glare for oncoming cars.

The high beam pattern is much improved as there is good spill of the light off to the sides with good range.

Fig. 2 - High beams (top) and low beams (bottom) from 55W HID. Camera was set to manual for comparable exposures.

The bulbs do not seem to be causing any overheating problems in the Tacoma OEM housings.

I would recommend not getting the optional mounting brackets for the ballasts as I just used wire ties.