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2007 headlight challenges

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Excalibur, Mar 6, 2016.

  1. Mar 6, 2016 at 9:28 AM
    #1
    Excalibur

    Excalibur [OP] New Member

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    I have an 07 double cab where the passenger headlight went out last night. The problem is it's always a bear to change the bulb. I unplugged the back and pried off the rubber boot but it was stuck to the bulb. In the process, the metal retaining clip came detached from the back of the headlight assembly. I tried for an hour to try and get the pivot point of the clip reattached but no luck. The problem is, the space between the headlight assembly and washer fluid reservoir is so tight, I just can't see what I am doing. For now I just replaced the bulb and anchored with the rubber boot. I've heard it's possible to loosen up and rock the reservoir back but I don't know if that presents any other risks. I tried to remove the headlight assembly but that requires grill removal which stumped me... All this for a & #@! headlight clip. Any suggestions? Or should I just give up and take it to a local garage.
     
  2. Mar 6, 2016 at 9:40 AM
    #2
    Tacoma005

    Tacoma005 Well-Known Member

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    Bellingham, WA
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    2005 DCSB TRD Off-Road 4X4
    KMC Crank Rims, 30" Baja Designs light bar, HomerTaco front grill
    Take off the bolts that attach the washer reservoir to the fender well. Then pull straight up on the washer reservoir. You can now move it out of the way.
     
  3. Mar 6, 2016 at 9:47 AM
    #3
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    Couple 10mm bolts and 2 minutes to move the reservoir out of the way.

    30 seconds to change the bulb.

    1 minute to put the reservoir back.
     
    JSU likes this.
  4. Mar 6, 2016 at 11:18 AM
    #4
    McTeague

    McTeague Well-Known Member

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    Stock
    Well I just changed my headlights and I thought it was rather difficult. I removed the battery and loosened up the washer fluid tank to give myself more room.

    Now I am waiting for them to cool down because they are shining crooked I must have not seated them properly. Good times... Gotta go back in...

    It is way easier to change them on a Ford.
     
  5. Mar 6, 2016 at 11:26 AM
    #5
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    They are keyed, so it's pretty easy to see how they fit in at what position.

    If you look.*
     
  6. Mar 6, 2016 at 11:44 AM
    #6
    Excalibur

    Excalibur [OP] New Member

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    The bulb part was easy. The spring clip came off. That's where the trouble is. If I unbolt the washer tank at the fender wall, are there any connections at the bottom I need to worry about?
     
  7. Mar 6, 2016 at 11:47 AM
    #7
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    No.

    Go out with a wrench and do it. All questions will be answered and more.

    The clip is easy to put back in, unless you broke the sleeve that holds it onto the housing.

    But seriously, go spend 20 minutes with a wrench and look at how everything is. It's basic stuff, not a difficult thing.
     
  8. Mar 6, 2016 at 12:27 PM
    #8
    McTeague

    McTeague Well-Known Member

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    Stock
    Yeah I double checked my work and they are in the keys, set in and aligned. It looks like it would be pretty hard to spring clip them in without the tabs in the alignment slots or get the spring clip wire between the tab and tab seat. So I reckon they are in right, when it gets dark I will look into the fact that the lights do not seem to be aimed properly anymore and re-aim as needed.
     

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