Headlight help

Hello. I have researched this issue and attempted corrections. I purchased a used 21’ TRD Sport and noticed the headlamps are horizontally out of alignment. They point to the right. The lamps are aftermarket Torchbeam leds. Appears to be a cheap aftermarket off of Amazon. Before I try purchasing new lamps, I want to see if anyone has recommendations on next steps and best solution to resolve it. This truck is for my college son.

I appreciate any and all help.

 

You would have to see if the lights have a horizontal adjustment. The OEMs only allow vertical.

Honestly though, so many people swap headlights, finding a good used set shouldnt be terribly difficult. I see them reguarly posted in my area for around $100 +/- $50.

On another note, im curious about the social/societal aspect of your question. Why did you feel the need to inform that the truck is for your college son? Was that in hopes to solicate a quicker perhaps more empathetic response, maybe even more frugal? Curious because in reality it had nothing to do with your question.

Welcome to the forums btw

 

more importantly, when you install the halogen bulbs the truck is supposed to have, is the beam pattern correct? despite the advertising and cultural implications, led is really a fledgling technology, and currently doesn't have the appropriate science behind it to properly take the place of halogen or HID bulbs, due to the fact that led must use a larger die size to effectively have a similar lumen output.

but then the larger die size interacts with the optics differently, and the original bulb designer had to make centering considerations for this fact. quite likely, they centered the new design on a specific vehicles optic package, and now it doesn't work in most other vehicles.

of course it's societal.
it's in every headline of every major news program.

MOM OF TWO ANGERED OVER INCREASED CONSTRUCTION COMMUTE TIMES.

FATHER OF THREE SHOCKED AT INTERNET FEE INCREASE.

GRANDFATHER OF TWELVE INCENSED OVER SOCIAL SECURITY REDUCTIONS.

i just always think, congrats, you reproduced. i wish you wouldn't have.

that, or the OP is of the upper culture/class that he would never think to own something as a cheap/utilitarian/basic/plebian tacoma like the simple commoners drive, and feels the need to justify it to everyone so that his social class isn't compromised. i've known plenty of people that equate anything less than a brand new BMW 7 series to being hung and left for dead.

 

Lol, thats pretty funny. I know people like that as well, especially prevalent in my area.

I guess I'll take solace in knowing his son will be driving a vehicle of the common people. Even if the headlights are pointed directly in my retinas

 

Welcome to the forum. Here’s a picture of how to properly aim your headlights.

 

Unfortunately you did not do your due diligence when you bought a vehicle, no matter who it was for, that didn't have headlights, but illegal, ill performing and unsafe junk where your headlights should have been. Even if those lights had a horizontal adjustment it would not address the overall problem of them being unsafe and illegal. Go and buy yourself a set of the OEM lights that came on your truck and have them installed and properly aimed and call it a day. The best lights you can put on that truck, but you'll have to verify that they'll work with the proper adapter harness, are the OEM LED assemblies. If you are mechanically inclined it's not too hard to replace the lights but if you're not, have a professional do it.

 

I guess you’re SA and just can’t help yourself. If you must know, it was simply stating/intending it is my son’s truck and I’m not on the forum except for what I was hoping for some friendly advice from seasoned Tacoma owners. Thanks for the other info.

 

nope, just wondering about a headlight for my kid’s truck. All we own is Toyotas but this was a new issue to me. Thought the led’s were stock until i took out this morning. Geez

 

welcome

here is the full info on 3rd gen lights https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/

getting 2 pair of Phillips H9s, doing the inset removal mod for the lows, and rechecking alignment before messing with adjustment would be most prudent course of action
assuming highs and lows were f'd with

 

Not sure why everyone is jumping on this...

I took it as, "it's my sons truck, so I want to make sure it's reliable and safe."

There are things I'd conceded safety on my truck, for myself. But if it were my wife's or niece's truck, no way! What responsibility I lack for myself, I don't skimp on for my family.

Regardless, I highly recommend the OEM LED's and if necessary (based on the trucks original headlights), an adapter harness from @daveeasa or @Puppypunter.

Don't get too bogged down by the TW BS. There's a wealth of info here and some really good dudes.

 

Guess you can make that point. The lights work so that was an obvious check. Driving at night the fog lights have been on so you can’t tell. Turned them off and now it’s obvious. I’ll switch back to OEM. As for illegal, that’s a bit of a stretch. My Tundra and my wife’s came stock with LEDs so it seemed natural that this one would also.

 

Is it a torchbeam led bulb in the oem headlamp or an entire assembly?

 

thanks for info!

 

It’s in the oem headlamps. Looks like the previous owner did a cheap swap.

 

Thank you!

 

I like this forum for the baseline respect and helpfulness oh so many seem to provide. This thread is not it. The pedants in some of these threads man.. anonymity really brings out the garbage humans eh?

As to your question, I personally would look into buying new headlights, I wouldn't want the one thing I can rely on at night to get me home safe be the one shitty aftermarket piece I have on my truck. If that's the route you take at least you get to look into led options as well

 

It may not be seated correctly.

I'd suggest installing a Phillips H9 in the lowbeam, recheck aim. If still out of alignment left/right, perhaps its a sign there was front end damsge by the previous owner. If it's recentered, check vertical aim.

The lowbeams use an H11 bulb, but there is a small green center plug dovoder which can be easily yanked out of the plug with a pair of needlenose pliers. The H9 can then be clicked into plsce.

The H9 is only rated for about 2/3rds the lifespan of a normal H11, about similar to a performance H11. But you'll have a much improved low beam with an H9 swap, and it's cheap, and focuses correctly. Keep a spare set of H9s in the glovebox ajd call it good.

 

Exactly. I’m going to replace them since it’s become pretty clear this what is needed. Thanks

 

The high beams are in good alignment so it must be the leds.

 

This! That is a comprehensive thread on headlamps. Tons of great info there. The H9s work great.

I have a college age daughter, that I try to make life easier for. I appreciate that you want proper headlamps for your son.