2012-2015 Headlight Removal/Install

Hey guys,

Curious if it would be easier to remove and install the headlights with the front bumper removed? I removed/installed my lights a few years ago for the BHLM, and it was a real pain in the ass to get the lights in and out. I scratched the shit out of the lenses and had to polish them out afterwards. I have watched the video that shows you have to angle them just right to get them out, but I couldn't replicate that process.

I'm going to be removing my lights to install some new retros. I can't tell by looking at the truck with the grille installed, but does it buy some extra room to wiggle them in and out if I remove the bumper cover?

 

Some guys can do it without removing the bumper.

My rule is, I can't damage something if it's not there.

The bumper is fairly easy to remove, and makes everything else much easier to do.

 

If you remove the bumper cover as well as the metal brace that runs under the grille and under the headlights, it opens up a lot of room.

Alternatively you can lay a pig mat on the bumper cover for protection. 2005-2011 front end shown, but similar concept:

 

Its quite a bit easier to do with the bumper removed but it takes about twice the amount of time in my experience. If you have the time just remove the bumper cover.

 

Thanks guys, I'm going to remove the bunper cover this time.

@3JOH22A is it fairly straightforward to remove the metal brace that runs under the lights?

 

^With the bumper cover removed, yes.

 

Absolute game changer. I cannot believe guys are wiggling their headlights out when you can remove the bumper and the cross brace. The headlight pops straight in and out with no worry of scratching anything. It does not take long to do. I would have had the bumper removed twice as fast but the previous owner installed a block heater plug in the fog light bezel. It's a horrible design, there are no connectors on the wiring to unplug it. I'm thinking the wiring may unclip from the heater at the rear of the block, but it is not easily accessed. I didn't want to risk damaging it either. The plug in the bezel can only be removed by pulling it out forwards. I cut the wires so I could pull it out of the bumper and then spliced them back together after and waterproofed it with shrink tube. I clipped the wires with an ammeter, the heater only pulls 3.29A. Looks like it must be a 400W block heater. Whoever installed it did a terrible job at cutting the hole in the bezel. I may order a new bezel to clean up this install.

Also, I did this by myself. Most videos recommend using a friend to remove the bumper. Once I popped off the first side, I used some string to hold it up so it wouldn't fall while I popped off the other side.

 

What a shit install!

Toyota updated that style to be 2 pieces, but originally it was idiotic and had long cords.

We just leave them in and unravel the cord to let us work.

 

I agree, super shitty install.

Unfortunately, I had to move my truck to aim the lights, and space is limited in my garage, so I needed the bumper fully removed to do my work.

 

I just put the 2.5 lights on my 2008. Holy shit that was hard getting those in, I can't be something so simple was that difficult. I think they really want you to dismantle the whole front to take them out.

 

Take the bumper and the metal brace off next time. Then it takes about 10 seconds to install/remove the lights. Totally worth the extra effort. Bumper comes off super easy.