Broken Headlight Bulb Retaining Clip

I am a novice on working with vehicles... I recently attempted to replace my headlight bulbs on my 2008 Tacoma and the passenger side spring retaining clip popped off. I cannot get it back on and and unsure how important this part is. Any advice would be greatly appreciated and helpful... thank you!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!

 

can you post a picture?

 

That spring is a bugger. Took me an hour to get it back on the first time it fell off. Look at the other side and study how it works. Then finesse it in.

It’s necessary, as it holds the bulb in tight. You may get some headlight bounce without it.

 

Should look similar to these. Some have a screw holding it in place others it just slides over a tab. Yes you will need it.

 

I don’t think it had a screw but I can certainly attempt to get a photo. Thank y’all!!

 

If it doesn't have a screw it just goes over the clip like the other photo.

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

It’s the “hinge” that’s so hard to deal with. It just barely contacts the plastic and it doesn’t “snap” into place. It just kinda balances in there somehow. Once it’s out, it’s difficult to get it back into the exact same spot.

 

Welcome to TW! Hopefully the pics posted above will help you get that spring re-oriented.

 

Having difficulty buying one of these clips, any idea where to find?

 

I’d love to know also.

 

Ok...so, I bought a 2015 Tacoma TRD Off Road three weeks ago and I have been lurking on this list for about that long as well. What an awesome resource. I had to comment on this thread. I bought some xenon filled halogens and my passenger clip fell off as well. MF! Thanks for the photos with them and about 40 minutes in the AutoZone parking lot later I got it. What a PIA!

Not sure if I like them. 80 bucks US @ autozone. Unconditional garantee. I may drive with them for a week and see what happens.

Thanks again for a great thread.

 

I just replaced my headlight bulbs yesterday and those clips were a PITA! Even after removing the battery and losing the washer fluid tank. There was a great post on here about headlight bulbs and I went with the suggested Phillips racing vision off of Amazon for 35$ for the pair. Man is nice to have 2 headlights again.

 

Just add another voice to the din...
My headlamp receptacle looks different than the photos higher up. Is it missing something...? Cannot see how the big end of the clip attaches to anything. This is driver's side.

Edit: This thread addresses my issue, for anybody else out there...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fix-for-broken-headlight-clip-retainer.414005/

 

Oh gosh... it took @bchay 's post for me to notice the earlier photo had a screw holding clip on. @bchay I don't see where your clip is in your photo. All I know I spent quite a bit of time getting my passenger side bulb clipped in. Next time I need to switch out a bulb, I am going to look to see if I can put a screw with a washer in the assembly that would certainly make the installation go smoother. I can't tell you how many times the clip fell off and I had to fish it off of the frame or find it on the ground.

sorry for the end of day rant.

 

I saved the clip, miraculously. I'm off to the store for the JB weld!

 

Slightly different "solution"...#10 self threading sheet metal screw into the original vent hole. Clip bent with linesman's to suit. Seems pretty tight.

If this pops out I'll try epoxy around the screw. If that fails, this headlight has a crack in it anyway, so I'll probably replace both ( another research project ).

 

Don't beat yourself up too much about this: It's a #$*&! to deal with even with experience! Mine fell off completely when I did the first bulb change. Just don't take the other one off until you sort this one out so you can use it as a guide. It makes you wonder how these can tenuous clips can ever hang on to the bulbs and keep them in place when you are slamming the truck around on a crazy off road trip.

I didn't know they were fragile enough to break so easily.... I think I'll pick up a spare.

Welcome to the forum!