How to Change a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Headlight Bulb

The 2003 Toyota Tacoma uses a single headlight bulb for both the low beams and the high beams. You access the bulb from inside the engine compartment. It is possible for the bulb to burn out a single filament, which will cause the headlight to function in one position and not function in the other. Removal and replacement takes only a few minutes and requires no special tools.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement bulb (# 9003)

Instructions

1. Open the hood and insert the hood prop into its notch on the driver's side. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. This will prevent shocks and shorts while you work on the headlight.

2. Disconnect the headlight electrical connector from the bulb holder by pulling it straight back.

3. Grasp the plastic tab on the top of the water shield and pull the shield off.

4. Detach the wire bulb retainer.

5. Pull out the bulb holder. Remove the bulb from the holder and replace it with a new one. Take care not to leave fingerprints on the new bulb, which can cause the bulb to burn out.

6. Insert the bulb and bulb holder into the headlight assembly and reattach the wire retainer.

7. Snap the water shield back into place.

8. Reattach the electrical connector by sliding it back onto the bulb holder's prongs.

9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

References

• Haynes Repair Manual: Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner & T100"; Robert Maddox, Mike Stubblefield and John H. Haynes; 2006