2010 Tacoma Driver Side Taillight Replacement

Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the driver-side taillight assembly on a 2010 Toyota Tacoma.

The guide also explains how to remove and transfer the bulbs if your replacement taillight assembly does not include them. Before starting, check whether your replacement part comes with bulbs. If the bulbs have never been replaced, this is a good opportunity to install new ones, as they may be near the end of their lifespan and replacing them now can save time later.

Be sure to read through the notes and warnings before beginning the repair. Gloves are optional but may be helpful.

To reduce waste and support iFixit’s repair mission, consider sourcing a replacement taillight assembly from a junkyard. Junkyards often have vehicles with usable parts that can be removed and reinstalled. While this option may take additional time, it can reduce waste and save money.

What you need

Step 1 2010 Tacoma Driver Side Taillight

2010 Tacoma Driver Side Taillight Replacement, 2010 Tacoma Driver Side Taillight: step 1, image 1 of 2

2010 Tacoma Driver Side Taillight Replacement, 2010 Tacoma Driver Side Taillight: step 1, image 2 of 2

Open the tailgate by lifting on the handle and lowering the tailgate to expose the bolts.
Locate the two taillight assembly bolts at the top and bottom.

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Step 2

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If you are using a open-ended box wrench, move to step 3.
If you are using a socket wrench, put together the socket and socket wrench by aligning the socket with the drive post and press the two together.
Some socket wrenches having a locking mechanism on the wrench that prevents the socket from accidentally releasing. If the socket does not press onto the socket wrench with a little force, check for a locking mechanism on your wrench, hold it in the release position as you press the socket onto the socket wrench, then release the locking mechanism.
Rotate the ratchet lock clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on whether you are removing or installing a bolt.

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Step 3

If you are using a socket wrench, move to Step 4.
If you are using an open-ended box wrench, securely place the box-end of the wrench on the bolt.

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Step 4

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This guide shows the lower assembly bolt removed first. It does not matter which assembly bolt (lower or upper) you remove first.
Place your socket wrench with 10mm socket attached (or box end wrench) on the lower assembly bolt.
Loosen and remove the lower assembly bolt. To loosen, turn the wrench and bolt counter-clockwise.
Ensure the socket stays firmly in contact with the bolt so you do not strip the head of the bolt.
At some point, the bolt will be loose enough to remove with your fingers.
Once the bolt is free, place it somewhere it will not get lost.
After removing the lower bolt, loosen and remove the upper assembly bolt in the same manner you removed the lower bolt. Once removed, place the bolt with the lower assembly bolt.

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Step 5

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Remove the taillight assembly by pulling it out away from the truck toward the rear of the truck.
If your taillight is broken, ensure you are pulling from a secure location on the assembly so you do not hurt yourself. It could be difficult to remove the assembly because there are two sets of male and female connectors that fit together snugly.
Note the location of the posts to ensure you align them with the female connectors when you install the replacement assembly.

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Step 6

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Locate the wiring harness so you can disconnect the existing taillight assembly.
To disconnect the wiring harness from the existing assembly you will need to press on the tab shown in the photo.
While pressing on the tab, pull the two connectors away from each other.
You will need to hold both connectors to separate the two from each other. The photo shows only the upper connector being held for better visibility of the two parts. If they do not separate easily, gently wiggle the upper one and ensure you are pressing firmly on the tab.
You may need to remove the existing bulbs and transfer them to the replacement assembly if bulbs were not included with the replacement assembly. See Steps 7 and 8 to remove the bulbs.
If you do not need to replace the bulbs, follow these steps in reverse to install the replacement taillight assembly.
When you go to place the assembly back into the housing of the truck, review Step 5 about aligning the male and female connectors.

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Step 7

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If you need to remove the bulbs, follow the tasks below and in Step 8.
You can only remove the backup lamp and turn signal lamp bulbs.
Grasp the bulb wire connector housing and rotate it 45 degrees counter-clockwise.
Pull the bulb away from the taillight assembly.

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Step 8

Once the bulb from the old assembly has been removed from the housing, with one hand, grasp the bulb at the bulb mount (the black portion immediately below the bulb) above where it inserts into the wire/bulb connector housing (light gray part). With the other hand, grasp the wire/bulb connector housing.
You do not want to attempt to remove the bulb from the connector by pulling on the bulb because you could break the bulb and hurt yourself. You could also separate the bulb from the black bulb mount. Also, do not pull on the wires because you could pull them out of the housing, and need to replace the connector.
After grasping by the black bulb mount, firmly pull the bulb away from the wiring connector.
The picture is shown holding the bulb so you can see the black bulb mount. The bulb is likely attached snugly, so use caution and be patient.
To remove the backup light bulb, repeat Steps 7 and 8.
To install either bulb in the replacement assembly, perform Steps 7 and 8 in reverse.
This bulb shows cracking in the amber coating. You may want to replace your bulb if it looks like this.

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Conclusion

To install the replacement taillight assembly, follow these instructions in reverse.
Note: After connecting the wiring and bulbs, test them before you reinstall the taillight assembly. This way, you will not have to go through all the steps to remove the taillight again if something does not work.