Upgrading the front end of a 2016 and newer Toyota Tacoma is one of the most rewarding lighting projects you can tackle in an afternoon, and in this guide we walk through exactly how we did it. We installed a set of Form Lighting LED headlights on a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, and the transformation from tired factory halogens to modern triple dual beam projectors is dramatic. If you have been searching for a straightforward path to better Toyota Tacoma LED headlights, this walkthrough covers grille removal, bumper loosening, wiring, and the add-a-fuse harness that unlocks the independent white running light.

We tested and installed this kit start to finish, and the process is very manageable with basic hand tools. The headlights feature triple dual beam projectors, a clean white DRL, sequential turn signals, and a more aggressive blacked out appearance. Below we break the job down into clear sections so you can follow along on your own truck.

Why We Chose These Form Lighting Headlights

The stock halogen headlights on a Tacoma of this generation are functional but far from exciting. When we upgraded to the Form Lighting set, we immediately noticed a cleaner, more modern face on the truck. The combination of triple dual beam projectors and a white daytime running light gives the front end a purposeful look, and the sequential turn signals add a touch of motion that stands out on the road. If you want to compare the exact set we installed, the 2016-2023 Tacoma Sequential Headlight Pair is the product featured here. You can also browse the broader Tacoma LED Lighting Lineup if you want to see how these headlights fit into the rest of the range for this truck.

Tools You Will Need

Before we started, we gathered a small set of tools that made the whole job smoother. For this installation we used a trim removal tool, a 10 millimeter socket, and a phillips-head screwdriver. That is it. The trim tool handles the plastic clips, the 10 millimeter socket takes care of the bolts around the grille and bumper, and the phillips-head screwdriver is used to transfer a trim piece over to the new headlight.

Step-by-Step Installation

Removing the Grille

To begin our installation, we removed the grille from the vehicle. Using our trim removal tool, we popped out two plastic clips from either side of the grille. Then we grabbed the 10 millimeter socket and removed two bolts. Before the grille comes free, there is a wiring harness attached to it. We pushed the two plastic push tabs through, which gave us enough room to disconnect the harness. With that done, the grille lifts away from the vehicle.

Removing the Plastic Cover and Bumper Clips

Next we removed a plastic cover held on by a single plastic clip. Once that clip was out, we pulled the cover away and rotated it out of place. From there, we moved on to the six plastic clips that hold the bumper onto the front of the vehicle. There are four in front of the radiator and one under each headlamp, so keep track of them as you go.

Loosening the Bumper and Trim Piece

Moving to the side of the vehicle, we removed one 10 millimeter bolt and one plastic clip. With those removed, we started to loosen the trim piece. The easiest way we found is to use your left hand to grab it and pull outward to create tension, then reach inside the vehicle behind the bumper with your right hand to compress the two tabs holding it to the bumper. With the trim piece out of the way, we began to loosen the bumper. First we took the trim tool and popped a tab over the bumper, then carefully pulled outward until the bumper started to separate from the vehicle. Once the bumper was partially separated, we removed one more 10 millimeter bolt.

Removing the Stock Headlight

With the bumper loosened, we removed the two 10 millimeter bolts on top of the lamp. Then we popped the two tabs, grabbed the headlight firmly, and shifted it toward the center of the vehicle to clear a tab. Once the headlamp was separated, we disconnected all of the harnesses. Finally, we grabbed our phillips-head screwdriver to remove a trim piece from the stock headlight so we could transfer it over to the new Form LED headlight.

Using the Halogen Adapter

If your Tacoma came equipped with halogen headlights, you will need to use the provided adapter. This is an important detail, so do not skip it if your truck has halogens. All we did was take the two connectors and plug them into the corresponding ones on the back of the headlight. This ensures the new headlight wiring lines up properly with the factory harness.

Connecting the Wiring

With the adapter in place, we moved on to connecting the wiring for the Form LED headlamp. We started with the gray connector coming from the truck and plugged it into the corresponding connector on the headlamp. Then we looked for the smallest gray connector coming from the truck and plugged that one into the side marker on the headlamp. Next, we took the yellow connector coming from the truck and plugged it into the high beam connector coming from the lamp. Finally, we took the green harness and plugged it into the low beam.

Setting the Headlight and Testing

With all of the wiring connected, we slid the Form LED headlamp into place, making sure all three of the mounting points were aligned. Before locking anything down, we tested for functionality. This step is worth doing every time, because it is far easier to correct a connection now than after the bumper is back together. Once we verified the headlamp was working properly, we secured it by reinstalling the two 10 millimeter bolts on top of the lamp, followed by the 10 millimeter bolt on the side. With the passenger side lamp securely fastened, we repeated the same process on the driver’s side. After both lamps were installed, we reinstalled the bumper and grille by reversing the same steps we used to take everything apart.

Installing the Add-a-Fuse Harness

Our last step was to connect the included add-a-fuse harness to both lamps for the white running light. This is the part that unlocks the independent white running light. If you prefer your C-light to activate only when you switch on your main beams, you do not need to install this harness. Just note that you will not have an independent white running light without it. To install it, we disconnected the brown wire from the rear of both headlamps, then plugged in the connectors on the add-a-fuse harness. Next we came over to the fuse box and removed the cover. Inside, there is a fuse puller included from the factory, which we used to remove a 15 amp fuse. We then took our add-a-fuse harness and connected it in place of the 15 amp fuse we removed. After that, we replaced the cover on the fuse box and secured any excess wiring up and out of the way from hot or moving parts.

The Finished Result

With little effort, the Tacoma now has a modern LED upgrade that helps it stand out. The finished install shows off triple dual beam projectors, a clean white DRL, sequential turn signals, and a more aggressive blacked out appearance. The difference at the front of the truck is exactly what we hoped for, and the sequential signal is a genuine head turner in traffic.

Exploring Other Tacoma Lighting Options

While this guide focuses on the Form Lighting set, there are other quality options worth knowing about for this generation of Tacoma. If you are comparing assemblies, take a look at these Bi-LED Projector Headlights as well as this Plug-and-Play LED Headlight Assembly. Both are popular choices for owners who want a strong output upgrade for their 2016 and newer trucks. And once the front end is handled, many owners like to match the rear. If you are running a newer body style, our Fourth-Gen Tacoma Tail Light Upgrade covers a plug-and-play rear lighting refresh that pairs nicely with an LED headlight swap.

Final Thoughts

Installing Toyota Tacoma LED headlights from Form Lighting on this 2018 truck was a satisfying project that required only a trim tool, a 10 millimeter socket, and a phillips-head screwdriver. The most important reminders are to use the provided adapter if your truck has halogens, to match the gray, yellow, and green connectors carefully, and to install the add-a-fuse harness if you want the independent white running light. Take your time during the bumper and clip removal, test before you button things up, and you will be rewarded with a modern, aggressive front end that looks factory clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicle does this install guide cover?

The video shows installation of FORM Lighting LED headlights on a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, which is representative of the 2016 and newer Tacoma body style.

Do I need an adapter if my Tacoma has halogen headlights?

Yes, the transcript states that Tacomas equipped with halogen headlights require a provided adapter, which connects two connectors to the corresponding plugs on the back of the new headlight.

What features come with the FORM LED headlights?

According to the transcript, the headlights include triple dual beam projectors, a clean white DRL, and sequential turn signals, along with a more aggressive blacked out appearance.

What is the add-a-fuse harness used for?

The add-a-fuse harness, included with the kit, connects to the fuse box in place of a 15 amp fuse to power an independent white running light. If skipped, the light only activates when the main beams are on.

What tools are needed for this installation?

The transcript shows use of a trim removal tool, a 10 millimeter socket, and a phillips-head screwdriver to remove the grille, bumper clips, bolts, and trim piece during installation.