oceancrest67
New member
After much reading through other threads...going on about the best way to remove and replace that hard to reach parking light bulb...I decided to spend my Sunday early and get on with the project.
I was determined to remove the entire headlight housing on my 2003 4Runner just to get access to the parking light sockets. I read up on how to go about this and I read the Haynes manual instructions (which are never quite complete) on how to remove the headlights.
Several earlier attempts to remove the sockets with my big hands failed...the inner metal frame gets in the way of a real grip.
In terms of removing the headlights...I realized soon enough that getting all the plastic trim pieces removed and getting to all the mounting screws was going to be a time consuming and careful process.
In this light, I decided again to give the parking light sockets another go...
This time I simply un-clipped (using my fingers) the wire plug that fits each bulb socket.
I then used a pair of needle nose pliers to carefully grab hold of the socket (remembering in what direction the sockets were set in--check the socket grooves and be careful not to chew up the socket).
I turned counter clockwise and pulled out each socket stem with bulb attached.
I then replaced each bulb in each socket stem and then proceeded to re-insert each socket stem (remembering how the grooves were lined up prior to removal) back in their respective locations...I plugged the wire harness back onto the ends of each socket and tested the bulbs...completed!
For any other members...remember to check each socket for direction and fit...clockwise to lock back in and remember to to check each wire plug fitting they should snap back in.
The passenger side is easier to get to and requires less time than the drivers side. To replace the bulb by the drivers side one must remove the battery first to get to the parking light plug and socket.
I hope these instructions help with anyone wishing to replace this little amber bulb in the head light housing. The LED option in the head light housing might not work due to warnings of heat etc.
I was determined to remove the entire headlight housing on my 2003 4Runner just to get access to the parking light sockets. I read up on how to go about this and I read the Haynes manual instructions (which are never quite complete) on how to remove the headlights.
Several earlier attempts to remove the sockets with my big hands failed...the inner metal frame gets in the way of a real grip.
In terms of removing the headlights...I realized soon enough that getting all the plastic trim pieces removed and getting to all the mounting screws was going to be a time consuming and careful process.
In this light, I decided again to give the parking light sockets another go...
This time I simply un-clipped (using my fingers) the wire plug that fits each bulb socket.
I then used a pair of needle nose pliers to carefully grab hold of the socket (remembering in what direction the sockets were set in--check the socket grooves and be careful not to chew up the socket).
I turned counter clockwise and pulled out each socket stem with bulb attached.
I then replaced each bulb in each socket stem and then proceeded to re-insert each socket stem (remembering how the grooves were lined up prior to removal) back in their respective locations...I plugged the wire harness back onto the ends of each socket and tested the bulbs...completed!
For any other members...remember to check each socket for direction and fit...clockwise to lock back in and remember to to check each wire plug fitting they should snap back in.
The passenger side is easier to get to and requires less time than the drivers side. To replace the bulb by the drivers side one must remove the battery first to get to the parking light plug and socket.
I hope these instructions help with anyone wishing to replace this little amber bulb in the head light housing. The LED option in the head light housing might not work due to warnings of heat etc.
