Fits: 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma (3rd generation), all cab and bed configurations. Access Cab and Double Cab with any bed length share the same mounting and harness.
Your factory blind spot monitoring sensors sit in the rear bumper, not in the tail lights, so this swap does not affect them.
Looking for the 2005-2015 second-generation truck? That one connects through a single plug instead of the factory bulb sockets. Use the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma guide instead.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground, switch the truck off, and disconnect the negative battery terminal while handling wiring.
- Set the lamps face-down on a soft towel so the lens does not get scratched.
- Do not put dielectric or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets.
- If a lamp does not move, stop and look for another fastener rather than forcing it.
Required Tools
- Socket wrench or electric screwdriver
- Plastic trim removal tool
- Clean microfiber towel
- A helper for brake light and reverse light testing
Part 1: Remove the Factory Tail Lights
Step 1: Remove the Mounting Screws
Open the tailgate and find the screws along the inner edge of the tail light. Remove the upper and the lower screw.
Do not remove the center screw. It is not a mounting screw for the lamp.
Step 2: Remove the Lamp
Take hold of the tail light with both hands and pull it straight toward the rear of the truck until the locating pins release from the grommets in the body.
Step 3: Remove the Factory Bulb Sockets
Turn each bulb socket counterclockwise and withdraw the sockets and bulbs from the factory tail light. This is the step that differs from the earlier truck: on this generation the new lamp connects through these sockets, not through one main plug.
Part 2: Install the New Tail Lights
Step 4: Connect, Fit and Test
Connect each plug from the new LED tail light to its corresponding factory socket. Line the locating pins up with the openings in the body and push the assembly straight into position.
Test before you fit the screws. Switch the lights on and confirm every function works while the lamp can still be pulled back out easily.
Step 5: Secure the Lamp
Refit and tighten the upper and lower mounting screws, then repeat the whole procedure on the other side.
Step 6: Full Function Test
- Running and parking lights on both sides.
- Brake lights, with a helper on the pedal.
- Left and right turn signals, hazards, and the sequential sweep.
- Reverse lights, with the truck safely in reverse and the parking brake on.
- Startup animation.
- Check for dashboard warnings, hyperflash or flicker, and confirm both lamps sit flush with even body gaps.
Common Issues and Solutions
Tail light does not turn on after installation. Check that every socket plug is fully seated, and check the related fuse and the battery connection. Inspect the pins inside each connector; if any are bent, carefully straighten them with a small precision tool and reconnect securely.
One function works and another does not. On this generation each function comes through its own socket, so a single missed or half-turned socket will take out just that one function. Recheck each socket in turn.
Hyperflash or a dash warning. Confirm any included decoder or resistor is connected and secured away from heat, moving parts, water paths and sharp edges.
Swap test. If a tail light still does not work, swap the left and right units to find out whether the issue is the light itself or the vehicle wiring.
Condensation inside the tail light. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.
Shop LED Lights for Your Tacoma
See all PrismBeam LED lights for the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma
