Fits: 2009-2012 Toyota RAV4 (OE 81170-42470 / 81130-42470).
Works with both halogen and factory HID/Xenon trims, using the high and low beam harness adapters included in the box. You do not need to buy anything extra for either — just fit the adapter your trim calls for.
DRL is white.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground, switch off, and disconnect the negative battery terminal while handling wiring.
- Use masking tape near painted edges around the hood, grille, bumper edge and fender liner.
- Do not put dielectric or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets.
- If a lamp or trim panel does not move, stop and look for another fastener or locating pin.
- Leave the front-end trim open until every function has passed testing and the beam aim is set.
Required Tools
- Trim removal tool or panel clip tool
- Metric socket and ratchet set
- Phillips and flat screwdrivers
- Masking tape and clean microfiber towels
- Electrical tape and zip ties for the supplied harnesses
- A flat wall for beam aiming
Part 1: Remove the Factory Headlights
Step 1: Open the Front End
Open the hood and remove only the covers, clips, grille pieces, bumper-edge fasteners and fender-liner fasteners you need to reach the headlight retainers.
Step 2: Support and Unbolt
Hold the lamp while removing its bolts or screws so it cannot drop against the bumper or fender.
Step 3: Release the Locating Points
Pull the lamp forward in line with its mounting tabs. Do not pry against a painted panel or against the lens edge.
Step 4: Disconnect
Press each lock tab and pull on the connector body, not on the wires.
Step 5: Compare Before Fitting
Set the old and new assembly side by side. Transfer a bulb, bracket, dust cap, seal or module only where the configuration requires it.
Part 2: Install the New Headlights
Step 6: Check the Rear Housing
Confirm the rear plug area, the dust caps and the mounting tabs line up with what you removed.
Step 7: Fit the Right Adapter, Then Connect
Use the high and low beam adapter that matches your trim — halogen or factory HID/Xenon. Seat the vehicle connector fully into the new lamp's connector and confirm the lock tab clicks home.
Step 8: Route the Add-on Wiring
Secure any DRL, turn-signal or decoder wiring away from the radiator fans, belts, hot parts, sharp edges and water paths.
Step 9: Set the Lamp in Place
Align all the mounting tabs before tightening anything. Do not use the bolts to force a misaligned headlight into position — that is how mounting tabs crack.
Step 10: Test Before the Front End Closes
- Low beam and high beam on both sides.
- DRL, parking light, amber turn signal, hazards, and the sequential and switchback behaviour.
- Startup animation, once the road-light functions pass.
- Cycle the ignition twice and confirm no dashboard warning, flicker or intermittent operation.
Step 11: Set the Beam Aim
With both headlights in, park square to a flat wall about 25 feet away on level ground, mark the height of each beam centre, and bring the cut-off line level and even across both sides. A projector aimed too high is worse for oncoming traffic than the lamp it replaced.
Only then refit the front-end trim, confirming no wire is stretched or pinched.
Common Issues and Solutions
One lamp does not turn on. Recheck the main connector lock, the related fuse and the battery connection.
Swap test. If a headlight still does not work, swap the left and right units to find out whether the issue is the light or the car's wiring.
One function does not work. Confirm you fitted the adapter for your trim — halogen and HID/Xenon take different ones — and that the connector is fully seated.
Warning, flicker or hyperflash. Confirm any included decoder, resistor or relay is connected and secured.
The lamp will not sit flush. A mounting tab has not engaged. Back it out and reseat it rather than tightening the bolts down onto it.
Beam pattern is too high or uneven. Recheck lamp seating first, then adjust the aim on a flat surface.
Condensation inside the headlight. 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.
