How to Replace Instrument Panel Lights in a Toyota Tacoma
- 1). Disconnect the truck's negative battery cable from within the engine compartment, loosening the cable clamp nut with a wrench and removing the black cable from its terminal.
- 2). Pry off the trim panel(s) surrounding the device with the burned-out bulb within the panel that needs the new light. In most cases, trim panels require a flat trim stick to remove trim.
- 3). Remove the mounting fasteners for the device and pull it out of the instrument panel. The tool needed varies depending on the device you're servicing; the instrument cluster takes a screwdriver while the radio needs a small wrench.
- 4). Turn the bulb holder in the back of the device counterclockwise and pull it out. Pull the bulb out of the holder if the replacement bulb does not come with its own holder.
- 5). Insert the new bulb into the holder if needed; hold the bulb with gloves or a clean rag to avoid getting oils on the bulb glass. Insert the bulb and holder back into the device and turn it clockwise.
- 6). Place the device back within the instrument panel and apply its fasteners. Reconnect the trim panel with its clips.
- 7). Reconnect the Tacoma's negative battery cable.