Toyota 4Runner Headlights

Over time, electrical issues with your headlight assembly come up. Aside from causing you a great deal of hassle, these glitches could actually lead to hazardous driving situations. Your Toyota 4Runner headlight assembly consists of various components that work together in order to give you sufficient illumination during low-visibility driving condition. Malfunction in any of these parts could cause the whole assembly to be incapable of providing the necessary lighting. Here are the components that usually fail in a Toyota 4Runner headlight assembly and what you could do about them:

Burnt-out bulb

If one of your headlights is not working, the first thing to check is the bulb. Since bulbs have a limited lifespan, it is natural for them to burn out eventually. How long they are used and the amount of vibration they are exposed to are factors that affect their longevity. However, if the bulbs are in good condition, inspect the socket and wires connected to them for corrosion and discoloration. Also, make sure that these parts are clean. Replace worn-out parts or simply tighten those that have loosened.

Faulty wire

If both of your headlights are not functioning, you need to check the connecting wires for short circuit, which could be due to moisture or damage. Moisture buildup usually results from a worn-out or defective seal in the headlight lens. In this case, the seal needs to be changed. Don't forget to dry up the moisture and clean the headlight assembly before anything else. Also, look for an exposed wire that could be touching a grounded metal part and have it replaced.

Blown fuse

Another possible reason for a malfunctioning headlight is a blown fuse, which could be identified if the metal strip inside is broken. You need to remove the fuse and replace it. Make sure that the replacement fuse is with the same amperage as the old one.

Inconsistent brightness

Sometimes, you may notice that the brightness of your headlights changes during acceleration. In this case, the problem may not exactly be within the headlight assembly but in some other system or component like the alternator. A bad alternator usually affects the current flowing through the car's battery, and as a result, there is insufficient electricity transmitted into the headlights. Verify the suspected problem with the alternator and do the necessary measure.

The 4Runner is one of Toyota’s most popular nameplates. This model is most known for innovating the mid-sized SUV segment. Converted from the Hilux, the Toyota 4Runner paved the way for truck-based SUVs to break into the scene in the mid to late 80s. It boasts rugged styling, superior towing capacity, and ride comfort.

But like any other vehicle, it’s normal for electric and mechanical parts to break down over time. One component that may require replacement is Toyota 4Runner headlights.

Cracked headlight lenses

Due to the location of the headlight assembly above the bumper, most vehicle owners have to deal with collision damage on their headlight lenses at some point. Cracked lenses may shorten the service life of a headlight bulb because of exposure to dirt, water, and debris.

Cloudy lenses

Over time, headlights may appear cloudy or yellow because of oxidation. Moisture buildup inside the assembly is common among older vehicles with cracked lenses or headlight housing that have been not been replaced. Left unfixed, oxidized lenses can make your headlights appear dim and reduce its light output.

One or both headlights are out

Headlight bulbs nearing the end of their service life may burn out one at a time. Your vehicle will most likely only need a Toyota 4Runner headlight bulb replacement when this happens. This is often the case for halogen headlights installed on older model years. If you are replacing a faulty halogen bulb, you may want to consider upgrading to Toyota 4Runner LED headlights that are designed to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle.

If both bulbs go out at the same time, the most probable cause is an electrical issue. This symptom could be related to power, switch, or relay problems. It’s best to seek the expertise of a licensed mechanic who can check and accurately diagnose the circuit.

The headlights are an integral component of your vehicle’s safety system. These forward-facing lights aid driver visibility in low light conditions. The operation of these lights is not just critical for your safety, but also for the safety of other vehicles on the road. 

Warning lights inside the headlight assembly help you safely navigate the road by alerting other drivers of your intention to switch lanes or make a turn. The ability to switch between low and high beam settings also allow drivers to observe road obstacles and pedestrians in poorly lit areas without blinding oncoming traffic.

There have been four generations of the Toyota 4Runner. Each model year carries parts that may vary in fit and design. OE replacement Toyota 4Runner headlights may cost you around $30 for a single unit and up to $300 for a kit.

To make sure that you are getting the right headlights for your SUV, use CarParts.com’s built-in vehicle selector. Simply plug in your complete vehicle information to narrow down your search to all compatible parts.

Regularly clean your headlight assembly.

Exterior

Because your headlight assembly is in the front end of your vehicle, it is inevitable for dirt to get stuck on it. So before it hardens and becomes difficult to remove, clean your headlights using the proper cleaners like the aluminum polishing compound. This cleaning substance is effective in restoring oxidized headlights as well. However, if the dirt is just mild, washing the surface of your headlights with car soap will do.

Look closely for scratches and polish your headlight lens with an abrasive compound. However, if the scratch is deep enough for your fingernail to fit in, fill it in with resin instead and sand it until it comes back to its original state.

Interior

Tidy up your headlight assembly from the inside, too. Spray on some glass cleaner on the headlight lens and main housing and wipe them clean with paper towels. Make sure you unplug all electrical connectors and remove the bulb from the headlight assembly before fixing the scratches. Also, remember not to touch the glass bulb with your hands. Check for moisture as well and make sure that you dry it up before putting back the headlight assembly in place.

Inspect the electrical components.

The three most important components you need to check are the bulb, the wires, and the fuse. Make sure that they are properly functioning and your headlights are giving off enough light. Should you find the bulb to be burnt out, the wires frayed, or the fuse blown, do the necessary repair or replacement. If one of your headlights is already defective and requires replacement, make sure that you still change them in pairs to attain balanced lighting.

When you got your Toyota 4Runner, it was like a dream come true. It is an SUV with the heart of a utility truck. So you drive it day and night to all destinations that you wanted. During the day, you are able to navigate well with your SUV considering all the creature comforts and amenities that Toyota equipped to the vehicle. However, when the sun sets and night envelopes the horizon, you will need more effective tools to help you reach your destination. This is why maintaining your Toyota 4Runner headlight is very important. The part illuminates your path as you make way through under the pale moonlight. It helps you spot road bogeys, signs, and oncoming traffic from afar. Therefore it allows you to react as quickly as possible. Without a functional headlight at night, you might as well be considered a speeding road hazard. To prevent that from happening here are a few ways to show your Toyota 4Runner headlight some tender loving care.

• Wash your headlight with clean water.

Wash away the dirt and other particles on the lens of your headlight with clean water. This treatment should loosen up the dirt build-up on the outer surface of the lens. Do this so often to avoid the layers of dirt from piling up over and over as you take your 4Runner out on drives. Regular washing will also prevent the build-up of stubborn materials that become harder to remove once it combines with other elements along the way.

• Scrub your lens with a sponge to bring back its clarity.

This goes side by side with the water treatment. Once you have loosened the dirt layers on the lens, we advise that you also scrub it clean. Use the same sponge or wash mitt you use to clean the panels of your car. Soak it in your favorite car cleaning solution then apply it to your headlight.

• Dry your headlight with a clean cloth.

You can avoid water seeping into the headlight assembly by keeping your headlight dry after washes. Get a clean cloth and wipe it so. Try to reach the spaces in between as well.

Tip #1: Find a safe spot where you can do your testing without being a hazard yourself.

Your safety and your SUV's are paramount when doing a diagnosis like this. To accomplish this, you have to find yourself a safe spot away from any traffic or mobile objects. This can be an open parking lot, a closed road, or other similar places. Drive to that spot and park your 4Runner in an orderly fashion. This lessens, if not eliminates, the risk of any driver from driving close to you as you perform your test.

Tip #2: Switch on your lights and check if it has a clear projection.

An effective headlight is able to project a clear beam to its intended distance. However, driving to different places and exposure to elements can take a toll on the condition of the headlight lens. To make sure that its projection is still at par to the specifications, switch on your lights and observe how much beam gets through your lens. If it looks hazy, it could mean that your lens could use some cleaning and buffing.

Tip #3: Check the bulbs on your headlight one by one to see if any of them is already busted.

For a safe drive, you want to make sure that all of the bulbs in your headlight are still functional. You can check them one at a time by switching them from your instrument control. Check for the parking lights, low beam bulb, high beam bulb, and turn signal light.