There are a ton of awesome features on the Tacoma. But at the same time, no truck is perfect.
Lighting tends to be a shortcoming for most auto manufacturers. Not only are most factory lights pretty weak on output, but they tend to be full of chrome and aren’t the most visually appealing. The side view mirror turn signals on many trims of the 3rd Gen Tacoma are a perfect example.
While the idea of a turn signal in the mirrors is a great idea, the OEM Tacoma version has a pretty weak output and a bunch of chrome. Most people, like myself, do not like chrome. Car Trim Home has a great aftermarket upgrade alternative to the factory one.
Not only does this option get rid of the chrome for a sleeker look, but it also has a dynamic, sequential pattern. This means that the entire thing doesn’t flash all at once. Instead, from front to back, the LEDs inside are lit up in series to create a pattern that moves throughout the length of the signal.
Aesthetically speaking, this is a pretty noticeable upgrade. Not only is it more visible, especially in the daytime, but it looks beyond cool. And, not to mention, this is an easy swap that won’t break the bank. This article will serve as an installation guide and a quick review.
Find It Online
- 2016-2023 Tacoma LED Turn Signals: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Features & Specifications
- Kit includes two side mirror turn signals
- Direct OEM/factory replacement
- Smoked housing color
- Long lifespan
- Increased safety
- 100% Waterproof
- Quick and easy installation
- LED sequentials in an orange/amber color
Installation
This installation is incredibly easy. Even if you’ve never done any kind of aftermarket installs before, this one should not give you a hard time. Just be patient with removing the covers and various pieces, and you’ll do just fine.
The only tool you need is a Phillips head screwdriver. You can use your hands for the rest. A plastic pry tool kit might be a good idea too if that makes you feel more comfortable with the process.
Step 1. Remove Plastic Cover
I did the install portion solo, so it was a bit tough to get some of the angles.
The first step is to remove the top of the side mirror housing. You can do so by starting to lightly pull at the top corner right where my thumb is in the image above. Pry that end off first and then slowly make your way around the rest of the housing.
Once you get the cover off, the internals of the mirror will look like the image above.
You don’t need to remove any other covers except this top one.
For reference, I took a shot of the inside of the side mirror cover.
You can see where all of the tabs sit so you can get a better idea of how it’s attached to the housing.
Step 2. Remove Two Screws
As you can see above, I’m pointing to the two screws that hold the turn signal in place.
Simply remove these screws with your screwdriver and lay them somewhere where you won’t misplace them.
Step 3. Undo Clip
Before you try and remove the turn signal itself, you need to release the clips that hold the plastic piece.
You can see the large clip above, right in the middle of the image. You can use your fingers to squeeze the two ends together and it will pop right out.
Step 4. Remove Turn Signal
To remove the factory turn signal, lightly and carefully pry back the piece which you unscrewed and released the tabs on in the previous steps.
It might take some wiggling, but eventually, you’ll get it freed and hanging as seen above.
There is only one harness attached to the turn signal.
Push on the edge of the harness to release the clip and remove it completely.
Step 5. Connect New Turn Signal
Another super simple step…
Just take the end of your new turn signal and plug it into the factory harness.
Step 6. Install Into Housing
Much the same way you removed the factory turn signal, you will now install the new one. Again, take your time here and start by feeding the new signal in the bottom of the housing and it will eventually snap into place.
In the image above, you can see that I’m pointing to a plastic knob that fits into the turn signal. Just make sure that this knob is fully seated into the housing before you replace the screws.
Tuck the excess wiring behind the assembly.
Make sure that the wires run neatly through the small channel, as seen in the image above.
Replace the screws you removed at the beginning of your install, pop the cover back on, and that’s it! Repeat on the other side.
You’re all done. Super straightforward install that shouldn’t take more than 15-30 minutes total.
Finished Product
How clean is that?! Looks so good.
Final Thoughts
It’s tough to highlight the sequential feature, but I was able to get a shot of the turn signal completely lit up.
As you can see, it’s the middle of the day and the sun is shining with no cloud cover. Even in broad daylight, these lights are incredibly bright. This little modification will run you about $50 and is a subtle touch that makes a big difference. Safety is improved because they are brighter and more pronounced, and you got rid of that unsightly chrome.
Bottom line, this is a simple upgrade that adds a nice touch to your 3rd Gen Tacoma and ensures people can see you better on the road. I have no complaints…except maybe that I didn’t do this sooner!
