2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma · Step-by-step installation
2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma Ditch Light Installation & Wiring Guide
Installing LED ditch lights on a 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma? This illustrated walkthrough follows our FUZED LED F1 Black Series installation video, covering hood-hinge brackets, wiring through the firewall, dual-switch quick connectors, relay mounting, aiming, and a nighttime low-vs-high-beam test.
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Before you begin
What comes with the Tacoma ditch light kit?
The standard FUZED LED kit includes two F1 Black Series 3-inch dual-beam LED pods, Tacoma-specific hood-hinge brackets, a relay wiring harness, a dual push-button switch with quick-connect wiring, and mounting hardware. A dedicated relay mounting bracket is available as an optional upgrade.
Tools and preparation
Exact tool checklist: Tools Included: Torx bit wrench, Allen wrench, Wire Puller.
Tools needed (Not Included): 13MM Wrench (For Pod Bracket Bolt), 12MM Socket + Ratchet or 12MM Wrench (For Hood Hinge Bolts), 10MM Socket + Ratchet or 10MM Wrench (For Battery Nuts).
Watch the installation
Complete Tacoma ditch light install video
Follow the real Tacoma installation from bracket mounting through switch wiring, final aiming, and nighttime output comparisons.
Prefer watching on YouTube? Open the installation video.
Photo walkthrough
How to install LED ditch lights on a 2016–2023 Tacoma
First complete the pod-bracket preparation below, then follow Steps 1–13 in the same order as the numbered installation photos. Each step links to the relevant moment in the video.
Before Starting: Remove the mounting bracket from each LED pod
Before starting Step 1, use the supplied Torx/star-bit wrench to remove the two screws holding the mounting bracket to each F1 Black Series LED pod. Set the screws aside and separate the brackets from the pods. This allows you to install the bracket hardware first and attach the lights afterward.
Step 1: Install the Tacoma hood-hinge bracket
Support the hood and work on one hinge at a time. Remove the upper hinge bolt and loosely position the Tacoma-specific ditch-light bracket. Maintain support as you loosen the lower bolt, swing the bracket into place, and reinstall it. Use the original hinge marks to help maintain alignment, check clearance, then tighten the factory fasteners. On the passenger side, temporarily move the washer-fluid hose and return it afterward.
Step 2: Attach the LED pod mounting bracket
Fasten the mounting bracket removed during preparation to the Tacoma hood-hinge ditch-light mount. Leave the pod adjustment hardware loose enough for final aiming.
Step 3: Mount the LED pod and repeat on the other side
Align the pod with the mounting bracket and install its screws. Repeat the mounting process on the driver side. Open the hood fully to verify clearance between the pods, windshield and surrounding parts.
Step 4: Lay out the relay wiring harness
Before connecting battery power, lay the harness across the engine bay. Position the relays near the battery, the longer pod lead toward the passenger side, and the switch leads toward the firewall.
Step 5: Route the switch wires through the firewall
Use the supplied pull-through hook to guide the switch wires through an existing rubber firewall grommet as demonstrated. Protect factory wiring and make sure the grommet remains sealed.
Step 6: Install and connect the dual push-button switch
Choose the available factory-style switch opening that matches the switch option you ordered. Remove the blank, seat the switch and use the included quick connectors to connect the harness leads. In the filmed kit, the harness white wire connects to the switch green wire; other leads match colors. Confirm wiring against your supplied kit instructions before connecting power. The optional backlight is not wired in this video.
Step 7: Install the optional relay mounting bracket
If you purchased the optional relay mounting bracket, install it in the demonstrated engine-bay location using the supplied hardware. This bracket is not part of the standard kit.
Step 8: Secure the relays
Fasten the relay assembly to the optional bracket if equipped, or secure it in a suitable protected location following the harness instructions. Keep the wiring away from heat and moving parts.
Step 9: Connect the LED pod wiring
Route the pod leads through the openings beside the hood seal. Align each keyed connector, push it together and tighten its locking collar. Repeat on both sides and avoid pinching the harness.
Step 10: Connect the wiring harness to the battery
With the ignition off, connect the harness battery terminals according to the supplied wiring instructions. On a conventional negative-ground vehicle, if battery terminals were disconnected, reconnect positive first and negative last.
Step 11: Test the low and high beam functions
Operate the dual switch and verify the low beam and high beam activate independently and together. If either mode does not work, disconnect power before checking connections.
Step 12: Tuck away and secure the harness
Bundle extra wiring and secure it along existing safe routing points using zip ties, as demonstrated. Keep all wires clear of the hood mechanism, hot components, sharp edges and moving parts.
Step 13: Aim and tighten the ditch lights
Remove the protective film from the lenses. Aim the pods to your preferred off-road coverage, tighten the lower mounting nuts with a 13 mm wrench and secure the side adjustment screws using the supplied Torx/star-bit wrench. Verify hood and windshield clearance once more.
Real-world output
Low beam vs. high beam: Tacoma ditch light night test
The F1 Black Series pods have independently controlled low- and high-beam flood modes. The video shows low beam, high beam, and both beams activated together on a dark road.
1,181 lux at 20 feet
In the filmed test, the hotspot measured 1,181 lux at 20 feet with both pods on and both beam functions active. This is an illuminance measurement at the test point, not a lumen rating; results depend on aiming and conditions.
See the comparison starting at 9:18 in the video.
Common installation questions
Tacoma ditch light installation FAQs
Will the hood still open with the ditch lights installed?
Yes, the hood still opens and closes without any clearance issues with our ditch light kit installed.
Do I need to splice wires to install the switch?
We include quick connects to easily wire the switch to the relay harness once ran through the firewall.
Which switch option fits my Tacoma?
Check your factory switch panel (located to the left and below your steering wheel) - You may have a larger blank space available or a smaller blank space available. Order according to which blank area you have available to add the switch.
Is the relay mounting bracket included?
No. The dedicated relay mounting bracket is an optional add-on; the standard kit includes the relay wiring harness.
Can low and high beams run separately?
Yes. The dual switch controls the low- and high-beam flood functions independently, and both can be turned on together.
Can I use these lights on public roads?
We do not recommend running these lights while facing oncoming traffic. These should be considered brighter than your high beam headlights and will cause an extreme amount of glare for other drivers on the road.
More Tacoma lighting upgrades
Find the right headlight, fog light, and replacement bulbs for your Tacoma
Upgrading your ditch lights is just one way to improve your Tacoma’s lighting. If you’re also planning a headlight, fog light, reverse light, or other bulb upgrade, check our Toyota Tacoma light bulb size guide for bulb-size and lighting-location information.
Year-range note: The linked bulb guide is currently labeled for 2016–2021 Toyota Tacoma models. This ditch light installation guide covers 2016–2023 Tacomas; do not assume the bulb-guide fitment extends to 2022–2023 without verification.
Ready to upgrade your Tacoma?
Our complete FUZED LED kit combines the 3-inch dual-beam pods, Tacoma-specific hood-hinge brackets, quick-connect switch wiring, and relay harness shown in this guide.