Buy Toyota Sequoia Headlight Assembly

Quick Take

Toyota Sequoia headlights-also called headlamps, front lamps, or lighting units-have evolved from halogen reflector assemblies in the first-generation SUV to full LED projector modules with automatic leveling on the 2023-present models. They share basic service points across years (two headlight units, separate low- and high-beam bulbs, individual fuses/relays) but differ in bulb size, wiring, and aiming hardware. U.S. law (FMVSS 108) limits their height to 22-54 inches above the road and sets brightness and beam-pattern rules, while state inspectors check those limits during annual safety tests. Because headlights affect both safety ratings and nighttime comfort, owners often upgrade to LED or projector conversions, reseal housings to stop moisture, and adjust the beam after suspension or lift changes.

Generations & Fit

• 2001-2007 (1st Gen.) - Uses a composite reflector housing. Low/high share a dual-filament 9003/H4 bulb. Parking-lamp bulb is 168/194. (XenonPro)
• 2008-2022 (2nd Gen.) - Switched to separate low-beam (H11) and high-beam (9005) bulbs; fog light uses 9145. LED lamps appeared on some late-run trims. (XenonPro)
• 2023-present (3rd Gen.) - Standard LED projector headlights with manual leveling, DRLs, and auto on/off across all grades. (Toyota)

Because the 2023 body is new, prior housings will not swap forward, and vice-versa. Always match parts by model year and sub-trim.

Bulb & Fuse Specs

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*See interactive fuse diagrams for exact slot numbers by year.

Tip: A blown headlight fuse often disables both sides on the same circuit, so check fuses first when both lamps go dark.

Construction Basics

Sequoia headlight assemblies use molded polycarbonate lenses bonded to ABS or polypropylene housings. Interior reflectors are vapor-deposited aluminum. Late-model LEDs sit on aluminum heat-sinks and are cooled by airflow or passive fins. All OEM units carry a "DOT SAE" mark showing they meet Federal headlight rules. (, NHTSA)

Sealant beads (butyl on earlier trucks, polyurethane on many 2023+ lamps) keep water out. When that seal fails, condensation forms; resealing with fresh butyl ribbon fixes most leaks.

Legal & Safety

• Height limits - FMVSS 108 and parallel state codes cap mounting height at 54 in (center of bulb) and no lower than 22 in. (Federal Register, Maine State Legislature)
• Beam aim - The cutoff must drop roughly 2 in at 25 ft for lifted SUVs to avoid glare. Many states verify aim during inspection. (Toyota Tundra Forum)
• Adaptive LEDs - U.S. law now allows adaptive-driving-beam tech (2022 rule) but the Sequoia uses fixed projectors. (Federal Register)
• Recalls - Owners can enter a VIN on the Toyota Recall Lookup site to check for headlight or wiring recalls.
• Crash ratings - IIHS factors headlight performance into its Top Safety Pick awards, rewarding models with "good" or "acceptable" lamps. (IIHS)

DIY Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the radiator-grille clips and front trim.
3. Unbolt the headlamp (10 mm bolts) and slide it forward.
4. Twist out the bulb sockets or unplug LED harness.
5. Reverse to install; torque bolts snug, not overtight. A step-by-step video for 2008-2022 trucks shows each fastener location. (YouTube)

Aiming: Park 25 ft from a wall on level ground, mark bulb center height, then turn the vertical adjuster with a #2 Phillips until the cutoff lies 2 in below the mark. Follow Toyota's two-bolt method in their service manuals. (attachments.priuschat.com)

Troubleshooting

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For wiring colors and pin functions, owners often consult Tundra/Sequoia diagrams: green = low, sky-blue = high, gray = ground, white = DRL. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Upgrades & Mods

• Plug-and-Play LEDs - Many owners install H11/9005 LED retrofit bulbs in 2008-2022 housings. A Sequoia forum thread reports good focus when using mini-projector style inserts. (Reddit)
• Full Projector Swaps - 2018+ OEM LED units bolt into some earlier second-gen trucks with minor wiring tweaks and provide brighter, cleaner cutoff compared with budget aftermarket lamps. (Toyota Tundra Forum)
• Off-Road Light Bars - Third-gen models accept OEM-style ditch-light brackets; ensure any auxiliary lamp is covered on public roads to stay FMVSS compliant.
• Clear-Lens Restorations - Wet-sand with 2000-grit, polish, then apply UV hard-coat spray. This adds years to older plastic lenses.
• Smart Bulb Temp - Choose LEDs around 5000-6000 K to keep white light without excessive blue glare, following NHTSA guidance on visible radiation. (NHTSA)

Care Tips

• Wash lenses with mild car-wash soap; harsh cleaners dull the UV coating.
• Keep the vent tubes clear so moisture can escape.
• Check headlight aim twice a year or after adding heavy cargo or suspension lifts.
• Replace bulbs in pairs; new bulbs are brighter than old ones.
• Carry a spare fuse pack in the glove box-fuse slots are easy to reach on the Sequoia. (YouTube)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb fits my 2010 Sequoia low beam?
A: The 2008-2022 trucks use an H11 low-beam bulb and a 9005 high-beam bulb. (XenonPro)

Q: How tall can my lifted Sequoia be before the headlights are illegal?
A: Federal rules say the bulb center cannot sit higher than 54 inches or lower than 22 inches above the road, no matter the lift. (Federal Register)

Q: My new LED bulbs flick on and off. Why?
A: Some LEDs draw little current, so the truck's lamp-out monitor thinks the bulb has failed. Add a 6-ohm load resistor or an LED-specific relay harness. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Q: Do 2023 LED headlamps fit my 2015 Sequoia?
A: Not directly. The 2023 body panels, brackets, and multi-pin LED driver harness differ from the older housing. Custom brackets and wiring splices would be required. (Toyota Tundra Forum)

Q: How do I stop water drops inside my lens?
A: Remove the lamp, warm it with a hair-dryer to evaporate moisture, then run fresh butyl sealant along the joint before reinstalling. (eCFR)

Q: Are adaptive headlights available?
A: U.S. regulators approved adaptive-driving-beam systems in 2022, but Toyota has not included them on the Sequoia yet. (Federal Register)

Q: Where is the headlight fuse on a 2021 model?
A: Open the engine-bay box; look for the 15 A "HEAD LP LO" and "HEAD LP HI" mini-fuses near the front edge. A diagram is on the box cover. (StartMyCar)

Outbound resources for deeper reading:

• Toyota Recall Lookup - check VIN for campaigns.
• FMVSS 108 full text - federal lighting rules.
• IIHS vehicle ratings search - crash-test and headlight scores.

These links open in a new tab so visitors can verify specifications, safety standards, and official procedures themselves.