Should You Repair Or Replace A Toyota Headlight Switch?

A headlight switch is a part you use pretty often in your Toyota. It's a switch inside your Toyota's cabin that allows you to control the headlights. It's located on the driver's left side, and it comes in the form of a:

  • Lever mounted on the steering column
  • Knob mounted on the dash
  • Button mounted on the dash

The headlight switch is used to turn your headlights on and off. You can also use it to switch between high beams and low beams.

If you're driving when it starts to get dark and you need to turn on your headlights, the headlight switch is a part that needs to work. If you try to turn them on and nothing happens, what do you do? Do you scrap the headlight switch altogether? Or do you spend hours trying to find where the problem is so you can try to repair it?

First, Is The Headlight Switch Broken?

camry headlight switch

Image Credit: CamryForums

The headlight system in your Toyota is quite complex. There are many different parts that work together. If you're experiencing issues with your headlights, it doesn't necessarily mean that the switch is broken. Before ordering a replacement headlight switch, try to confirm that it's the reason your headlights aren't working.

If you think the switch is the problem, know that there are many different reasons a headlight switch can fail. Sometimes the headlight switch gets stripped out so bad that it won't turn on your headlights at all. Other times it gets stuck in one place and stays there until you manually move it. It can also get corroded from water. Or it can simply wear down from use over time, which is normal since you use this part often when driving.

If you've ruled out the other common Toyota headlight problems, the headlight switch may be the problem. Some of the most common signs of a failed headlight switch include:

  • Difficulty switching between headlight modes
  • Issues keeping the high beam engaged
  • Inability to turn on the headlights
  • Hardware issues with the switch (i.e. sticking switch)

It's Easier To Replace The Headlight Switch

If you've determined that the headlight switch has gone bad, you have two options:

  • Repair the headlight switch
  • Replace the headlight switch

Unless you have tons of experience fixing headlight switches, it's much easier to replace it.

Repairing a broken headlight switch is no simple task. The wiring of a Toyota headlight system varies depending on which year/model/trim level you have. Even then, all the headlight systems are pretty complex. It's a tough job taking the switch apart and checking the wiring and connectors to try to find the problem. So many things could go wrong. For example, you may lose tiny components or hardware during the process. or you may not be able to put it back together the right way. To succeed at repairing a headlight switch, you would need:

  • Extensive knowledge and experience with your Toyota's wiring
  • A wiring diagram
  • Deep knowledge of the headlight switch and all its components

Replacing a headlight switch is also cheaper than repairing it. The part itself costs between $70 and a few hundred dollars, depending on the model.

If you try to fix it yourself, you're likely looking at hours of tinkering around with the switch and its components. Again, there's no guarantee that it'll end up being fixed. Your time is worth something, too. It

It makes much more sense to order a replacement headlight switch and install it in your Toyota.

Find The Right OEM Headlight Switch For Your Toyota

OEM parts are direct replacements of the stock parts on your car. So it makes sense to get an OEM headlight switch. They're made specifically for your car and come with all the parts and hardware that you need.

You can get your replacement headlight switch from us. We offer a huge selection of genuine OEM Toyota replacement parts, including headlight switches. All you need to do is look up your Toyota model, and you'll get the right part number for your vehicle.

How To Replace A Toyota Headlight Switch: An Overview

Replacing a Toyota headlight switch is a time-consuming process, but it's still doable if you have the right tools. To ensure a successful replacement, find a model-specific tutorial. You can find one on Google or YouTube.

If you're not sure if this is the type of job you can tackle, here's an overview of the process for a lever type of headlight switch:

  1. Disconnect the car battery and airbag connectors
  2. Disconnect and remove the steering wheel
  3. Remove the steering column panel
  4. Replace the headlight switch
  5. Put everything back together in the reverse order of removal

The difficulty of the job may vary between Toyota models. It may be easier to replace a knob-style switch than it is to replace a lever-style switch. It's a good idea to go over a model-specific tutorial to figure out if it's a job you can do on your own.