BTS installation guide · 2016–2023 Tacoma

Install a Tacoma under-bumper reverse-light kit

Mount the pair, connect the vehicle adapter and relay harness, then choose automatic reverse activation or manual override. For the DD7159–DD7162 C1 and C2 2.0 kits, with DD7158 adapter.

Identify the system and choose the switch location

For 2016–2023 Tacoma. Tools in the manufacturer guide include 12 mm and 10 mm sockets, a 5/32-inch Allen key, a 3/8-inch wrench and wire strippers. The original photographs demonstrate C1 pods; C2 2.0 uses the same vehicle connection procedure with its matching pod hardware.

Switch position White main-beam operation
1 Follows the factory backup-light signal
2 Manual override: turns the pods on independently
OFF White reverse lamps remain off

If manual override is not needed, the manufacturer permits leaving the switch in Position 1 and securing it in the engine bay. The red running-light accent is a separate function; this kit is not a C1R brake/strobe system.

Manufacturer demonstration of the under-bumper kit, taillight adapter and harness route.

Watch on YouTube

1. Remove the underside bumper bolt

Use the 12 mm socket to remove the factory bolt under one side of the rear bumper.

Remove the original underside bumper bolt.
Remove the original underside bumper bolt.

2. Fit the universal bracket

Reuse that bolt to secure the supplied bracket. Its curved portion faces toward the rear of the truck.

The universal bracket reuses the factory bumper bolt.
The universal bracket reuses the factory bumper bolt.

3. Mount the pod

Use the supplied hardware to attach the C1 or C2 pod. With the 5/32-inch Allen key and 3/8-inch wrench, tighten it enough to hold position while still allowing a firm pivot for aiming. Repeat Steps 1–3 on the opposite side.

Manufacturer C1 example mounted under the bumper; follow the matching hardware for your pod.
Manufacturer C1 example mounted under the bumper; follow the matching hardware for your pod.

4. Remove the taillight bolts

Lower the tailgate to expose the three side bolts. Remove them with the 10 mm socket.

Three taillight bolts are reached with the tailgate lowered.
Three taillight bolts are reached with the tailgate lowered.

5. Release the taillight housing

Hold the top and bottom of the housing and pull it outward to release it.

Remove the housing without pulling on its wiring.
Remove the housing without pulling on its wiring.

6. Disconnect the lower connectors

Disconnect the two lower connectors at the back of the taillight.

The two lower taillight connectors used by the adapter.
The two lower taillight connectors used by the adapter.

7. Connect the vehicle adapter

Insert the supplied Tacoma adapter inline between the factory harness and the taillight connectors.

Original annotated image identifies the inline adapter connections.
Original annotated image identifies the inline adapter connections.

8. Feed the signal lead down

Route the female two-pin AMP connector lead down through the taillight cavity alongside the factory loom.

Route the adapter lead down beside the original wiring.
Route the adapter lead down beside the original wiring.

9. Refit the taillight

Return the housing to position and reinstall all three factory bolts.

Refit and secure the original taillight after routing the adapter lead.
Refit and secure the original taillight after routing the adapter lead.

10. Connect power and ground

On the universal relay harness, connect the black ring terminal to battery negative or a suitable factory ground. Connect the red ring terminal to battery positive.

11. Mount the relay

Secure the relay near the battery in a suitable protected location.

12. Position the switch

For manual override, route the switch loom through a protected firewall route into the cabin. A new switch opening requires a 3/4-inch (19 mm) hole. Reconnect and secure the switch. If override is not needed, secure the switch in the engine bay in Position 1.

Manufacturer example of routing from the engine bay toward the switch location.
Manufacturer example of routing from the engine bay toward the switch location.

13. Route the harness under the truck

Run the output loom along the vehicle, following a protected path near the wheel well and avoiding hot or moving parts. Disconnect the universal splice section at the AMP connector: that section is not used because this kit has the Tacoma adapter.

Remove the unused universal section and use the Tacoma adapter connection.
Remove the unused universal section and use the Tacoma adapter connection.

14. Connect the pods and signal adapter

Connect the DT plugs to the rear of each pod and join the AMP connection from the taillight adapter to the universal harness.

Connect the pod harness and route it clear of the lamp mounting hardware.
Connect the pod harness and route it clear of the lamp mounting hardware.

15. Aim and secure the pair

Set the beam direction with the lamps still installed. Tighten the pivot hardware using the 5/32-inch Allen key and 3/8-inch wrench. Test reverse-triggered operation, OFF, manual override if installed, and the separate red accent. Aim the white Flood beams away from other road users.

Choose the kit or replacement adapter

C1 Sport / Pro kits · C2 2.0 Sport / Pro kits · DD7158 adapter

Original manufacturer Tacoma guide

Plan the rest of your Tacoma lighting

Compare 2016–2023 Tacoma lighting options · Read the Tacoma lighting buying guide. Check equipment, complete-kit contents and the illustrated instructions before choosing.