This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both headlight assemblies on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including bulb transfer and proper alignment verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver side headlight assembly × 1 — 81170-06780 (halogen) or 81170-06790 (projector)
• Passenger side headlight assembly × 1 — 81130-06780 (halogen) or 81130-06790 (projector)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off engine
2. Allow headlights to cool if recently used
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Gather all tools and new headlight assemblies
5. Verify new assemblies match original type (halogen vs. projector style)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the terminal to prevent accidental contact during the repair.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper radiator cover
   Locate and remove the plastic clips securing the upper radiator cover/sight shield above the driver side headlight. Pull the cover upward to expose the headlight mounting area. Some clips may require a flat blade screwdriver or trim tool to release.
3. 3

   Disconnect driver side headlight wiring
   Locate the three electrical connectors on the back of the driver side headlight assembly (low beam, high beam, and turn signal). Press the release tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the position of each bulb socket for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove driver side headlight mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three headlight assembly mounting bolts: one on top near the radiator support, one on the fender side (accessed from above), and one lower bolt accessible from the wheel well area or front bumper gap. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   ℹ️The lower mounting bolt may require reaching through the wheel well opening or bumper gap; use an extension if needed
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove driver side headlight assembly
   Gently pull the headlight assembly forward and away from the vehicle. It may require slight wiggling to disengage the alignment pins at the rear. Be careful not to scratch the fender or bumper during removal. Place the assembly on a clean, soft surface.
6. 6

   Transfer bulbs from driver side (if applicable)
   If the new headlight assembly does not include bulbs, remove the bulbs from the old assembly by rotating the bulb sockets counterclockwise and pulling them out. Handle halogen bulbs with gloves or clean cloth to avoid touching the glass. Install bulbs into the new assembly by inserting and rotating clockwise until secure.
7. 7

   Install new driver side headlight assembly
   Position the new headlight assembly, aligning the rear positioning pins with their receivers in the radiator support and fender. Push the assembly firmly into place until it seats flush with the body panels. Verify proper alignment before installing bolts.
8. 8

   Install driver side mounting bolts
   Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all three bolts are started, torque each bolt to specification using a torque wrench in a cross pattern (top, side, bottom) to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect driver side headlight wiring
   Reconnect the three electrical connectors (low beam, high beam, turn signal) to their respective sockets on the back of the headlight assembly. Push each connector firmly until the release tab clicks into place. Verify secure connection by gently tugging on each connector.
10. 10

    Remove passenger side upper radiator cover
    Locate and remove the plastic clips securing the upper radiator cover/sight shield above the passenger side headlight. Pull the cover upward to expose the headlight mounting area.
11. 11

    Disconnect passenger side headlight wiring
    Locate the three electrical connectors on the back of the passenger side headlight assembly. Press the release tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the position of each bulb socket for reassembly.
12. 12

    Remove passenger side headlight mounting bolts
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the three headlight assembly mounting bolts in the same locations as the driver side. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Remove passenger side headlight assembly
    Gently pull the headlight assembly forward and away from the vehicle. It may require slight wiggling to disengage the alignment pins. Place the assembly on a clean, soft surface.
14. 14

    Transfer bulbs from passenger side (if applicable)
    If needed, remove the bulbs from the old assembly and install them into the new assembly using the same procedure as the driver side. Handle bulbs with gloves or clean cloth.
15. 15

    Install new passenger side headlight assembly
    Position the new headlight assembly, aligning the rear positioning pins with their receivers. Push the assembly firmly into place until it seats flush with the body panels. Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect passenger side headlight wiring
    Reconnect the three electrical connectors to their respective sockets on the back of the headlight assembly. Verify secure connection by gently tugging on each connector.
17. 17

    Reinstall upper radiator covers
    Replace both upper radiator cover sections and secure all plastic clips. Ensure covers are seated properly and all clips are fully engaged.
18. 18

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery post. Torque the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery terminal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and latched
2. Verify headlight assemblies are flush with fender and bumper panels with no gaps
3. Confirm all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Check that upper radiator covers are properly installed and all clips are secured

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and activate headlights to verify low beams function on both sides
• Test high beams on both sides
• Activate turn signals and verify front turn signal lamps illuminate properly on both sides
• Visually inspect headlight alignment; both beams should point in the same general direction
• If headlight aim appears significantly off, professional headlight alignment may be required
• Check for any error messages or warning lights on the instrument cluster
• Verify no gaps exist between headlight assemblies and body panels

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