Replace both headlight bulbs on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4. This procedure involves accessing the bulb housings from under the hood and replacing the low beam halogen bulbs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• H11 halogen headlight bulb × 2 — H11 55W (low beam)

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. Put on clean gloves to prevent oil transfer to new bulbs

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate driver side headlight assembly
   From under the hood, locate the driver side headlight assembly. The low beam bulb socket is positioned toward the center of the vehicle. You will see a round dust cover on the back of the headlight housing approximately 4 inches in diameter.
2. 2

   Remove driver side bulb dust cover
   Rotate the rubber dust cover counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight back to remove. Set aside in a clean location to prevent contamination.
3. 3

   Disconnect driver side bulb connector
   Grasp the electrical connector attached to the bulb base and pull straight back firmly to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires. If connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle while pulling.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bulb retaining clip
   The bulb is held in place by a wire retaining clip. Press down on the clip tab and push it toward the driver side fender to unhook it. Swing the clip out of the way to release the bulb.
5. 5

   Extract driver side old bulb
   Carefully pull the old bulb straight out of the headlight housing. Note the orientation of the bulb tabs - the new bulb must be installed in the same position. Inspect the socket for any corrosion or debris and clean if necessary.
6. 6

   Install driver side new bulb
   Without touching the glass portion, insert the new H11 bulb into the housing. Align the tabs on the bulb base with the slots in the socket. Push the bulb fully into position until it seats completely.
7. 7

   Secure driver side retaining clip
   Swing the wire retaining clip back over the bulb base. Press it firmly into the locked position - you should hear or feel a positive click when properly secured.
8. 8

   Reconnect driver side electrical connector and dust cover
   Push the electrical connector onto the bulb base until it clicks into place. Reinstall the rubber dust cover by aligning the tabs and rotating clockwise 1/4 turn until secure. Ensure the dust cover seals completely to prevent moisture intrusion.
9. 9

   Locate passenger side headlight assembly
   Move to the passenger side of the engine bay. The passenger side bulb access is similar to the driver side but may have more limited space due to air intake components. Locate the round dust cover on the back of the passenger headlight housing.
10. 10

    Replace passenger side bulb
    Repeat steps 2 through 8 for the passenger side headlight. The passenger side may require reaching around the air intake duct. Take care not to disturb or damage any hoses or wiring in the area. The removal and installation process is identical to the driver side.

Reassembly

1. Verify both dust covers are fully seated and rotated to locked position
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are firmly attached
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and turn on headlights to low beam position
• Verify both headlights illuminate with equal brightness
• Check that high beams also function properly by cycling the headlight switch
• Visually inspect from outside vehicle that both bulbs are properly aligned and there is no light leakage around dust covers
• If either bulb does not illuminate, turn off vehicle and verify connector is fully seated and retaining clip is properly engaged

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