This procedure covers the replacement of a failed HID ballast on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with factory HID headlights, typically located behind the headlight assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HID Ballast (left or right side as needed) × 1 — Denso DDLT003 or equivalent OEM
• Dielectric grease packet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is cool and vehicle is parked on level ground with parking brake engaged
2. Open hood and secure with prop rod
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 5 minutes for HID system capacitors to discharge
4. Identify which ballast has failed (driver or passenger side) - ballast failure typically causes one headlight not to illuminate or to flicker
5. Access working area by removing engine cover if present on your model year

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove inner fender liner clips
   Turn the steering wheel fully in the opposite direction of the side being serviced (turn right to access driver side, left for passenger side). Remove the two or three plastic push clips securing the front portion of the inner fender liner to access the ballast from behind the headlight assembly. You do not need to remove the entire liner.
2. 2

   Access ballast mounting area
   Pull back the inner fender liner to expose the back of the headlight assembly. The HID ballast is mounted to a bracket behind the headlight housing. Use your flashlight to locate the rectangular metal ballast unit with electrical connectors attached.
3. 3

   Disconnect ballast electrical connectors
   Locate the two electrical connectors on the ballast: one input connector from the vehicle harness and one output connector to the HID bulb. Press the release tab on each connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves. The connectors may be stiff from age.
4. 4

   Remove ballast mounting bolts
   Remove the two or three mounting bolts securing the ballast to its bracket using a 10mm socket. The ballast is typically secured with module mounting bolts. Keep these bolts for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove failed ballast
   Once the mounting bolts are removed, carefully extract the ballast from its mounting location. You may need to tilt or rotate it slightly to clear the bracket and surrounding components. Inspect the mounting bracket for corrosion or damage.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting area
   Inspect the ballast mounting bracket and electrical connectors for corrosion, damage, or moisture intrusion. Clean the mounting surface with a clean cloth. Check that the rubber seals on both connectors are intact and properly seated. If connectors show green corrosion, clean with electrical contact cleaner.
7. 7

   Install new ballast
   Position the new ballast onto the mounting bracket in the same orientation as the old unit. The connectors should face the appropriate direction for easy connection. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
8. 8

   Torque ballast mounting bolts
   Tighten the ballast mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench in a cross-pattern if multiple bolts are present. Do not overtighten as this can crack the ballast housing.
   Torque spec

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

   Apply dielectric grease and reconnect electrical connectors
   Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the terminals inside both electrical connectors to prevent corrosion. Reconnect the vehicle harness connector first, then the HID bulb connector. Push firmly until you hear and feel each connector click into place. Verify both locking tabs are fully engaged.
10. 10

    Reinstall inner fender liner
    Reposition the inner fender liner and reinstall all plastic push clips. Ensure the liner is properly seated and aligned before pushing clips fully into place.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn on the headlights to verify the new ballast functions correctly. The HID bulb should illuminate within 1-2 seconds and reach full brightness within 15-30 seconds. Check for proper beam pattern and no flickering.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before testing
2. Verify inner fender liner is properly secured to prevent rubbing on tire during turns
3. Reinstall engine cover if it was removed during preparation

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn on headlights - both HID headlights should illuminate steadily within 1-2 seconds
• Allow HID bulbs to warm up for 30 seconds and verify both reach full brightness with no flickering or color difference
• Turn headlights off and on several times to confirm consistent ballast operation
• Check for proper high and low beam function on the repaired side
• Turn steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary to ensure fender liner does not contact tire
• Inspect for any warning lights on the dashboard - no bulb out or electrical warnings should be present

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