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2012 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
2 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs420Labor595Torque3702Fluid6DTC921Battery1Maintenance0Recalls2
electrical

LED Headlight Module

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
7
Steps
15

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the LED headlight module on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Allow headlights to cool for at least 15 minutes before beginning work to avoid burns from LED heat sink
Never touch LED module connectors or bulb surfaces with bare hands; use gloves to prevent premature failure
ℹ️LED headlight modules are side-specific; ensure correct left or right replacement module before installation
ℹ️This procedure applies to vehicles equipped with factory LED headlights; halogen headlight replacement differs significantly

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socketEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flat blade trim tool setEssential
Torque wrench (5-35 Nm range)Essential
Work light
Mechanic's gloves

Parts

  • LED headlight module assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or verified aftermarket equivalent
  • Push-pin retainers (if damaged) × 5 — 90467-07201 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key
  3. Allow headlights to cool for 15 minutes if recently operated
  4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for electrical system discharge

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove front bumper cover fasteners
    Remove the plastic push-pin retainers along the top edge of the bumper cover above the grille area. Use a flat blade trim tool to gently pry the center portion up, then remove the entire retainer. Remove the two Phillips screws located in the upper corners near each headlight assembly.
  2. 2
    Access wheel well liner
    Turn the steering wheel fully to the opposite side of the headlight being replaced (turn left for right headlight, right for left headlight). Remove the plastic push-pins securing the front portion of the wheel well liner to expose the side of the headlight assembly. Fold the liner back to access the headlight mounting area.
  3. 3
    Disconnect headlight electrical connectors
    Locate the main LED headlight module connector behind the headlight assembly. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight out. Disconnect the secondary connector for the daytime running light or position light if equipped. Label connectors if necessary to ensure correct reassembly.
  4. 4
    Remove upper mounting bolts
    Locate the two upper headlight mounting bolts accessible from the engine bay above the headlight assembly. Use a 10mm socket to remove these bolts. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Remove lower mounting bolt
    Access the lower headlight mounting bolt through the wheel well opening. Use a 10mm socket with extension to remove the bolt located on the lower outer corner of the headlight assembly. This bolt may be difficult to access; use proper lighting and feel for the bolt head orientation.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  6. 6
    Remove headlight assembly
    Carefully pull the headlight assembly forward and outward, disengaging it from the alignment pins and bumper cover. The assembly may require gentle wiggling to clear the fender and bumper interfaces. Support the assembly weight to prevent dropping. Set the assembly on a clean, padded surface with the lens facing up.
    Headlight assembly is fragile; do not place lens-down or apply pressure to lens surface
  7. 7
    Remove LED module cover
    On the rear of the headlight assembly, locate the LED module access cover. Remove the screws securing the cover using a Phillips screwdriver. Carefully remove the cover to expose the LED module mounting bolts.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Remove LED module mounting bolts
    Identify the LED module mounting bolts securing the module to the headlight housing. Use an 8mm socket to remove these bolts. Keep track of bolt locations as they may vary in length. Note the orientation of the module for correct installation of the replacement.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Remove LED module
    Carefully withdraw the LED module from the headlight housing. The module may have alignment pins or thermal interface material that creates slight resistance. Do not force; gently work the module free. Inspect the mounting surface in the housing for debris or damage.
  10. 10
    Install new LED module
    Align the new LED module with the mounting points in the headlight housing, ensuring correct orientation. Thermal interface pads should be pre-installed on the new module; if not, apply as specified by module manufacturer. Gently seat the module fully into the housing, ensuring alignment pins engage properly.
  11. 11
    Install module mounting bolts
    Install the LED module mounting bolts and tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify module is seated flush against the housing.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reinstall module cover
    Position the LED module access cover onto the rear of the headlight assembly, ensuring the gasket or seal is properly aligned. Install the cover screws and torque to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seal compression.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Reinstall headlight assembly
    Position the headlight assembly back into the vehicle, aligning it with the fender and bumper cover interfaces. Engage the alignment pins and guide tabs. Push the assembly firmly into place until it seats completely. Install the lower mounting bolt through the wheel well access and torque to specification.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Install upper mounting bolts and reconnect electrical
    Install the two upper headlight mounting bolts from the engine bay and torque to specification. Reconnect the main LED headlight electrical connector until it clicks into place. Reconnect any secondary connectors for DRL or position lights. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and locked.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Complete reassembly
    Reinstall the wheel well liner and secure with push-pin retainers. Reinstall the bumper cover fasteners and screws removed during disassembly. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Return steering wheel to center position.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  2. Confirm all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
  3. Ensure wheel well liner is properly secured and not interfering with tire rotation
  4. Check that headlight assembly is flush with fender and bumper cover with even gaps

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ON position and activate headlights to verify LED module operation
  • Test low beam, high beam, and daytime running light functions
  • Check for proper headlight aim; adjust if necessary using adjustment screws
  • Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
  • Inspect for any light leaks around the headlight assembly perimeter
  • Test turn signals and position lights to ensure all functions operate correctly

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