electrical
Headlight Assembly
for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
5
Steps
10
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the headlight assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnecting electrical connectors and proper torque specifications.
Warnings
⚠Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas and can shatter if dropped or struck. Handle the headlight assembly carefully.
ℹ️Do not touch halogen bulb glass with bare hands. Oil from skin causes hot spots and premature failure.
⚠Ensure headlights are off and cool before beginning work to prevent burns.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension bar (6-inch)Essential
Flathead screwdriver (trim tool)
Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential
Flashlight or work light
Parts
- Headlight assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part number for your specific year
- Push clips (if damaged during removal) × 2 — Toyota 90467-07164 or equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn off headlights and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes if recently operated
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning
Procedure
- 1Access the headlight assemblyLocate the headlight assembly from under the hood. The headlight is secured by three bolts accessible from the engine bay. Identify the top mounting bolt near the radiator support and the two lower bolts near the fender liner area.
- 2Disconnect the main electrical connectorLocate the main wiring harness connector on the rear of the headlight assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect. If the vehicle has daytime running lights or adaptive headlights, there may be additional connectors to disconnect. Label them if necessary for reinstallation.
- 3Remove the upper mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket with extension, remove the upper headlight mounting bolt located at the top of the assembly near the hood latch area. Keep this bolt in a safe location as it will be reused.
- 4Remove the lower mounting boltsLocate and remove the two lower mounting bolts securing the headlight assembly. These are accessible from above, near the fender and inner wheel well area. Use a 10mm socket with extension for better access. Retain these bolts for reinstallation.
- 5Release the headlight assemblyWith all three bolts removed, gently pull the headlight assembly forward and away from the vehicle. The assembly has alignment pins that fit into grommets in the body. Rock the assembly gently side-to-side while pulling forward if it resists. Be careful not to scratch the bumper or fender.
- 6Inspect mounting points and alignment pinsBefore installing the new headlight, inspect the mounting holes and alignment pin grommets on the vehicle body for damage or debris. Clean any dirt or corrosion from the mounting surfaces. Check that the alignment pins on the new headlight assembly are intact and undamaged.
- 7Position the new headlight assemblyCarefully align the new headlight assembly with the mounting points on the vehicle. Guide the alignment pins into their grommets first, then push the assembly rearward until it seats flush against the body. Ensure the headlight lens aligns properly with the bumper cover opening before proceeding.
- 8Install and torque mounting boltsThread all three mounting bolts (upper and two lower) by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, torque them in sequence: upper bolt first, then the two lower bolts. This ensures even seating of the assembly.Torque specHeadlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorsReconnect the main wiring harness connector to the rear of the headlight assembly. Push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. If multiple connectors were removed, reconnect each one, ensuring they are fully seated and locked.
- 10Check headlight alignment and gapsVerify that the headlight assembly sits flush with the surrounding body panels and that the gaps between the headlight, fender, and bumper cover are even on both sides. The assembly should not protrude or sit recessed compared to the opposite side. Make minor adjustments if necessary before final verification.
Reassembly
- Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify all three mounting bolts are properly torqued to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
- Ensure the headlight assembly is flush with surrounding body panels with even gaps
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify low beam headlights function properly on both sides
- Test high beam operation and verify both headlights illuminate
- Check turn signal operation if integrated into the headlight assembly
- Verify daytime running lights function if equipped
- Perform a visual inspection at night or in a dark area to check for light leaks around the assembly
- Check headlight aim and adjust if necessary using the adjustment screws on the rear of the assembly