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2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
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electrical

Headlight Bulbs - Pair

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
3
Steps
8

Replace both left and right headlight bulbs on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, restoring proper illumination.

Warnings

Never touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers. Oil from skin causes hot spots that shorten bulb life and may cause failure.
Allow headlights to cool for at least 10 minutes before starting work to avoid burns.
ℹ️This generation Camry uses separate low beam (H11) and high beam (9005) bulbs. Identify which bulb has failed before starting.

Tools required

Work gloves (lint-free)Essential
Shop towel or clean cloth
Flathead screwdriver (small)

Parts

  • Low beam headlight bulb H11 × 2 — Toyota 90981-13051 or equivalent H11
  • High beam headlight bulb 9005 × 2 — Toyota 90981-13029 or equivalent 9005

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
  2. Turn headlight switch to OFF position
  3. Allow headlights to cool for at least 10 minutes if recently used
  4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  5. Put on clean lint-free work gloves to prevent oil contamination on new bulbs

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access driver side headlight assembly
    Locate the back of the driver side headlight assembly from the engine bay. The low beam bulb is positioned toward the center of the vehicle, while the high beam is toward the fender side. Identify the black rubber dust cover for the bulb you are replacing.
  2. 2
    Remove dust cover
    Grasp the rubber dust cover firmly and rotate counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn, then pull straight back to remove. Set aside in a clean location where it won't collect dirt or debris.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press the release tab on the electrical connector and pull straight back to disconnect from the bulb base. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. Note the connector orientation for reassembly.
  4. 4
    Remove old bulb
    Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull straight out from the headlight housing. The bulb and socket come out as a single assembly. Avoid touching the reflector inside the housing.
  5. 5
    Install new bulb
    Remove new bulb from packaging without touching the glass envelope. If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth before installation. Insert the bulb socket into the headlight housing, aligning the tabs with the slots. Rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks into place with a distinct click.
  6. 6
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the bulb base until you hear or feel a click. Gently tug to verify it is fully seated and locked.
  7. 7
    Reinstall dust cover
    Position the rubber dust cover over the back of the headlight assembly, aligning any locating tabs. Press firmly and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn to lock in place. Ensure the cover is fully seated to prevent moisture intrusion.
  8. 8
    Replace passenger side bulb
    Repeat steps 1 through 7 for the passenger side headlight assembly. Access is similar but may have slightly more room due to engine positioning. The process is identical: remove dust cover, disconnect connector, remove old bulb, install new bulb, reconnect connector, and reinstall dust cover.

Reassembly

  1. Verify both dust covers are properly seated and rotated to locked position
  2. Ensure no tools or materials are left in engine bay
  3. Close hood securely

Verification

  • Start the engine and turn on the headlights
  • Verify both low beam headlights illuminate properly
  • Switch to high beams and verify both high beam headlights illuminate
  • Turn headlights off and visually inspect from front of vehicle for proper operation
  • Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to lighting system
  • If available, verify proper headlight aim or schedule aim adjustment if needed

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