It’s unlikely that the headlights would rank highly on a list of the safety features in your Toyota Camry. Nevertheless, they are crucial. In the dark, they enable you to see the road in front of you and warn other drivers of your presence. You should occasionally change the bulbs in your headlights. Learn more about when to do this and how to do it below.
Your Camry could have one of a few different types of headlight bulbs, depending on the year it was manufactured. Some lights will start to dim as they get older. If you’re in a dark place, you should be able to see this. Additionally, from the exterior of the car, it may be simpler to notice. Regularly check the status of your light.
Halogen lights are used by all vintage Camrys. Normally lasting a thousand hours, they gradually fade with time. The brightness of older headlights might decrease by up to 20% in just two years. Halogen lights may still be used in more recent models, although they won’t be as sensitive to dimming.
LED lights are used in some of the newest Camry variants. These have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours and hardly ever need to be replaced. HID or Xenon lighting have been used in other versions. These have a 2,000 hour lifespan.
Use the VIN search tool at your preferred auto parts retailer if you are unsure of the sort of headlights your Camry has. This will assist you in locating the appropriate parts for your car.
On a Camry, changing the headlight bulb is simple. Nevertheless, depending on the model year and trim package you have, the exact steps may differ slightly. For precise directions, refer to your owner’s manual.
Open the hood first, then look for the headlight assembly. A cable going to the back of the headlamp should be visible. There are two lights on the majority of Camry models: a main headlight and a high-beam light. Only one light is used for both tasks in some contemporary car models.
Turn the bulb assembly and the cord in the other direction from clockwise to remove the current headlight bulb. The assembly should rise out in a straight line after roughly a quarter turn. Press the tiny button to disengage the connection between the bulb assembly and the power wire. Place the replacement bulb assembly there and tighten the connection clockwise. Your Camry’s headlights now have fresh bulbs.
Although it is rarely necessary, replacing the entire headlamp assembly is also simple. Just unplug the bulbs, remove the headlight assembly’s screws, and lift it out.
You are prepared to begin now that you know how to change a headlight on a Toyota Camry. You must first get the proper headlights. To locate the correct part, refer to your owner’s manual. As an alternative, search for the appropriate parts using a VIN lookup tool. Based on the VIN, these tools can interpret your make, model, year, and trim. The best element can be purchased the simplest way possible.
In This Article...
Will an AutoZone headlamp be replaced?
To be clear, buying a headlight or tail light for a vehicle at AutoZone is pretty simple if you have the part number for it or simply know the make, model, year, and occasionally even the trim of the car. When you visit a dealership or repair facility, labor is frequently added to the cost of the headlamp.
If your headlamp is easily accessible to the installer and is in most cases, Autozone will replace it.
Are you able to replace a headlight bulb on your own?
Fortunately, changing a headlight is frequently simple. The majority of the high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs used nowadays are easy to swap out. They are secured by rotating bayonet-style retainers or tiny wire clips. They can be removed from the wiring, rapidly pushed out from behind the headlight housing, and replaced with a functional bulb. But before you can replace a headlight, you must figure out what kind of bulb you require. Your owner’s manual should be your first port of call.
How long do the headlights on a Toyota Camry last?
A high intensity discharge (HID or “Xenon”) bulb may operate for twice as long as a typical halogen headlight bulb, which can last up to 1000 hours.
O’Reilly does it install headlights?
While you wait, at no cost to you, our parts specialists can swiftly and easily change wiper blades because they are experts at changing headlamp and taillight bulbs.
How much should a headlight replacement cost?
How you complete the work will affect your labor costs. often refers to the installation’s overall cost. The typical cost could range from $75 to $400 if you replace the full headlight assembly yourself. If you take it to a car repair shop, the headlight assembly replacement cost will be between $250 and $1,000. Most aftermarket auto parts stores estimate that the cost to replace a single high-intensity discharge bulb can be $100 or more, while the price to replace a whole headlight assembly ranges from $250 to $700. Depending on the type of headlight bulb you select for your car, the cost to replace a headlight unit might range from $15 to $200.
Does Walmart do headlight installation?
One of the worst feelings is needing auto repairs when money is tight. You’ll be relieved to learn that Walmart Auto Care Centers can indeed replace your car’s lights.
Installing new headlights at Walmart Auto Care Center costs $7.50 each light, not including parts, while restoring headlights costs $25 per car.
It would be a good idea to take another look at your auto insurance policy if you’re looking for methods to free up more money in your budget. You can check to see if there are lower pricing available for the level of coverage you require using the Jerry app.
Never before used Jerry? Please allow us to explain the procedure. Just a few basic questions must be answered before you can begin comparing auto insurance quotes from leading companies in one location. From there, you can select the insurance plan that offers the best value for your needs.
Step One
Choosing a method to access the headlight bulb is undoubtedly the trickiest aspect of the procedure. Even though it looks like you should be able to just pop the bulb out, you frequently need to remove other components in order to reach the bulb.
On the majority of automobiles, the engine compartment is where you access the headlight bulb. Locate the headlamp within a bulb holder by opening the hood. For information on the optimum access points and any components that need to be removed in order to reach the headlight bulb, consult your owner’s manual as well.
Step Two
Analyze the best way to remove the old bulb. On some cars, the bulb is positioned directed into the headlight assembly, while on others, the bulb is fixed in the headlight assembly by a wire arrangement. You can take out the bulb once you understand how it is held in the housing.
You’ll also be able to decide at this time whatever tools you’ll need to finish the project. Some headlight bulbs do require the use of a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, but the majority can be removed without them.
Remove any power wires that are attached to the back of the light bulb. The back of the headlamp may also have a dust cover that needs to be taken off. The bulb may alternatively be secured in place by a clip or clips.
Step Three
By grasping the bulb housing and drawing it out, you can remove the bulb. You might need to twist some bulbs in order to remove the cap. When doing this, be careful not to risk shattering the bulb by touching it roughly.
Step Four
Clean the replacement bulb with an alcohol wipe or by using rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth before replacing it.
Insert the new bulb by aligning it with the available socket while holding it by the housing. Avoid touching the bulb as your skin’s oil may leave a hot patch, which could cause it to burn out more quickly. To avoid this situation, you can think about wearing gloves.
The procedure you used to remove the old bulb should be repeated. If necessary, reinstall the dust cover and attach any wires or clips. Place the headlight housing in the frame once again. If you had to remove any extra components to get to the headlight bulb, replace them.
Step Five
To test the new headlight’s functionality, start your car and turn on the headlights. Spend some time as well examining the headlights’ direction. Your lights may not be focused on the road, where you need them to shine clearly, if they are not properly aligned. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to fix them if they appear to be out of alignment.
Find out more about high-quality lighting items, where to buy your car part, or how to locate it.
This article’s information is provided for educational reasons only and shouldn’t be relied upon in place of consulting a qualified technician or mechanic. We advise you to speak with a licensed technician or mechanic if you have any specific queries or issues regarding any of the subjects discussed here. We will not, under any circumstances, be held responsible for any loss or harm resulting from your reliance on any content.
Can a car be driven with only one headlight on?
- when visibility of things on the road is hampered by poor weather
- When it is raining and the windshield wipers are activated
Getting Pulled Over for a Violation
It’s likely that an officer will stop you if you’re driving about in a car with only one functional headlight. This holds true even if you are driving your automobile while the road is illuminated by two functional parking lights. A citation may be issued to you if you break the law.
If it’s raining and your windshield wipers are on, the only time an officer couldn’t pull you stop for a headlight violation is if it’s not safe to do so. This constitutes a secondary crime. Only if you are pulled over for another traffic infraction, such failing to stop when a traffic light is red, may you receive a ticket for this one.
It’s a minor infraction to drive without both of your headlights functioning. For this category of violation, there is no jail time; however, you could be subject to a $150 fine.
Do I have to unplug the battery before changing the headlight bulb?
When replacing a blown headlight bulb, always unplug the battery. The electrical system of your car is connected to the headlight bulbs. While the alternator recharges the battery, they will draw power from it. You should always disconnect the battery when working on your car’s electrical system to be safe. The battery doesn’t have to be taken out. Instead, all you have to do is unplug the ground cable (the black cable) until the blown headlight bulb has been replaced.