How to Replace Headlights 97-01 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Advanced · About 70 min · Toyota Camry

Replace a headlight, including removing the front bumper cover, on a 1997-2001 Toyota Camry.

Steps

1. Remove the bumper cover

   Remove the two 10mm bolts and plastic clip at the top, raise and support the car, remove the six 10mm bolts and two plastic clips at the bottom, pull back the inner fenders and remove the 10mm bolt behind each one, pop out the retainers, then pull the cover off.

2. Remove the old headlight

   Pry off the signal light's retainer clip, remove the two 10mm bolts at the top of the headlight and the one at the bottom, carefully pull off the headlight and signal light together, disconnect the headlight bulb's wiring harness, twist out the signal bulb, then release the tab holding the signal light to the headlight.

3. Install the new headlight

   Connect the headlight bulb's wiring harness, slide the adjusters into their mounting holes and snap them in, insert the bottom 10mm bolt, twist the signal bulb into the turn signal and seat the signal light, snap its tab to the headlight and push its clip into the retainer, insert the two top 10mm bolts, then test the headlights before turning the car off.

4. Install the bumper cover

   Lift it into place and tap in its retainers, insert the top two 10mm bolts and plastic clip, line up the wheel well and bumper holes, insert the bottom 10mm bolts and tighten the two plastic clips with a Phillips screwdriver, then insert the bolts behind the inner fenders and push them back into place.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.