My daughters 1987 Camry 4 door headlamps need to be replaced. They are 9004's or something like that. (I'm at work, can't remember the lamp number) I went to the auto parts store and bought new lamps of the same number but they will not fit into the sockets. The sockets have a notch that sticks out in the bottom and the new lamps do not have a recess for said notch. Was there a design change in the bases? What do I do here? I have never run into anything like this before. TIA.

 

9004 is the specified bulb.

Does the headlight have a bulb retaining ring the screws onto the headlight body?

 

I can't look now, but I think it had a locking ring.

 

Do you still have the old bulb, if so compare with new. If different let the auto parts store sort it out.

It can be difficult to get the locking ring installed.

 

They are still in there. Couldn't get the locking rings on far enough with the new lamps. When she gets back in town, I'll get some pix.

 

Ok, I had it backward. The new 9004 lamp base has a small ledge in one corner which doesn't allow the connector to go in all the way. This link has pictures of the old lamp bases. If you look at a new lamp base, you will see the ledge in the corner. A 9007 base is correct but they are wired differently and the filaments are a different orientation. Called the local Toyota dealer, no help.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kytcg5mx63j236o/AADDOU8pxMLKj9O8PnuVlHCRa?dl=0

 

Can you post the photo here? Dropbox requires an account.

For info on posting see FAQ.

 

Did you try the link? I do this all the time with people who do not have an account. You will have to copy and paste.

 

Does the 9007 bulb fit? If so there may be a problem as the 2004 and 2007 should be keyed differently.

 

Fit into the housing or fit into the electrical connector?