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Toyota Camry: How to Install HID Xenon Headlights

Upgrading your headlights to HID Xenon lights will give you a brighter light and a better view of the road. This article will show you how to install them.

By Jared Hammond - July 22, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

There are a few ways of improving the quality of your headlights. Simply cleaning the lens will net you a noticeable improvement. But if you really want the best headlights for night driving your best option is to install a pair of HID (high intensity discharge) Xenon lights. HID bulbs are much brighter than standard halogen bulbs and will last twice as long. The downside is they are very expensive and require a special kit to install. Installation is easy to do yourself. Follow the steps below to learn more.

Materials Needed

  • HID bulbs (H4 from 1997-1999, 9006 from 2000-2006)
  • HID ballasts
  • HID wiring harnesses
  • Ratchet w/ 10mm socket
  • Wire cutters
  • Electrical tape
  • Zip ties

Step 1 – Remove the stock bulbs

Open the hood and disconnect the battery. Remove the negative cable before the positive. You want to do this whenever you're working with wiring so you don't risk causing a short. To remove the stock halogen bulbs locate the bulb socket and press down on the connector to unplug the headlight bulb harness. Then twist and pull the bulb socket to remove it from the headlight housing. Remove the old bulb from the socket.

Figure 1. Remove the factory bulb.

Step 2 – Install the ballasts

There should be two ballasts that come with your kit. Look for a safe and secure place to install them that is near the wiring harnesses for the headlights. Secure it to the chassis using zip ties. Most ballasts should be able to connect to the stock wiring harnesses for your headlight bulbs. You simply need to line up the positive and ground wires on the ballast harness with the positive and ground wires on the stock harness. Once the wires are connected wrap the connection in electrical tape so the wires don't come loose.

Figure 2. Install the HID ballast.

Pro Tip

For easier installation get a kit with slim ballasts because there's not much room in the Camry's engine compartment to install them.

Step 3 – Install the HID bulbs

Now all you need to do is install the new HID bulbs to the headlight housing by pressing the socket into the housing and twisting it to lock it into place. After that connect the bulb harness to the ballasts. When everything is installed reconnect the battery and test out the lights. If they don't come on something is probably not connected to the ballast correctly. Before you go out driving remember to adjust the headlights so they're not pointed up too high.

Figure 3. Install the HID bulbs.

Pro Tip

Remember when handling the HID bulbs to not touch the bulb itself. You could get dirt or grease on the bulb which will cause it to quickly burn out. If it does happen to get dirty, try wiping it with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth then letting it dry before you try installing it.

Featured Video: How to Install HID Headlights in Camry

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