How to Adjust the Headlights in a Toyota Camry

If you change a bulb on the headlights of your Toyota Camry, you might have to adjust them. While Toyota recommends you take your Toyota Camry to an authorized service station for this task, you can adjust the headlights at home.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tape measure
• Masking tape
• Phillips screwdriver or Torx bit

1. • 1

     Remove any excess cargo you don't normally carry in your car and check the pressure in your tires. Make sure your tank is at least half-full.

   • 2

     Find a level surface 15 to 25 feet away from a wall or garage door and park your Toyota Camry. Set your emergency brake as an extra safety measure. If you plan to adjust your headlights outside, wait until dark.

   • 3

     Locate the headlight adjustments screws. The vertical adjustment screw should be on top, and the horizontal adjustment screw on the side of each headlight. You may need to remove the bezel to see them. Don't confuse the mounting screws with the adjustment screws, or you might undo your entire headlight assembly.

   • 4

     Measure from the center of the headlight to the ground and mark this measurement with masking tape on the wall. Mark the center point for your Toyota Camry as well.

   • 5

     Turn on the headlights, but watch the time so you don't drain your battery.

   • 6

     Use a Phillips screwdriver or Torx bit to adjust the screws. Adjust each headlight individually. As you turn the screws, monitor the trajectory path on the wall. The low beams should be within a 2-inch variance of the center mark, and the high beams should be in the center of the mark.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to look under the hood to find the adjustment screws on newer Toyota Camry cars.

• Composite lights that Toyota bolted to the frame won't have adjustment screws. To adjust these, use washers on the mounting screws.