3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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I have been doing some research these past few weeks and I came across this on an HID forum (HID Planet)
I have a 2001 Toyota Camry LE with current silverstar ultras 9006(lo) 9005(hi), which I am not pleased with at all. My current lenses are slightly hazed and pitted after using several restoration kits, thus hindering my visibility even further.
I was wondering which produces better brightness and visibility on highways and country roads...the 9012/9011 HIR bulbs (they can be slightly modified to fit my housings) or Philips Xtreme Power??? Maybe a combination of some kind such as Philips for lows and 9011 for highs for example...?
I want to be able see to far ahead as possible, lateral and vertical visibility are a MUST as well. My high beams for some reason seem very weak, as well as my low beams but not nearly as bad... they are a dim yellow/orange color and produce not much more light then a 12V flashlight while driving at night. I have a DRL system, and was told by people on the forum that I may have an electrical problem with the wiring and/or DRL malfunctioning/going out...possibly a fuse or the like. A few suggested a relay and harness to make up for the power lost from the stock wiring supply.
If neither will provide sufficient lighting for the little driving that I do (my commute is 25 miles round trip and the latter half is usually at night) then I will purchase an HID kit with projectors from The RetroFit Source(TRS)
I greatly appreciate anyone's input! Thanks!
-LSS
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2001 Toyota Camry 2.2L-I4, automatic transmission with 157,000 miles.
You should post yer piccies in here. Not gonna sign up on another forum just to see
the piccies.
I'm guessing yer lenses are in bad shape. I've used a random orbiting sander with soapy water as my lubricant and various wet sandpaper to polish out my lenses on my T100 and my wife's Camry. Sealing the plastic is key if you don't want to keep sanding the lenses every month or so. There's a restore kit out there that has a great sealant...just can't remember which one it was.
Piccies of yer battery connections/grounds would be a start. I'm suspecting a weak power circuit (battery, connections, alternator...could be brushes).
The HIR bulbs would be a good direction as well as upgrading the wire harness to a relay setup. Easy to restore to stock if needed.
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1998 T-100 SR5 2WD auto, Roadmaster Active Suspension, 6½" dropped front air dam, 4½" drop full belly pan, 4° rear diffuser, 11" side skirts, oil catch jar, AC mod, aero cap, 67% grill block = 26mpg highway!
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Originally Posted by n c t t o r a
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Oh...the HELMS factory service manuals won't have the Toyota stuff. You want the Toyota TechInfo website instead. I believe the 2 day subscription is only $15 to download yer specific manuals. Not a bad deal!
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1998 T-100 SR5 2WD auto, Roadmaster Active Suspension, 6½" dropped front air dam, 4½" drop full belly pan, 4° rear diffuser, 11" side skirts, oil catch jar, AC mod, aero cap, 67% grill block = 26mpg highway!
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Originally Posted by n c t t o r a
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I would go with HIR's. I believe if I remember right you can mod the HIR 9011 (high beam version) to fit the low or high beam. Maybe get just a set of HIR 9011 and try it first.
"Combining the above modifications, it would be just as easy to cut the 9011 bulb fitting to match a 9006's fittings, thus it is possible to put the 9011 (MUCH brighter, no cap) in the 9006 lo-beam position. You would have the benefits of no cap (minimal) and the higher lumen rating (9005 are supposed to be 70% brighter than 9006, 9011 are supposed to be 75% brighter than 9005). The 9011 is rated at 2350 lumen, a 135% increase from the 1000 lumen 9006."
FWIW, I installed a set of Phillips HIR2 (9012) bulbs recently. If there's an improvement, it's not a lot. Definitely not: "WOW!!, that was a huge improvement!". JMHO. Oh, and I did this after using one of those lens buffing kits, which actually worked quite well, and made a bigger diff. Again, JMHO.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
I read from several sources that it is not a good idea to instal a hi beam(9011/9005) into a lo beam socket(9012/9006), for it can melt the wiring and burn out prematurely.
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Originally Posted by ShawnTRD
I would go with HIR's. I believe if I remember right you can mod the HIR 9011 (high beam version) to fit the low or high beam. Maybe get just a set of HIR 9011 and try it first.
"Combining the above modifications, it would be just as easy to cut the 9011 bulb fitting to match a 9006's fittings, thus it is possible to put the 9011 (MUCH brighter, no cap) in the 9006 lo-beam position. You would have the benefits of no cap (minimal) and the higher lumen rating (9005 are supposed to be 70% brighter than 9006, 9011 are supposed to be 75% brighter than 9005). The 9011 is rated at 2350 lumen, a 135% increase from the 1000 lumen 9006."
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2001 Toyota Camry 2.2L-I4, automatic transmission with 157,000 miles.
I have HIR's 9011/9012 and will say that they work perfectly on my '04. When there is no oncoming traffic, my high beams light up farther than I can see clearly with my 20/20 vision.
The biggest issue isn't the bulb brightness; its that every clown wants to throw light all over the place. Your headlights are designed to put the light where it is required by law.
My recommendation is to use the HIR bulbs as a simple cheap upgrade. They will last longer than ANY +% bulbs too.
If you feel that they aren't putting light where you need it, have your ride height checked. If the vehicle ride height is fine, find a shop that can aim your headlights properly. If that doesn't help, for OFFROAD USE ONLY, I'd recommend some additional driving lights. I don't think the Camry would look good with some honking big stadium lights bolted to the hood, roof, or bumper cover. The LED options can give reasonable additional lighting with being too obvious if you install them stealthy(like in the grill...). VisionX and Rigid are some that I'd recommend. And, remember to shut off ANY/ALL auxiliary lighting when there is oncoming traffic.
The other option is to replace your headlight housings. If they are pitted(sandblasted) and/or faded foggy(yellow), they should be replaced. And, they are expensive since most aftermarket headlights don't meet any requirements either. For the best housing replacements, stick with genuine Toyota parts.
Just be glad that you don't have a 99, which is equipped with the lame 9003? bulbs. The 9005/9006 combo is so much better.
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Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
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I have HIR's 9011/9012 and will say that they work perfectly on my '04. When there is no oncoming traffic, my high beams light up farther than I can see clearly with my 20/20 vision. That's awesome! Do you have photos you could post? I'm just curious.
My recommendation is to use the HIR bulbs as a simple cheap upgrade. They will last longer than ANY +% bulbs too.
If you feel that they aren't putting light where you need it, have your ride height checked. If the vehicle ride height is fine, find a shop that can aim your headlights properly. My headlights do seem to be angled quite low to the ground, I can see about 25 feet ahead of me. How can I aim them properly on my own? I cannot seem to fit my hand back there.
The other option is to replace your headlight housings. If they are pitted(sandblasted) and/or faded foggy(yellow), they should be replaced. And, they are expensive since most aftermarket headlights don't meet any requirements either. For the best housing replacements, stick with genuine Toyota parts. They are indeed pitted and hazy, though the photos I took are difficult to discern its damages, it is there. After numerous restoration kits, the haze returns a few days later. Is a dealer my only option for quality replacement parts???
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2001 Toyota Camry 2.2L-I4, automatic transmission with 157,000 miles.
Last edited by LostSouthernStar; 12-20-2011 at 12:06 AM.
I do not take pictures of beamshots. I've never seen a camera that can accurately show what can be seen in person at night.
You can not aim your headlights by yourself. You need to find a shop with the equipment to make sure your headlamps are aimed CORRECTLY.
Dealer is the only option for quality headlight housings. All the ebay and parts store ones throw light all over the place and will yellow/fog more quickly. IMO, CAPA certified means nothing since that is what some 'sellers' and online stores will push. They're not even close!
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Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
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Here is a Quick "How To" Aim your headlights your self. Just be sure you have a very flat driveway or parking lot and start off right against the wall to mark the true height of the light housings, then back straight back 25 feet.
There should be an easy to-get-to screw or bolt you turn for the height adjustment. There may or may not be a side-to-side adjustment, so don't spend all day searching.
I use to use 9005 in my low beams by cutting the fitting as shown earlier and modding the socket so the plug fits but now I use $40 H.I.D.s 4300K-5000K bulbs and love them! They're so much better and with a hint of blue like "daylight" road signs stick out much further away. Quick tip- DO NOT get anything blue-er then 6000K A.K.A: 8000K, 10,000K, or 12,000K.
How to modify a 9005 to fit 9006
Many automakers use 2 similar bulbs: 9006/HB4 for low beams and 9005/HB3 for high beams. The standard 9006 (55W) bulb produces 1000 lumens of light while the 9005 (65W) produces 1700 lumens. With a simple modification you can convert the 9005 to fit into 9006 housings.
Note: 9005/6XS base bulbs do not have the right angle and are shorter & can be used in most instances with 9005/6 bulbs as long as the plug can be inserted.
Viewed from the back you will notice the top plastic tab of the 9005 bulb has more material towards the left, you will need to remove approx. half to get the bulb to fit into 9006 headlight/foglight housings
Note: some Toyotas can fit a 9005 into the 9006 housing without modification of the tab.
You will need:
• File/chisel tool or Dremel type tool
• Toe nail clippers, or cutting pliers
• Two 9005 bulbs
• Protective eye glasses
1) Remove 3mm of plastic from the left side of the center until you have 5-6mm left. Don't worry this does not have to be precise
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HIR 9012/9011 bulbs or Philips Xtreme Power
Don't have one
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