I thought since our headlights use a projector that you did not need to do anything other than snag a ballast for the HIDs.

Compared to other halogen projectors, the Camry's produces acceptable results if you just put in an HID kit. But you get much better results using an HID projector. Much better.

LEDs are not "'bulbs".

A light bulb radiates light more of less evenly over an entire sphere (except for the base of course). Also known as a "point" source.

What most people call LEDs (the LED die mounted in a housing) emit light directionally.

The turn signal fixtures in the car are designed for a "point source" light. If you put a LED "bulb" in them, the fixture likely won't radiate light correctly. This could be a safety hazzard.

The TCH LED taillights work properly because they were designed for LEDs.

Same things with HID headlights. The original reflectors may not aim light properly with a "retrofit" kit. And the even worse problem is that the end product does not have auto-leveling (like a good OEM HID). So you can go around blinding other drivers.

Interesting. So if I put HIDs in with out a new projector the reflectors would not work correctly? I don't mean to hijack the thread but I absolutely HATE the headlights on this car. I can barely drive around areas that have poor street lights where the headlight do not penetrate enough. I also feel the light does not extend nearly as far out as I would like. In addition, people are always flashing me, far more than with my truck where the lights were quite hight up.

n8kwx: If you check the link you will find that the LED's are called bulbs because they replace bulbs in cars and trucks.

Junie's TCH
Desert Sand Mica

Arent the rear lights already LED in TCH?

As far as I know, only the running & brake lights are LED's.

Junie's TCH
Desert Sand Mica

I think it'll be an improvement over the stock lighting but it won't be nearly as good as HID bulbs in an HID projector. The latter is as good or better than if the car was manufactured with HIDs. In many cases, they're better because you can cherry pick the components and end up with better lenses and projectors than what most auto manufacturers use.

Here's one of many threads comparing kits to retrofits:

http://www.hidplanet.com/forums/view...t=retrofit+kit

You have to register but there's a wealth of lighting information at that site including sub-forums for halogens and LEDs.

I did check the link. I also explained why those LEDs DON'T replace bulbs in cars and trucks. Most LEDs cannot be dropped into incandescent fixtures and still meet DOT standards.

Those LED replacements that I saw will not shine much light to the sides of the car. That can be a safety issue.

If you want to put yourself to sleep some night look up DOT standards for vehicle lighting. They have very detailed specifications as to how much light needs to go where.

A few years ago the DOT forced importers to recall a lot of LED lights as they don't meet the proper lighting standards. Be careful what you buy on eBay. 99% is cheap underengineered Chinese stuff.


As for HID headlights check out the difference between an Acura HID and a Lexus HID. Acura's don't have autoleveling. Lexus does. One blinds, one does not! Please don't be an Acura!