Head and fog light modding

For Prius cars sold in the U.S., the only disassembly of the headlights described in the Repair Manual (available by subscription to techinfo.toyota.com) is to replace the turn signal light bulbs. The Electronic Parts Catalog (in Figure 81-01, Headlamp) on Toyota’s U.S. website lists the headlamp unit assemblies, list price $1167.51 each (!), but not any of their components.

It’s different in other countries, where some Prius models have a headlight leveling system that may need to be serviced. The European edition of the Repair Manual (available by subscription to toyota-tech.eu) includes procedures for further disassembly of the headlights, including removal of the headlight lens, lens gasket, (LED) headlight unit, and leveling motor.

Interestingly, the EPC on Toyota’s website has a second image for Figure 81-01 that shows these components, but none of them is on the parts list. I don’t know if headlight parts for the Prius in Japan or Europe would be compatible with a U.S. car, or if our headlight assemblies are indeed—as you speculate—permanently sealed. Considering the price, though, it would be convenient to be able to replace a lens or LED unit separately.

I believe the fog light assemblies are sealed in all markets; at least, no edition of the Repair Manual I’ve seen (U.S., Europe, or Japan) includes a procedure for opening them, and no edition of the EPC lists any of their components as service parts.

 

If you are referring to painting the internal reflector painting the OEM headlights would likely make them too dim for legal road use. Toyota would not have them silver unless it was required by law.

 

The Fords have black internals and were approved that way.
You cannot assume from if you modify lights yourself that they will still be street legal. They may or may not be. That is my point.
Just a friendly warning.

 

You could try removing the ICE and see if that improves the fuel economy, but I don't think you'll find any improvement that way either!

 

Cars that are not street legal are not unheard of either.

 

Ok! Don't lose your cool because we can be a bit sarcastic. It may be considered the lowest firm of wit, but it is also a very effective 'wake up and smell the coffee' stimulant. You may well believe this painted headlamp reflector is OK, but some of us here have been around the block a few more times than you... Just sayin'!

I'm pretty sure every one of us old farts on here have been the same age as you some time ago and remember the stup things we once did, (perhaps still do from time to time). However, this all accumulates to a greater or lesser degree as wisdom. Now, I fully expect you'll go out and do whatever you want and that's fine. We simply can't help playing our paternal role in cautioning you, sort of looking out for you before you leap without looking, so to speak.

I'm sorry if you feel disrespected because that's not the case. You will always be welcome on here, but be prepared for a good bit of friendly ribbing. Please don't be disheartened by it, join in and mix it with us, preferably politely, which I'm please to say you've always been.

 

I don't think you'll find your answer here in regards to finding out if the new headlight uses permaseal. I did a quick search and came up empty handed.

I also agree with OP in that the painting of the inside headlamp will not cause dimming assuming you're not painting the high beam location (does the gen4 have a reflector halogen high beam?). Don't all gen4 come with led projectors now?

Most of the people on here are very friendly and are glad to help others out. I think this is one of the few cases were the responders came off a little rude, but know that there aren't very many of them on this forum.

 

The 4th gen Prius uses a single Koito LED projector + lens that functions as both lowbeam and highbeam (and DRL on non-Touring trims); painting the plastic chrome shroud around it will have no effect on the light output.

Back to the original question...I know Toyota uses Permaseal on the Tundra and Camry; I'd bet they do on the Prius now too.

 

Gentlemen, please accept my sincere and humble apologies for my ignorance on this subject and thank you for your enlightened wisdom. @jamiec123 I hope you can forgive the rudeness of my obvious misunderstanding.

 

Jamie123c
The lights are permaseal. I did a lot of hid protector retrofits back in the days. I think taking them apart on this car just to paint isn't worth the trouble as we already have projectors (led). Anyways, painting it won't effect the law or hinder outputs since it's projector type. If this is a reflector type (which it is not), then painting the reflect would. I think you better off head over to TRS for this type of questions...folks here don't know much technical/mods as far as I can tell.

 

After being on BMW and VW/Audi forums for years, the amount of unnecessary and unprovoked drivel from crotchety old farts here is honestly hilarious and sad at the same time. What they don't understand is that we actually know what we're doing, talking about, and have much more "experience" than they claim to have (this is obvious by RCO and ProdigyPlaces complete lack of understanding of country-specific regulatory conditions and norms, and actual knowledge of the technology itself).

If people can successfully take apart the lights, I would like to do a clear lens swap and tune it for more color flicker, and perhaps repainting the housings a darker color. I believe people have done clear lens swaps on the koito bi-leds before. Let us know if you end up opening them!

 

Did Jamiec123 inquire about the legality of the modification? Unless I'm missing something here, can you please explain what compels you to give your unsolicited opinion on a matter which will literally not affect you in any way, shape, or form?

 

You, Sir, are welcome to remain on this forum or leave at any time of your choosing. I feel certain that your talents will be appreciated wherever you go. An old fart once told me that if I didn't like the heat, I should flick off out of the kitchen. When you eventually get older, as I hope you will, you will begin to understand these things better. A wiser man than I once said, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing".

Wisdom cannot be taught, or learned from a book.

Hope you feel better soon, BTW. I suspect you've had a really tough day.

 

The first post solicited advice and it was given.
The main purpose of this forum is sharing advice to help others avoid issues.

 

As a young man, I never considered my elders to have been young and idealistic themselves once. In fact I never considered them much at all, so I must have been a real jerk back then.

 

G'-Day, Mates! Here's a toast of the Bourbon glasses to all my fellow Crotchety Old Farts!

I'm a proud member of the Crotchety, Cranky, and Cantankerous Club! And along with them, to all our addicted posters, the insomniacs, the diehards, the no-lifers, and the prisoners and convicts who post on Prius Chat 365 days a year! All the folks with over 2,000 posts! A tip of the glass to ya!

And a very special toast to the Ambassador of Prius Chat... Mr bisco, with over 55,000 posts (and counting!) They don't call him "quick-draw" bisco for nothing! Here Here!!

Let's see some pictures of the famous bisco PIP! And RCO and PP, post a pic of your Prius, or we might think you are really driving a 1970 Ford Fairlane!