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HID to LED conversion

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Lloyd-ss, Jan 14, 2018.

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  1. ariklee

    ariklee New Member

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    Audiodave,

    Here is what she said:

    "I tried it and so far it seems to work okay, but I noticed that the 'scan' function doesn't work as well. It has trouble finding channels sometimes, or will jump around one area".
     
    #81 ariklee, Jul 6, 2019
    Marcilla Smith likes this.
  2. Marcilla Smith

    Marcilla Smith Active Member

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    I guess that kind of makes sense? I'd be interested to know if the radio is on a particular station, as the headlights are turned on or off, what difference does it make in sound quality. That would be the real test.

    Or, if by chance, she has a cb...
     
    #82 Marcilla Smith, Jul 7, 2019
  3. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    No issues with a CD but it sounds like reception is not as strong as it was.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #83 audiodave, Jul 8, 2019
  4. Lloyd-ss

    Lloyd-ss Member

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    I am very glad to see that some others are trying the LED conversion and that it is working. Excellent!!
    Regarding the radio interference, when I wrapped (shielded) the little dc to dc convertor and wiring with copper foil and properly grounded the shield, most of the interference went away. There is a picture in post #54. Unfortunately, with radio interference, it seems you can improve it incrementally with each change you make, but there is seldom and easy silver bullet that takes care of it 100%. Shielding does seem to be the best method, though.
     
    #84 Lloyd-ss, Jul 18, 2019
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  5. Lloyd-ss

    Lloyd-ss Member

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    Arikilee, This is wonderful. Either you taught your daughter well, or gave her the confidence to move forward. Or maybe her mother did. But whatever, I am so glad she undertook that project. The very first time I changed bulbs in the Prius, I did it by successfully following the Luscious Garage video. Tricks from the pros! That is what makes them different from us mere mortals, LOL.
    Lloyd
     
    #85 Lloyd-ss, Jul 18, 2019
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  6. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    I think she meant CB as in citizens band radio.
     
    #86 Skibob, Jul 18, 2019
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  7. Landon51

    Landon51 Member

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    This is an old thread, but I'm looking for that same spring. Did you get one or find a workaround?
     
    #87 Landon51, Oct 12, 2019
  8. Lloyd-ss

    Lloyd-ss Member

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    If you can't find a spring, you can make one pretty easily. If you have a hobby shop that caters to model airplane enthusiasts, they have short lengths of spring temper wire that is used for landing gear and struts and linkages, etc. You can bend it with needle nose pliers. Get enough wire to make 2 in case the first one looks horrible, LOL.
     
    #88 Lloyd-ss, Oct 12, 2019
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  9. Timothy Williams

    Timothy Williams New Member

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    Would something like this work? My wife and I just got a "new to us" Prius that I knew the headlight needed replacing. Didn't realize our Prius had HID lights which are flickering....
     

    Attached Files:

    #89 Timothy Williams, Nov 4, 2019
  10. Lloyd-ss

    Lloyd-ss Member

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    What you have in the amazon pic is a size 9003/H4, which, depending on the year of your Prius, is probably wrong. Look at reply #2 of this thread and it shows the D4R configuration that fit my 2007 Prius that had HID lights. It is easy to buy the wrong style/size of LED replacement lights, so be careful to order the right size. Read in your owners manual, too.
     
    #90 Lloyd-ss, Nov 4, 2019
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  11. Timothy Williams

    Timothy Williams New Member

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    Ah, the D4R is for the slot then? I wasn't sure if the connector mattered as it seems you used other wires. Thanks for the reply, that helps!
     
    #91 Timothy Williams, Nov 5, 2019
  12. Timothy Williams

    Timothy Williams New Member

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    I did the conversion a few days ago and thanks to @Lloyd-ss instructions, it was super simple. $50 eBay kit and it's perfect. Thanks!
     
    #92 Timothy Williams, Nov 21, 2019
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  13. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    If you feel like adding a pic I'd like to see the lights.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #93 audiodave, Nov 23, 2019
  14. talonts

    talonts VFAQman

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    Which kit did you use?

    So many of the older posts link to kits no longer available.
     
    #94 talonts, Nov 27, 2019
  15. ydpplqbd

    ydpplqbd Active Member

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    Looking to order a LED conversion for my 2006 Prius. If you could provide name of seller (that you used) and auction description that would be very helpful.
     
    #95 ydpplqbd, Dec 4, 2019
  16. lunacyworks

    lunacyworks Member

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    I am in the same boat here, going to convert my HID 2008 to LED, I am getting tired of changing bulbs. Lots of rocks on the road here in the North SF bay area due to road construction. Have rain getting into light and it messed up the ballast. Toyota wasn't smart how it made the ballast seem to collect any water that came in the unit. If this were led or the ballast in a different position it would have blown.

    Anyway looking for a recommendation. Would like to order via Amazon so I can do the install before the 24th is over with.
     
    #96 lunacyworks, Dec 22, 2019
  17. cjohnsonmn

    cjohnsonmn New Member

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    I'm really grateful for this thread. But I'm not sure if converting to LEDs will solve my problem with my new-to-me Prius. My main complaint with my '08s HIDs are that they just arent anywhere near bright enough and/or dont illuminate the road far enough ahead or to the sides and around curves in rural driving.
    I can live with the HIDs going out when the bulbs are cold now that I know how to coax them back on by flicking on/off a few times. What I cant abide is the lack of visibility in night driving in rural areas here in Minnesota where the deer and other road crossing critters abound. Can anybody confirm that this conversion has a good chance to improve the overall road visibility?
     
    #97 cjohnsonmn, Dec 22, 2019
  18. lunacyworks

    lunacyworks Member

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    As mentioned before, the Stock HID are actually quite bright and good when working correctly. There are a few LED units or Projector conversions that will give you a better result for $$$. I found one of my issues is the headlight covers tend to fake/haze up quickly and this kills the light output. If your lens are not 100% clear then that might be the main issue.
     
    #98 lunacyworks, Dec 23, 2019
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  19. 2Fats

    2Fats Member

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    I can't speak for in the Prius, but I'm a truck driver and the LED lights on semi's cause issues with CB radio. I've tried all kinds of things to cut down interference but it rarely works. This new truck had incandescent bulbs, and I'm grateful.
     
    #99 2Fats, Dec 23, 2019
  20. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    It's a shielding issue with the LEDs. It screws with FM as well when not made correctly. Even LEDs at home can screw with FM. Better quality ones shouldn't have that problem.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #100 audiodave, Dec 25, 2019
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