1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

How to tell if 2008 Prius has halogen or HID headlamps?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by [email protected], Jan 19, 2011.

  1. billscarboro@gulftel.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Loxley AL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I have a 2008 Prius pkg 6, passenger side headlight goes out, and then later comes back on. Went to parts store and they sold me a lamp to replace it with. Not only do I not know how to replace it, I do not know whether it is a Halogen or HID lamp?

    Can any one help on both issues?:mad:
     
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,591
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Do you have fog lamps?
     
    1 person likes this.
  3. billscarboro@gulftel.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Loxley AL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
  4. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    730
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Then you have HIDs.

    Sorry Mark, I beat you to the punch!
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. billscarboro@gulftel.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Loxley AL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius

    Then the lamp I bought at the Auto Parts Store for $14. is not an HID?

    Where is the best place to buy the correct headlamp, I notice by some of the post that the Phillips lamp is the best, Correct?
     
  6. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    730
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yeah that $14 bulb sounds like a halogen to me, so it won't work. HID bulbs are usually upwards of $60 when on sale. Did yours go out before 50,000 miles? If so, there's a very recent class action lawsuit that requires Toyota to repair it for free.

    If not, Amazon is where many people buy their bulbs, and I've heard good things about Philips. Here are 2 examples. I don't know which are better, but you might want to do some more searching on the forums for exact part #s.
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B00480J4J6?tag=priuschatcom-20 hey that second link has reviews from Prius owners. Hahaha! Wuddaya know...
     
  7. billscarboro@gulftel.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Loxley AL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Mine has not gone out completely but it is very internittent.

    I read about the lawsuit, mine is now at 56M and I do not think I would qualify for anything.

    I have a good rapport with my service tech at the local Toyota dealer, I will try to get a "GOOD WILL" replacement, if I can't then
    I am comfortable chaniging the lights myself, but need to know what model number to buy and where to buy it, at the best price.

    Sorry to sound so dumb :embarassed: but I really appreciate any help I can get.

    So far this is the only bad thing that hasgone wrong with my 2008, it has been a gem to drive and great on GAS!!:)

    Thanks a lot for all yours and anyone elses help.
     
  8. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    730
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No problem. You're not dumb, trust me. I'm dumb. I'm just now learning how to wax my car. Lol.

    Anyways, those amazon links I provided are the best prices I've seen.
     
    1 person likes this.
  9. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    730
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Also, be sure to replace both bulbs together. Otherwise they won't match.

    Replacing the bulb is not exactly easy. It doesn't require removing the front bumper, but you will have to reach around in there. I don't know exactly since I've never done it but it certainly can be learned by reading some DIYs.
     
    1 person likes this.
  10. billscarboro@gulftel.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2008
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Loxley AL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius

    This You Tube video is excellent on how to replace by removing bumper and also on you tube there are a lot of videos that that show how to do it without removing the bumber.

    Check out this link


    Again thanks for all the help, you have been great!!!
     
  11. ace

    ace A mini-tank with snow tires

    Joined:
    May 4, 2008
    34
    2
    0
    Location:
    Ames, Iowa 50010
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A