How To: Change Headlamp / Headlight bulb

Let me bring some wine to the discussion;
the passenger side headlight on my 2005 Prius went out, and I had a running light out on the driver's side, as well. I went in for my routine maintenance and figured, "let them change the bulb, I'm not in the mood for a DIY project today", but now I am kicking myself.

The invoiced amount:
bulb 90084-98033 $31.15
bulb 00234-00194 $2.28
LABOR $125.00

ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS?????
I had had the drivers side headlamp replaced about 2 years ago, and seemed to remember the labor being about $30. Call me a sucker, for not asking what the labor charges would be for these lamp installs. Not HID lamps, either. Is this the going book labor rate?
GRRRR. (even though it's my own damned fault.)

 

This is going to be the push I need to get away from going to the dealer anymore, and finding a good Toyota mechanic here in Chicago.

 

I think that's actually a normal rate. That's what the dealer quoted me, per side, when I called. It's why I did it myself too.

- D

 

There's a reason why they're called a "Stealership".

 

Seawolf,
Thanks to your original post, I changed the bulb on my driver's side a few months back, and I just now finished changing the passenger side. Took about two hours the first time - mostly due to struggling with the rubber boot - and only about twenty minutes this last time. It wouldn't have taken me that long, but the boot was stuck on the base of the bulb. I'm 6'7" and have big hands, but that wasn't a problem once I gained access via your suggestions. I did find the passenger side more conducive to my right-handedness. I do have two suggestions to add to your excellent original post:

1- "Clockwise" means different things depending on if you're looking at the rubber boot from the front or the back. I prefer to think that the boot works the same as a jar lid - which you turn left to remove, right to tighten.
The two rectangular "ears" on the boot make excellent leverage points for your thumb and forefinger - as you pointed out on this most recent post.

2- Once you have "unscrewed" the boot/jar lid a few inches to the left, it will stop moving. When it hits this "stop" point, it is in position to be lifted out. MAKE A MENTAL NOTE on the position that the ears are in at this stop point. When you reinstall the boot, position it so that the ears are at the stop point, and you should be able to push down on the boot till it bottoms out evenly. Tighten the boot to the right a few inches, and it will again reach a "stop" point. It is now locked in place.

Ken

 

Thanks for the detailed bulb changing instructions from 5 years ago. I was able to change mine in about 30 minutes for the first time, and it would have taken 3 times as long without the tips.

I installed these Philips halogen bulbs and like them after 1 week. They are very white and I would estimate about 30% brighter than the oems. They very really cheap at 21.62$ on Amazon Prime so I got free shipping as well.

Philips 9003 CrystalVision Ultra Headlight Bulb, Pack of 2, $21.62
Philips 9003 CrystalVision Ultra Headlight Bulb, Pack of 2 : Amazon.com : Automotive

Thanks,

Doug

 

Followed directions on site and replaced both bulbs in 30 mintes. I got the Phillips bulbs (2) from Amazon for $22.50. Thanks Prius Chat

 

Awesome these are so informational instruction that you have recovered here.
Thanks for describe
Regards
Jacques

 

I'd really like to reiterate HOW EASY this is to do Save some money and do this yourself. I did it in about an hour in my 2005 (some of the unscrewing and tight fit hinder some progress). All without the quoted removal of the front bumper and near $500 cost at Toyota. I picked up MAXLUX bulbs for $28.99 A PAIR free shipping! I opted for the 6000k Diamond White. They are a little bluer than I would have liked, so I think I'll be picking up the 4300k 0r 5000k next go. They are still great looking day and night, and my wife loves the brightness at night.

Maxlux USA

I recommend this bulb and will give a longevity report when they start to "flicker out". Now off to get the Plugs done on my own here in a couple months. From all the post here, I feel confident about doing it myself and saving a bunh of bucks.

 

Well folks, looks like the "too good to be true" adage is alive and well. In less than nine days after install, the passenger bulb has been shutting off. This is the opposite lamp that was originally flickering. Purchased through Paypal, I tried contacted MAXLUX but their "Contact Us" form is a joke, and doesn't work. I guess my best bet is through Paypal

Well, I guess I'm looking else where for bulbs...

 

Can I use these X Tune 4200K bulbs even though they say 100/90W vs the 55W I think the factory bulb is?

X Tune 4200K Hyper White 12V 100 90W 9003 H4 Halogen Light Bulbs Replacement | eBay

 

In the photo below, from my passenger side front headlamp on my 2005 Prius, is the clip show that is held down on one side by the screw the one that releases the bulb? If so, do I just pull up on the opposite side of the clip so that it swings up, pivoting on the piece held under the screw, or is there some other way to release the bulb?

 

And that worked! Thanks usbseawolf2000!

 

Gosh. Talk about getting bogged down in petty details....I just buy the basic Phillips bulb and call it good for $8.

Whew.

 

I don’t disagree - I’ve played around with different bulbs just to see if any last longer than others. I hate how quickly they all seem to fail.