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Blowing headlights on a frequent basis

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by btse6, Jul 15, 2013.

  1. btse6

    btse6 Junior Member

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    2009 Prius with 115,000 miles. I've had to replace one or other of my headlight bulbs four times in the past six months. This is becoming a real PITA. Is there a known cause (and fix)?
     
    #1 btse6, Jul 15, 2013
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #2 JimboPalmer, Jul 15, 2013
  3. Rich12

    Rich12 Member

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    You're not putting halogens in a car made for HIDs are you...?
     
    #3 Rich12, Jul 15, 2013
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Also its stated on most packaging and instructions, but you're not supposed to touch the bulbs when you're installing or handling them. The oils from your hands will create a hot spot on the bulb surface that can lead to early bulb failure.

    You can clean the bulbs of deposits and oils using common rubbing alcohol.

    SCH-I535
     
    #4 xliderider, Jul 15, 2013
  5. btse6

    btse6 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the tips! I'm unable to contort my aging arms/wrists/fingers well enough to get in there and replace them myself, so I have my local friendly garage do it. But I will check the items you all have mentioned the next time one blows, and make sure they don't make these possible/probable mistakes.
     
    #5 btse6, Jul 22, 2013
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Ah, a friendly mechanic type person is the bulb installer.

    Just the type of person with fingers covered with a permanent film of automotive oil and grease. ;)

    SCH-I535
     
    #6 xliderider, Jul 22, 2013
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