Lo Beam out on right side

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PristinePrius, Sep 25, 2013.

  1. PristinePrius

    PristinePrius Junior Member

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    So, I don't know squat about cars, but I'm trying to learn. A couple months ago our 2004 Prius' right (passenger) light went out. The driver's side works fine as well as BOTH the HI beams. I checked according to priuschat forums about the fuses and they seemed to look fine, not blown or broken. I read somewhere about the 40A amp, but I can't find where it should be. Any help?
     
    #1 PristinePrius, Sep 25, 2013
  2. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    You probably need to replace the headlight bulb. I suggest you check the forum for instructions on replacing it.
     
    #2 xpcman, Sep 25, 2013
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Assuming it is a 2004 (you're posting in Prius v forum), it's likely just a dead bulb. It'd be worthwhile to replace both, or at least purchase 2 bulbs, have them on hand.

    Hopefully not to difficult to DIY....

    Our 3rd gen has the LED lights, and the Owners Manual simply says: bring it in to the dealership.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Sep 25, 2013
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #4 JimboPalmer, Sep 25, 2013
  5. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    sound like it's the bulb to me. swap bulbs to confirm.
     
    #5 Sfcyclist, Sep 25, 2013
  6. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    On page 305, it instructs you to turn the cover counter-clockwise. I fought with mine for almost an hour exhausting options and myself. In the end, mine popped off without twisting. I just used the biggest flat-head screwdriver I own and gently pried the cover off. That took only a couple seconds. When I examined the cover, there were no threads.

    Just my 2 cents.
     
    #6 TonyPSchaefer, Sep 25, 2013
  7. PristinePrius

    PristinePrius Junior Member

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    Are the prius Lo & High beam bulb one in the same? Why would the hi beam work but not the low light? I checked around for several days and it seems like alot of people had my same question. I read somewhere about taking a look at the 40A fuse, but I can't seem to find it still.
     
    #7 PristinePrius, Sep 25, 2013
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #8 JimboPalmer, Sep 25, 2013
  9. Zedhomme

    Zedhomme Member

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    On the Gen II Prius with Halogen the left and right low and high beams are each on a separate fuse. Right hand low beam is a 10amp fuse # 26 in the fuse box under the hood. The white plastic fuse gripper/holder is located in a slot on the right side of the box. This helps you remove the old fuse and insert the new. I've attached the pages from the owners manual with all the fuse numbers and sizes.
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 Zedhomme, Sep 25, 2013
  10. PristinePrius

    PristinePrius Junior Member

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    Thanks JimboPalmer for the filament lesson. I didn't know that, but it makes sense. But while under the hood, I re-checked my fuses and I noticed my 10A fuse is missing. When I checked earlier, I could have sworn all four were there, then the boyfriend checked and said he doesn't remember seeing it there. Anywho, I'm about to purchase a new bulb and also a small pack of fuses. Is it just safe to buy both now or just buy the fuse and see if that's my problem? Thanks in advance!
     
    #10 PristinePrius, Oct 18, 2013
  11. Zedhomme

    Zedhomme Member

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    Just start with the fuse. Then if the lamp is still bad, you can buy the lamps. Any time you replace your automotive lamps, if it is a paired set, that is both left and right come on when you turn them on, you should replace both left and right at the same time, even if only one burned out. The other is not far behind. We have all seen cars on the highway with one light brighter than the other. That's why. They only replaced one. Most of the lamps come in a two-pack anyway.
     
    #11 Zedhomme, Oct 18, 2013
  12. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I concur with the above statement. I have seen many vehicles in the past. It always seems to workout that one headlight goes out, the other is not far behind it. I have also seen two of them go out at once, however that was a one time thing. Besides all of that, if you were to change only the one that is out, you will then have a bright bulb and a dim one. Unless you are using the "ultra bright" type bulbs (non oem), you generally only have to change the bulbs once during the lifetime of the car. Note, I did say generally. YMMV

    Hope this helps.
     
    #12 dorunron, Oct 18, 2013
  13. PristinePrius

    PristinePrius Junior Member

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    Thanks everyone who helped. Replaced the fuse AND lightbulb because there was something wrong with the coil had broken off. Unfortunately, now I have a "check engine: light that loves to keep turning on then shutting off...
     
    #13 PristinePrius, Oct 24, 2013
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