2007 Prius Headlight

Do you have fog lights? It's not a horror story. Just some work. LOTS of threads on how to DYI or have a shop do it. Pkg #2 doesn't have HID I believe.

 

You have standard halogen headlights on a package 2 Prius. Also if you had HIDs the headlight would be out on both high and low beams. You indicate that only the low beam is out. Replacing the bulb is a DIY project. Just be sure not to touch the new bulb with your bare fingers as the oil from your skin will reduce the life of the bulb.

 

Greg,
I am curious what you found as I have the same problem, just one (passenger side) low beam is not working. I changed the lamp and it did not solve the problem. I assume there is an electrical problem and I do not see how all other lamps could work and there be a fuse problem, but I am looking at the fuse block trying to figure out which fuse(s) operate the headlights so I can confirm that is not the issue. I have tried to check voltage at the headlight socket that plugs into the lamp at the back of the headlight, but I am not able to measure any voltage, much less 12-volts, at any of the three wires, to a body ground.
This is very disturbing, especially since I got pulled over and given a written warning. I hope somebody has figured out what is causing one low beam to quit working, when the lamp is in good shape, no sign of burn-out and a new lamp does not fix the problem either.

NOTE1: After diagnosing everything else, I went to the fuse panel and to my surprise, there are separate fuses for high and low beams for each side, yes four fuses for only two lamps. One of the 10A mini fuses was burned out.; nn easy fix had I went there first.
Note2: I have halogen headlamps, bulb 9003 (bight and dims in one lamp).

 

If you have HID, the lamp has a green rod running along the side and to the top of the glass tube.
Halogen just has a glass tube.
Also have someone switch from low to high beams while you’re watching. Xenon HID, components of the lamp actually move.
Prius HID Xenon lamp Replacement. You CAN do it yourself, but it's a tight fit for hands if you do the minimum trim replacement.
For 2004-2009 Xenon HID, lamp number D4R.
PROCEDURES
Remove Radiator Support Opening Cover.
Driver’s Side:
Remove Fuse Block Cover.
Turn lamp socket cover, the round black plastic disk, (It has two small ears) counterclockwise to remove.
Wire is attached to Cover. Don’t need to disconnect, just move cover out of way.
Turn ECU socket, the silver connector, counterclockwise until it clicks, take off.
Push the two spring clamps holding lamp downward and outward to release lamp.
Grip base of lamps, not glass.
Remove old lamp.
Insert new lamp with rod facing down.
Reconnect spring clamps, ECU socket, lamp dust cover.
Replace fuse box cover, radiator cover.
Passenger side, even tighter space. Procedures same as driver’s side.

 

Actually I have found on some older gen 2 the plastic ring will not, can not be removed. You have to take the front bumper loose to remove the headlight assemblies. Then, the ring is stuck so hard you have to break the tabs on the plastic cover to remove them. then replace the lamps. I have always oiled the o ring in the plastic cap to make it easier to remove again later if needed. It doesn't help. You still have to break the tabs and replace the rear cover to get to the lamp.

 

Oil is not good on some rubber components and will make them stick more. The best thing to use is silicon spray. This is also very good for window slide channels, and will stop plastic squeaks on dashboards. It is completely safe to use, will not mark cloth or clothing, and is even safe on food packaging.
The next best thing is talcum powder or chalk.

John (Britprius)