Headlights burning out

This voltage is within spec and shouldn't pose any problems for bulb longevity. I assume you measured this with the bulb disconnected? It should be lower with the bulb connected due to voltage drop in the wiring. Also: is your meter a quality brand or a cheapie? I've seen cheap DMM's be off by a volt.

 

Wileec, did you have any more problems after upgrading the bulb?
I experience this same problem now. Headlights went out, I changed both bulbs, then they went out about 6 months later, changed bulbs, 3 months later they went out again, changed bulbs and today, two months later, the drive side went out again.

 

What type and brand of bulb are you using?

 

I'm using the Sylvania Silver halogen bulbs FTP Kragen.

 

My 2007 already had PIAA brand lamps in it from a previous owner. When they burned out on me I replaced with Sylvania Xtravision. Almost exactly 1 year and 20K miles later I've just replaced those with Sylvania ECObrights.
So I couldn't say how long Toyota branded bulbs would last, I've never had them. Might be my next choice if these also crap out too fast. By comparison my 2005 Honda with 50K miles on it still has the original bulbs and plenty of light.

- D

 

Boy and I interested in finding an answer as well. I replace my headlights twice in the last year and today I noticed my right headlight is out again. I have used two different brand names of bulbs. I too am not using the HID lights. If any one else has a answer keep me informed as well.

 

Have you been touching the bulbs w/your fingers? If so, that will cause them to prematurely fail.

 

i made sure i did not come in contact with the bulbs as i knew that limits their lifespan

 

I've had my 2006 since February and I've had four headlights go out. I'm definitely not touching the glass, I'm using the same bulbs I used in my pathfinder (also on 100%) that lasted six years (same roads, etc).
First the passenger, then a few days later the drivers side.. Then just last week the passenger and three days later the drivers side. About five months between events.

 

Ugh. I have changed the lights in my '09 Prius in both 2/2013 and 6/2013....

We get to this morning, and surprise.... One light went out again. My mind is blown. I truly believe I didn't touch a thing on either install. My 12v battery was replaced in the spring (After purchasing new bulbs the first time).

Does anyone have any idea what else it could be?

 

I've had the same problem, I learned how to change the bulbs myself and can do it in under 20 minutes for both. I used Phillips X-treeme bulbs, which are extremely bright. The trade off is short life of the bulb. I eventually converted to HID. and before people go off hire I'll be blinding drivers. The kit I used has a shield that provides the proper cut off and doesn't blind on coming traffic. Going to HID was my solution.

 

Where'd you get your HID kit from. So far how do you like the kit's performance?

 

Mucous Beegin, I purchased my HIDs from ebay, the seller's name is ultra-hids. Here is a link to one of their listings: http://www.ebay.com/itm/27105165912...me=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

They are located in the UK, but the international shipping was lighting fast, it might be slower now with the Christmas Holiday, there are a lot of packages being shipped, so the post (mail) might run a bit slower this time of year. But as far as quality, I think the lights are great! I went with the 4300 OEM white. Read more about where I got the HID kit and how to install in this post, I know it's long -- read everything and you'll be all set to order and install!

http://priuschat.com/threads/guess-what-turned-up-in-the-post-today.123941/#axzz3Lu369JOH

 

Here's a direct link for the HID-Kit installation, it took me about an hour or so. The good news is that there is NO cutting or splicing wires, IT IS ALL PLUG AND PLAY. Here's the link" http://priuschat.com/threads/guess-what-turned-up-in-the-post-today.123941/page-5#axzz3Lu369JOH

 

On the suggestion of an expert at a different forum, the longest-rated bulb is the Philips EcoVision (3000 hour) which has the added benefit of drawing less power from our Prius batteries; and, if you see this post today, you can get a 20% discount off the everyday reasonable price here: Google "Powerbulbs " and search for: longlife-ecovision-h4-headlight-bulbs

 

I fail to see any reason why these bulbs would use less power from the Prius battery than any other 55 watt bulb as that is there rating.
The advantage of going the HID system is that because it is a much more efficient method of turning electrical power to light. This is proved by the fact that a 35 watt HID system gives out much more light than a 55 watt tungsten bulb.
Calculated at 12 volts the saving in amps for two headlamps on low beam would be (40 watts) 3.6 amps. On high beam where the tungsten bulbs are rated at 60 watts each, and the HID's remain at 35 watts the saving is (50 watts) 4.1 amps. This represents an average saving of 40%.

John (Britprius)

 

Got tired of the short life of aftermarket bulbs especially the Phillips. Although very bright don't last long. I bought the original Toyota bulbs for $23. ea at TPD. But the shipping was high as I bought other stuff too.

My local dealer wants $35 ea at the counter for the headlights.

 

So what are these Toyota bulbs? I would happily pay that much if I had any reason to believe they'd last longer than aftermarkets. When I called the dealer he said they were a Philips bulb. Got tired of hitting dead ends researching online. How long since you installed these $23 bulbs? And, can't seem to find a TPD site, got a link? Thx!