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2012 headlight replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Sync801, Jan 10, 2017.

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  1. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    Hello to everyone! Im new on this forum nice to meet you guys! I got a bit of an issue however... my drivers side headlight got smashed in... Im wondering what kind of tools im going to need. I jus barely purchased a replacement headlight for $85 on ebay waiting on it to arrive. Now that Im on this forum I see people are getting their headlights replaced FOR FREE UNDER WARRANTY is this true? If so, will they keep the car for a couple days? Because that wouldnt be an option for me due to working graves so I dont mind doing it myself its kinda fun anyways. Any advice is appreciated and thanks in advance!
     

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    #1 Sync801, Jan 10, 2017
  2. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Your front quarter panel definitely is dented and needs repair. That spot where the paint knocked off needs to be repainted or primered or else it will rust.
    Here's a link to show you how to replace the headlight assembly, but like I said, somebody needs to straighten that dent.

     
    #2 Rebound, Jan 10, 2017
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  3. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    hey thanks for the video that really helped out alot! i ordered a new side fender pre painted and a new headlight. i just barely purchased that plastic clip pop off tool thingy and now i just need to wait but in the mean time what kind of bulb do i need?
     
    #3 Sync801, Jan 11, 2017
  4. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    The halogen bulbs are listed in the owner's manual. They're called H11.
     
    #4 Rebound, Jan 11, 2017
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  5. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    thanks for the help i really appreciate it! glad im part of this forum it really helps to have helpful people out there.
     
    #5 Sync801, Jan 11, 2017
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    After replacing the headlight assembly, make sure to check/adjust the headlight aim. The impact that caused the damage and the fact that it's a different headlight assembly is sure to be different than the original settings.
     
    #6 xliderider, Jan 11, 2017
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  7. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    Hmm I'm not sure I quite understand what is the headlight aim? What is the setting your talking about?
     
    #7 Sync801, Jan 11, 2017
  8. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    In the user manual there's a procedure to lower/raise the level of the lowbeam headlight on both sides.

    You can Google search how to check the aim of your headlights. Typically, you need to park on a flat, level surface about 20 to 30 feet away from a flat wall. The headlight cutoff should be about 2 inches lower than the height (center) of the headlight.
     
    #8 xliderider, Jan 11, 2017
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  9. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Your cutoff should look something like this:

    1484189582838.jpg
     
    #9 xliderider, Jan 11, 2017
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  10. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    wow i didnt know i had to do all that i thought i just had to install the light bulb and fender
     
    #10 Sync801, Jan 11, 2017
  11. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Do that, and you risk blinding oncoming drivers (glare) from headlights that are shining too high, or poor down the road lighting if your lights are aimed too low.

    They need to be properly adjusted.
     
    #11 xliderider, Jan 11, 2017
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  12. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    oh ok i see... is it hard to do? to adjust the aim correctly? i think i got a better understanding of what i need to do i appreciate the info!
     
    #12 Sync801, Jan 11, 2017
  13. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    is there a video on how to do that? also is there a video on how to replace the driver side fender?
     
    #13 Sync801, Jan 11, 2017
  14. Sync801

    Sync801 New Member

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    #14 Sync801, Jan 25, 2017
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