I keep having to replace the halogen headlight bulbs due to lowbeam failure

Hi all,

I have had to replace 3 halogen headlight bulbs in the past year, and another one just went out yesterday. I use Sylvania 9003 bulbs.

I'm not sure what's going on, whether there is a problem or if this is just random or if it's normal for the non-HID Gen 2s to consume bulbs more than most other cars - some googling showed some people have had to repl even the non-HIDs more often than they expected.

Prior to the past year, I had to only replace a bulb one time a few years ago.

I am always careful not to touch the glass and I wear new nitrile gloves when I replace the bulb. Nothing has changed about our usage of the headlamps since we've owned the car (2013)

I was thinking about installing LEDs or possibly an HID kit instead. (I figured I would get better light output with a properly installed HID kit plus I wouldn't have to replace bulbs as often).

What are your thoughts on this? Abnormal? Should I just stick with halogens, or do you all have preferences with either LED or HID, and which brands have worked well for you?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

 

Thanks for the reply, I did mention in my OP that I didn't touch the bulb:

"I am always careful not to touch the glass and I wear new nitrile gloves when I replace the bulb"

 

Thanks for the reply, I did mention in my OP that I didn't touch the bulb:

"I am always careful not to touch the glass and I wear new nitrile gloves when I replace the bulb"

 

Shipped and sold by Amazon. Sylvania genuine.

 

Patrick, thanks for replying, I know you have helped many on this forum.

This is the basic halogen Sylvania 9003.

Do you happen to know what brand the OE bulb is?

Even if my issue is just an anomaly, what are your thoughts on switching to an HID kit like possibly one from DDM Tuning or a decent eBay or Amazon one?

I figure I would get better light output. The stock halogen setup provides mediocre nighttime visibility, especially in situations where I can't use the high beam.

 

Update, I checked my order history:

The first bulb was from Amazon, the second two were from Walmart, same brand and bulb number, but a two-pack.

By the way, lol, that's quite a statement: "My firm belief is that most items purchased via Amazon are NOT authentic".

Amazon sells hundreds of thousands of items in many categories every day, I think it's safe to say that the majority of products Amazon sells are genuine, however there are definitely many that are counterfeit. In this case however I do believe I received a genuine Sylvania bulb in original sealed Sylvania packaging and believe that the identical bulbs I bought from Walmart were genuine as well (I still have the old bulbs and packaging),

That being said, I get your point and it certainly is wise to be aware of the possibility of counterfeits.

 

Aside from bulbs, I was wondering about something like this (google search yielded), not exactly the site I'd expect to find 2nd gen prius info, but the thread is fairly informative:

HELP! Prius headights burn out bullbs in months - not HID. - AR15.COM

I may try just checking voltage using the MID (I have to google the method again, it has been a while), and then at the headlight bulb socket as well for good measure. Traction battery and Aux battery have both been replaced within past year.

But I was also curious to you alls thoughts on HID kit vs LED bulb upgrades, I know that starts to take me a bit towards the aftermarket accessories section of forum, but this inquiry started because of the bulb issues I'm having. Patrick, any opinions/preferences regarding HID kits vs LED bulb swap?

Thanks everyone!

 

thanks for offering some help but I have halogen headlights and no fog lights on my model. Xenons were an option on 2nd gens.