2008 Prius headlights, cluster panel and MFD problems.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Therese Rudolph, Oct 29, 2023.

  1. Therese Rudolph

    Therese Rudolph New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2023
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    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    My 2008 Prius has three problems. The headlights, cluster panel intermittent blackouts and the MFD climate control button stopped working.
    I’ve read so much about the headlights and have replaced them several times and this seems to be the most difficult problem to resolve.
    The other two seem more straightforward. Anyone in the OKC OK area aware of any place that can fix these issues?
     
    #1 Therese Rudolph, Oct 29, 2023
  2. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Read the "Combination Meter Repair" thread at the top of this forum.
     
    #2 pasadena_commut, Oct 30, 2023
    Therese Rudolph likes this.
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    The headlights, cluster panel intermittent blackouts and the MFD climate control button stopped working.

    The 'real' touring model came with HID headlights. Does your car have oem fog lights? If it does, then it has the HID headlights. If it doesn't have oem foglights, it uses halogen headlights. Which do you have and what brand and model bulbs are you using? if HID, have you ever replaced the ballasts?

    The intermittent dash issue is the typical combo meter problem. Texas Hybrids offers a very good deal for repairing these via mailorder or working out a swap with one that has been programmed for your vehicle/miles.

    If the physical pushbutton on the MFD has stopped working, you can either install a replacement MFD, or if feeling frisky you can disassemble and replace the defective button or small circuit card.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Oct 30, 2023
    Therese Rudolph likes this.
  4. Therese Rudolph

    Therese Rudolph New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2023
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    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    Hey thanks. I’ll be having these things looked at soon and sure hope to get them resolved. The headlights are HID and I’ve tried various brands that all burn out quickly. I I’ll share your comments with the car electrical person.
     
    #4 Therese Rudolph, Nov 5, 2023
  5. Therese Rudolph

    Therese Rudolph New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2023
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    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    I have never replaced the ballasts. I’m not sure what Toyota did to try and resolve this issue but from what I read it wasn’t completely a success. I hate to have to buy a new car because of a bulb . yes it is the “true” touring model with HID bulbs which seem to be the problem ones or maybe not because regardless of brand they just don’t last.
     
    #5 Therese Rudolph, Nov 5, 2023
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2023
  6. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I've had a four Gen 2s with HIDS and currently have a 2007 and 2009 touring model. IIRC, my 2007 has the Philips OEM 4300k replacements that I installed back in 2017? Still going strong. Those cost me $52 each when I ordered them from Home Depot online. The others used bulbs I purchased from an online company I've mentioned in the forum several times. Been so long since I've had to order any, that I've forgotten their name, lol. They're also still going strong. I have NEVER, so far had to replace a set of HIDs more than once on any Gen 2 I've purchased. Been lucky I guess, but I avoid the bulbs from ebay or amazon.

    Found it:

    D4R Bulb - Factory HID Xenon Series | Onyx Performance Lights (onyxlights.com)

    $70 for a set of 2. Choice of color rating, but I always use the stock 4300k.
     
    #6 TMR-JWAP, Nov 5, 2023
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