Hey All, I'm experiencing yellowing in the headlight assemblies of my 2012 Prius V model 5. I understand it has LED lower beam projector lights, and the headlight assemblies are totally different than the Non-model 5 variety. Tried polishing the lens, helps a bit, never lasts long. Lots of non-LED aftermarket assemblies on Amazon, etc, but they all use halogen bulbs. I'm told that the two types of assemblies are not interchangeable. Stock LED assemblies are around $600 per side. The aftermarket halogen assemblies that would fit the other Prius V models are around $250 a pair. Has anyone managed to adapt the halogen type assemblies into the model 5 ?? I guess the wiring connector may be different?? The actually mounting of the headlight assemblies could be the same (just guessing). The model 5 seems to not only have the low beam LED feature, but also a beam leveling feature. I would gladly give that up to save the $1K in parts cost, and live with halogen lighting. Would appreciate any insight from folks that have struggled through this dilemma. Trying to keep the car costs down to a reasonable level. Too bad no aftermarket option for the factory LED light housings.
You could downgrade to a halogen assembly but they are pricey as well. The leveling system will code constantly. The halogen low beam assembly is nowhere as good and the led retrofits for that assembly have their issues as well. Use a better polishing product with clear coat at the end. If you diy it properly you should get two years at least. Then do it again. $22 on Amazon. Find the manufacturer’s video on YouTube and follow the directions exactly. Best to write down the video steps because it’s easy to miss one of them because you already did it earlier. Get both headlights ready before applying the clearcoat.
Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely look into this product. Definitely can't pay $1200 at dealer for new LED headlight assemblies!
Mail order Toyota Parts dealer approx $625 per side for LED units. Certainly for that much money I was exploring other options. I thought maybe the halogen headlight assemblies could be fitted but the wiring, plugs, and low beam designs were too different. People mentioned that the LED headlight units on the model 5 do not have replaceable LED bulb units. Looking at mine, that seemed to be the case. I guess they are expected to last forever, and if not, the owner will spend $625 to get the whole assembly (with built in LED). Hopefully the clean and buff method, followed by a UV clear coat will get me by. Just want to see better at night!
Just yellowing? Have you considered a headlight renewal kit? These run @$15 and DO work. Be sure to buy a kit that has the UV protection liquid as the final step.
You could wire in the correct connector for a halogen setup which could then run halogen or halogen retrofit LED. Decent low beams might be another $50 which is the real difference. However I understand the beam leveling will code. So there is that concern. Maybe getting a professional sanding and clear coat every two years would be a more cost effective solution.
I did the Sylvania kit, seems pretty good. Will see how long it lasts. The kit was very simple, been 2+ months so far. If it lasts 1 yrs I'll be happy!
