Headlight Out

Had my driver side HID randomly go off for about a month. (see Post #53)

Update 7/27/07

Yesterday during my 25K service the dealer was able to identify an intermittent short in the Headlight's control unit. The part is on order and will get replaced mid next week.

Update 8/10/07

The control unit was replaced - will see what happens next.

Update 8/11/07

oops - Driver side HID went out again today - Dealer Time (again) :angry:

 

Still working strong.
I'll report back if I have another problem

 

Whoops! I stand corrected! I thought I had read somewhere that Galaxee's DH worked at an independent shop. I off erfull apologies and bow my head in shame.....

 

This is an interesting thread to find. I went to work this morning & my drivers side headlight was out (HID). Got to work, shut off the car, then came back out to go elsewhere & it was on again. By the time we got on location, it was out again. Mind you, my car is 6 weeks old & has 6000miles! I'm taking it in after lunch!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(h2photo @ Aug 9 2007, 01:44 PM) [snapback]493083[/snapback]</div>

I kinda got the run around till I printed out this thread and highlighted the posts relavent to the problem.

 

Hello to all you other Prius owners. I'm new and thought I'd share my headlight problem too.

Our passenger side has been going off for over a month, while in for oil change, they ordered another light, we live 90 miles away so on next oil change they attempted to install and then realized they didn't have the "ignitor" that should have been with the bulb, so I got to keep the loaner car for two days while they had the part shipped from Houston. I come back to pick up two days later, and they tell me they replaced a computer, which I guess is what some of you are calling the controller??? I leave and later that night we notice the bumper is hanging or pulled away from the rest of the car, so we push it back into place and take it back to have some pins put back in. Get home from that trip to the city, and the next night the passenger light is out again.

So I'm planning on taking to Prius back to Oklahoma City on next Monday after our trip to TX this weekend, well, on our way home tonight from dinner, I pull across the street to Wally World and leave the car running with the wife inside while I pick up milk, back in 5 minutes, guess what, the driver side light is now out. Open the door and reach in, turn off and back on, it works.

This is an '06 Prius and the problem started happening with about 28K miles. Now has 33K when the passenger light started.

I'm a little shocked at the costs that you guys have been throwing around. I'd hate to think I'd have to go to the bank to borrow money to install new lights in my car every year. That's like what $150 per month for headlights?

The first attempt to replace the computer didn't cost anything. I hope I'll be lucky again.

 

Hello kimray,
I have had a similar problem with my headlights. I have an 06 model with package 7 purchased in Jan 06. At about 35,000 miles we noted first the passenger side headlight was out. But after turning the lights off and back on it was working again. A few weeks later it was the driver side headlight we noticed was off but it came back on when the car was started up again. Then last week when I was driving home on a winding road at night with the high beams on, I was shocked when both headlights went off at the same time and left me completely in the dark. I almost went off a clif trying to stop the car. I then turned on the low beams, which worked fine and I drove home. At home the high beams did not work.

I took the car to the dealer in Rhinelander WI on Friday and they could not solve the problem but told me to return when their A mechanic was on duty. I then took it back again this morning and was told that there is a procedure that they have to follow which is given to them by Toyota. They replace the bulbs first to see if that corrects the problem. Next they replace the controllers. Hopefully they will be able to fix the problem. Please let me know how your problem was fixed so that we can compare notes. Thanks.

 

...

 

As much as I hate to serve up the bad news......

After speaking with one of the Toyota Field Techs from SET (the guys who get to hear all the weird issues from all over the South and get info from Toyota engineers) The best known fix at this time is to replace the HID controller (ECU) and the bulb for whichever side is going out. At this time, it's a bandaid fix. Toyota Corporate is aware of the issue and working with the HID parts supplier to get a permanent fix, but so far they don't have anything official.

The controller is located inside the headlight assembly. Access is gained by first removing the front bumper cover (It's easier than it sounds and makes life MUCH simpler) the headlight assembly can then be removed and disassembled. Now comes the fun part. The controller has a wire which goes to the bulb. The end of the wire is a large connector which does a twist lock onto the bulb. To remove to wire (permanently attached to the connector and the controller) you literally have to wiggle it to the widest opening and then PRY the housing gently to allow to the connector to slip through. Get a second pair of hands to help hold the assembly and work slowly and carefully. Patience is the key here. Installation is the reverse.

If you are comfortable with hand tools the job can be done by the average do it yourselfer. JUST REMEMBER, THE SYSTEM IS HID THAT MEANS HIGH VOLTAGE IN THE BULBS!!! DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS WITH ANYTHING!! IF YOU DO CLEAN IT WITH DENATURED ALCOHOL OR RUBBING ALCOHOL! MAKE SURE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF AND LET IT SIT 10-15 MINUTES BEFORE YOU START TO WORK!!!


If you try it yourself, Good Luck and be careful!!

 

Hi all,

I found this forum while searching for info on my intermittent HID. Big ol' thanks to all previous posters, esp. Phish Phood for passing on the info about calling his service manager. I'll be taking the car in next Monday 10/1, along with some choice posts from these pages and my customer care case number. Let's keep this thread going in case we need to file a class action suit! I'll update my progress, and will cross-post on PriusOnline.com - wish me luck...

Cheers, Charlie

 

I had the identical problems with the headlights on my 2006 Prius. The driver side headlight seemed to be a heat problem. The passenger side light seemed to be a switch problem.

The dealer changed the headlights last week under warranty. So far I haven't had any more problems.

The 2007 Corolla loaner car had wonderful headlights. I wish I could have had those transplanted to my Prius. The low beams on my car are just plain dangerous on unlined roads. The high beams are a little better with the new bulbs.

 

Update: yesterday the dealer replaced the bulb, under warranty. Wait and see, of course, but he seems ready to proceed along the lines described by others here (new controllers, etc.) if the problem persists. So far, so good...

Cheers,

Charlie

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spintousa @ Oct 10 2007, 07:32 AM) [snapback]523526[/snapback]</div>

Wow..Have read through this entire thread and now wondering if I made a mistake buying the HID model..Unfortunately you can't get the Touring model without them..One question..I have seen several references that if the light goes out and can be relit, it's the bulb. Has anyone tried aftermarket bulbs? I have done a search on the style of bulb and have found a huge gamut of prices..Anywhere from hundreds each to fifty for a pair..Then there is the issue of the kelvin rating..What is stock?

Thanks,
John

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonjonbear @ Oct 12 2007, 10:34 AM) [snapback]524593[/snapback]</div>

Hi John,

Like the rest of us, you did not have a choice of headlights - you got the ones included in your bundle. When I recieved my '06, I was confused that the manual said I should have "daytime running lights" but my car didn't. When I found that if I simply left the switch in the on position the car would turn them off automatically, that's what I did (mine is silver, "pavement-colored" as I like to say, and I'm always getting cut off by other drivers - if it was bright red I don't think it would be an issue). But that's exactly the problem; HID lamps should be used as sparingly as possible due to the different technology involved. When my ps light started going intermittent, I picked up a 2-pack of halogen bulbs and opened the hood, only to say, "what the...?" Didn't even know what HID was 'til then, and if I had had a choice I would certainly have gone with the "old" technology. The lesson here is that if you use the HIDs as little as possible they should have a reasonable service life.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spintousa @ Oct 12 2007, 09:59 AM) [snapback]524608[/snapback]</div>

Hi Charlie..
That's what we have started to do. We are used to DRL's as our Jetta had them and had I now learned this we would have probably set the headlight switch to on which we won't do. I am contemplating installing the DRL module which uses the turn signals as DRL's. We live in the country and travel a windy, two lane road and people are constantly passing where they shouldn't so want to try to be seen as far off as possible. I think though if my bulbs were to go out I would most likely try the aftermarket ones as the factory ones at 300+ seems utterly ridiculous..My guess is that there is little difference other than color between brands.. I could be wrong though..
Thanks the the reply!
John

 

The problem with intermittent HID headlight operation appears to be common with the Prius, but is also occurring with other models. I own a Sienna with the same problem. The dealer first replaced the HID computer $1,100, then the bulb $400, and now tells me I need a whole new headlight assembly for another $1,100. This is all in three months. The service technician said "If its not working, give it a little hit with your fist." Not easy to do on the highway. The point is that inoperable headlights are a safety issue, police officers can stop you for it, and you cannot pass inspection without operating headlights. Reading the posts on this site, it is clear that there is a manufacturing defect that is contributing to the problem. You must help out by going to the National Highway Safety Administration web site and filing a complaint (www.NHTSA.gov) It will take you about 5 minutes and you will need the VIN number of your vehicle. If enough people who are having this problem complain, Toyota will likely have to issue a recall and pay for the repairs. Up to $2,600 dollars is too much to pay for working headlights. Good luck.

The problem with intermittent HID headlight operation appears to be common with the Prius, but is also occurring with other models. I own a Sienna with the same problem. The dealer first replaced the HID computer $1,100, then the bulb $400, and now tells me I need a whole new headlight assembly for another $1,100. This is all in three months. The service technician said "If its not working, give it a little hit with your fist." Not easy to do on the highway. The point is that inoperable headlights are a safety issue, police officers can stop you for it, and you cannot pass inspection without operating headlights. Reading the posts on this site, it is clear that there is a manufacturing defect that is contributing to the problem. You must help out by going to the National Highway Safety Administration web site and filing a complaint (www.NHTSA.gov) It will take you about 5 minutes and you will need the VIN number of your vehicle. If enough people who are having this problem complain, Toyota will likely have to issue a recall and pay for the repairs. Up to $2,600 dollars is too much to pay for working headlights. Good luck.

 

I've had the same problem with my '06 HIDs as so many here. It started while the car was under warranty, but unfortunately I didn't realize what it entailed to fix it, or the cost, and I didn't get it done while under warranty. From what I hearing here though, it looks like the replacements may be prone to the same problems. That just doesn't seem acceptable to me. I've been trying to avoid using the car at night, hoping that we would see a recall by Toyota to fix this problem. It is without a doubt a severe safety hazard, and I don't buy the argument that all HID headlights have this problem. I haven't spoken to anyone else with another brand of car that has had an issue with HID headlights (i.e BMW), and I was thinking about trying to fit an after-market system, or maybe a system from a car, or maybe just putting the standard halogen headlights in.
I've seen some comments here suggesting that those of us having the problem "chose" to buy the HIDs, but that is really not true. Toyota didn't give me the option to delete the headlights from the package. I could have, of course, not bought the package, but then again, Toyota did not reveal, at least not to me, that getting the HID headlights was likely going to require that they be replaced more frequently than standard halogen headlights and at a cost of thousands of dollars. Did any of you see that in any of the sales literature? In my opinion, it sounds like a failure on the part of Toyota to reveal a known latent defect to their customers. Personally, I am very disappointed Toyota hasn't stepped up the the plate and taken some responsibility for this problem. I guess now that they have such a large market share they are falling into the same mindset as other large automakers. I thought they were a different kind of company. I had been planning to purchase the next Prius when it comes out, but I am having serious second thoughts about that now.
I've had one light go out, sometimes the other, and sometimes both, and if they are not out, then they often flicker or pulse. What a nightmare.
Has anybody changed these out and replaced them with the standard halogens?
I for one am going to complain to the NTSB, and I hope all who have had this problem do the same. Maybe it will do no good, but I'm not giving up on a recall just yet.
:angry:

 

Same problem here. Spring of this year, while driving with lights on in daylight, neighbor told me driver's side headlight was out. Cycled power, came back on. Noticed same thing a few times, who knows how many I didn't notice. September, went for routine service and told them of problem. They said the bulb was bad--it looked discolored to them, and they would order one. Didn't come in until last week, by which time I had noticed the same problem on passenger side. Took to dealer for replacement of one and check of the other--they kept car overnight--still have it--and said they would not replace the expensive headlamp until they knew more. At this point, they are promising to return calls, but I haven't heard from them yet. To their credit, they did give me a voucher for a free rental, though. I asked yesterday if there was a technical service bulletin out on this problem--they said no, but thought there might be soon as all headlight parts seem to be in very short supply.

This is a serious safety issue. There are three complaints dating to September 06 on the NHTSA website. I will be adding mine later on when I have more info on my own car. I completely agree with the poster who recommended people report these failures. Here is a link to the Office of Defects Investigations of the NHTSA: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

I'll post again when I know more...
Thanks to all the previous posters for the info so far!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ Mar 16 2007, 11:38 PM) [snapback]407327[/snapback]</div>

I haven't had my Prius but 2 days so forgive me if I'm a bit slow here. On my '08 the headlights will go out when I power the vehicle off. Is yours the same way? Assuming it is, wouldn't the engine have kicked on to charge the battery back up? ....or is there some type of accessory mode that I'm not familiar with (like a conventional car)?

Mike