Has Anyone Replaced a HID Light Bulb Yet?

I had one bulb that was likely DOA when I got the car. I've had the car (Touring PK5) for about 2 months and just got around to taking it in to get this fixed. Some kind of a short (defective bulb perhaps) caused both the bulb and "a computer thing like a ballast" to need to be replaced. The document I got does not list part prices but I did get a look at their version which did and IIRC, both the bulb and the balast were over $300 each. Was a bit of an eye opener.

Someone please tell me that HID bulbs last longer than $30 halogen bulbs do?

I beleive replacing ANY type of bulb on a prius is a pain. Use SEARCH to find how-to threads.

DDR

 

no replacements yet ( over 100k miles )

 

Do a search. Several PC members have replaced their own capsules, at considerable savings. One post has complete step by step instructions with photos.

Tom

 

Here's a link to bruceha 2000's HID installation photos with step by step instructions:

PriusChat Forums - bruceha_2000's Album: 2004 Prius HID bulb Replacement

I think both bruceha 2000 and windstrings are satisfied with the replacement HID bulbs each got from eBay for cheap.

 

There seems to an unusually large number of HID failures on 2006 and 2007 Prius, there is some speculation it has to do with the switch to a new type low-mercury capsule. I don't think Toyota has officially fessed up to the problem yet.

Typically HID capsules should last way longer than halogen bulbs, most people should never have to replace them.

 

Never had a problem with my HID yet. I would expect my HID's to last 10X longer than regular halogen bulbs. If it ever goes bad prematurely, I will try my best to have my dealer replace it under warranty.

 

I have a 2006 prius with HID.The left bulb was flickering off right after it turned on. I took it in and wa told it was the balast and they wanted 345 to replace it. I found one at carson toyota for 220 tax included. I bought it and put it in. That wasnt the problem, it was the bulb, Auto Square Collision Center in El Monte told me they tried multiple bulbs and they all did the same thing. After I switched the ballast the bulb still turned off, I swapped bulbs and the problem followed the bulb. Never go to Auto Square Collision Center in El Monte, they are scammers.

 

I just learned from the dealer that both lights on our 2007 have gone bad and need to be replaced. The cost for two bulbs is $650. That's not including installation. Good thing we're saving so much money on gas, we will need it for light bulbs. The dealer was going to see about doing this under warranty, even though we are at 55K miles. If they won't cover this defective part, I have purchased my last Toyota.

 

No not i have tried i have to try it...

 

how do you learn from the dealer that your headlights have gone bad? if they output light, for all intensive purposes they're fine. if they don't... you shouldn't need the dealer to tell you they're burnt out.

yes, HIDs dim over time, but its up to you when you replace them.

 

One has to be careful with dealers, and shops too, for that matter. They are in it to make $$$, not a charity And, unless you are an expert or well read and knowledgeable about your car, they have an advantage over you, a big advantage. No different than telling you that the water pump should be replaced with the timing belt at 90k Because they can get away with it most of the time.

 

#1) If one of these $300 HID bulbs/capsules goes out within the 3yr/36k mile warranty period, and it is not going to be replaced under Toyota warranty under any circumstances, I will be selling the car soon after it is fixed.

#2) If I purchase an extended bumper to bumper warranty, I'll be making darn sure it includes warranty replacement for these overly expensive headlight bulbs/capsules.

#3) If I purchase an extended warranty that is supposed to cover the HID units and Toyota does not want to honor it, the result will be that of #1.

 

i'm still using my original in 1 light. the other was replaced early on in a fender bender. at 107k miles now.

 

For what it's worth, Consumer Reports rated the luminosity of the Prius halogens pretty highly, but rated the Prius HIDs as terrible ... one whole black circle (its worst rating).

I don't have HIDs, so I don't know, but I wonder if the Prius HIDs that Consumer Reports tested were defective.

 

I'll call a local dealer tomorrow to ask about replacement cost of an HID headlamp and the warranty policy on them.

I would have gladly went with a package 3 with halogen's, but through Summer, word was no pack3's were available in this region. Then in late Sept., Toyota re-introduces pack3's ... argh.

 

A Toyota dealer quoted $400 parts/labor to replace one HID. Service advisor said the HID's are warranteed for 3 yr/36k miles, not after that, even with an 'extended warranty' plan.

Napa auto parts said could get an HID capsule from 'LA area' for $95 each. He said HID's are a hot theft item and are on police watch lists.

 

This thread makes me glad I don't have HID's, and confirms my decision not to get a package that included them. Toyota should make it a separate option.

 

Trouble is, in Summer of '08, pack 3's were discontinued. This is the only pack with JBL, but without HID's. I would not have bought a pack2, no JBL, no purchase.

Note to self ... next time around, start looking for new car about Thanksgiving time, early in the model year.

I still love my car, HID's and all.