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Changing headlight

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by naturenut, Oct 27, 2009.

  1. naturenut

    naturenut New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
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    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    I had one of my headlights on my 2006 Prius begin to work intermitently. Decided it was that the bulb was about shot (and hoped it wasn't a wiring problem). Looked in the manual and tried to change the bulb with the instructions there--no luck. I took the car to a mechanic and he assured me he would have the bulb replaced in a half hour max. He couldn't figure out how to do it. I took it to a Toyota dealership and explained what was going on and he told me you had to remove the front bumper to replace the headlight? Having no choice, I had it replaced to the tune of $150 for the bulb and $47.50 labor. Has anyone else replaced a headlight? How did you do it? I hate to think of replacing another headlight down the road.
     
    #1 naturenut, Oct 27, 2009
  2. direstraits71

    direstraits71 Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I assume due to the amount you paid for the bulb, you have the HID headlights and not the halogen type. You need to state which type headlight you have or list the package for your Prius.

    If you have the halogen type, replacement is described here: http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...38842-how-change-headlamp-headlight-bulb.html

    If you do a search on "headlight replacement" in this forum you will see many threads discussing the problems with the HID headlights for 2004-2009 cars.
     
    #2 direstraits71, Oct 28, 2009
  3. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2007
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    Location:
    Flushing, NY
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If you have HIDS (and it sounds like you do), a lot of people have had success with the HID bulb replacements they get on eBay for less than $50 for two bulbs.

    And there's a photo album and instructions on PriusChat for changing the HID bulbs -- though they're not as good as the thread posted above for halogens which has detailed instructions and videos (but note that a lot of that stuff in the halogens thread should be applicable to your HIDS too).

    Do a search on PriusChat for HID bulb replacement.

    EDIT:

    Check out this thread about HID bulb replacements for 2006-2009 Prius; note that the last post also has a YouTube instructions video:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...7938-my-hid-bulb-replacement-my-06-prius.html

    And here's the photo album instructions for the 2004-2005 Prius HIDs:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/members/bruceha_2000-albums-2004-prius-hid-bulb-replacement.html
     
    #3 Boo, Oct 28, 2009
  4. naturenut

    naturenut New Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
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    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Yes, it is a HID bulb. I found the instructions in the forum. Thanks.
     
    #4 naturenut, Oct 28, 2009
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