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2006 Prius Headlight Replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by actuary32174, Jan 24, 2013.

  1. actuary32174

    actuary32174 Junior Member

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    I have a 2006 Prius that I purchased with no upgrade on the headlights. There was an upgrade available for high intensity lights, but, I didn't get them. The low beam on the passenger side headlight just stopped working. Two questions:

    1. I was just told by the Toyota dealership that to replace the headlight, the entire front end of the car would need to be dropped. They just told me that with them suppyling the bulbs, the cost would be about $250 plus tax. If I supply the bulbs, only about $200 plus tax. My owners manual indicates that this is a do-it-yourself project. Is this true or is the dealership trying to make money off of me?

    2. When I do replace the lights, I would like to put in something that would put out more light than what I have now. I have been told to be careful because many replacement lights throw off so much heat that the housing around the bulb could melt. Are there any bulbs that can be put into the car without causing a meltdown? Also, I have read that some of these replacement bulbs have a very short working lifetime of 1-2 years. Obviously, I would want to keep away from them.

    Thanks for the help
     
    #1 actuary32174, Jan 24, 2013
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
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    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Moved out of the Prius v forums to the appropriate gen II forum...
     
    #2 Paradox, Jan 24, 2013
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    Location:
    California - SF Bay area
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I have replaced the right bulb twice on my 2008 (it runs all the time). For the 42K miles I figure about 2000 hrs total. Yes it's a DIY job that has been documented may times on this forum. Just use the search feature to find the write-up. It's true that any increase is light will equate to a decrease in bulb life. I just bought a set of Sylvania Xtravision lights 9003 for the nexst time one burns out. ($19 at Walmart)

    The driver side is still the original.
     
    #3 xpcman, Jan 24, 2013
  4. RedskinPrius

    RedskinPrius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Any thoughts on the Sylvania ultra silver star bulbs? About $49 for a pair. There is a cheaper pair for about $39.

    My bulbs in the 07 are still working, but looking for a little better night vision.

    Would love to put some HID bulbs in, but not sure.if worth the cost and if I need new ballast and reflector.

    Any thoughts appreciated.



    SCH-I605 ? 2
     
    #4 RedskinPrius, Jan 27, 2013
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
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    8,591
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    They are whiter and brighter and people have used them and liked them but they will not last as long as oem due to the aforementioned.
     
    #5 Paradox, Jan 27, 2013
  6. RedskinPrius

    RedskinPrius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Replaced the bulbs today..no wonder the dealership charges $100 to do it. What a pain in the nice person.

    Here is a picture..had to remove upper cover, plastic slide on right side, fuse box cover on the left, loosen the splash shield and the front cover to access the drivers side.

    Not meant for a guy with big hands. The lights are awesome and bright. WAL-MART $49 for the pair.



    SCH-I605 ? 2
     

    Attached Files:

    #6 RedskinPrius, Jan 29, 2013
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