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My Prius C HID and LED installation adventure thread!! (lots of Pics!)

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by managerman, May 15, 2012.

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  1. managerman

    managerman Prius v Nerd

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    I had this post almost completed, and my browser crashed losing everything....ARRRGH!! SO let's try a second time around!

    I have been reading multiple threads on PC about changing out the headlights to HID and the exterior and interior regular bulbs to LED. I figured that I would chronicle my "adventure" in doing this so to help any others who want to make the attempt as well. I have only partially completed the change over so far, but plan to continue to add to this post as I complete the project.

    I am going to start with the exterior and then move to the interior.

    First up: Parking lights. The parking lights (like many of the small bulbs in the Prius C are labelled "W5W") they are also referred to as 194 bulbs and look like this:
    [​IMG]

    I decided to replace the parking lamps based on this thread:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-like-194-led-bulbs-front-parking-lights.html with this bulb:

    [​IMG]

    I ordered this bulb from iJDMToy.com. This bulb has a CREE LED which is very powerful and bright and gave off a 6000k white light. It looks real good with the "projector lens"! The actual changeout looked complicated, as I could see where the bulb was when I looked under the hood, but was not sure how to remove it....Low and behold I checked the manual and holy cow! it has a whole section on how to change out almost every exterior bulb on the car...The parking light change instructions are on Pages 415 and 416.

    Completed change of parking light:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Looks real good and has a nice bright white light.

    Next up: HID install!

    Once again I read many different threads on PC about what type of HID kit, what color, etc to get...I decided on a 4300k kit from Xenonsupply.com for two main reasons: 1.) They had a great Prius specific installation video which has very helpful.
    2.) Their kits' bulbs were specifically made for the prius projector housing since when installed the return wire is at the bottom of the bulb vs the top of the bulb. By having the bulb configured that way it eliminates the ground shadow some kits produce. The kit was plug and play all the way and only took about 30 min to install, and most of that time was mounting the ballasts and running the wires nice and neat.

    Ballast install on driver side:

    [​IMG]

    Passenger side Ballast install:

    [​IMG]

    Keeping the wires hidden and neat

    [​IMG]

    After install:

    [​IMG]

    Nice cutoff!

    [​IMG]

    Next up: License plate change out

    For the rest of the W5W (194) bulbs that I used I ordered this set from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00755JMYS/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i00

    They were a great price and they work great. I followed the instructions on Page 420 of the manual and bingo! Change out complete:

    [​IMG]

    On a side note...I did changout the DRL lights with whiter bulb
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00480J4UK/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

    They look to be about 3800k....so not an exact color match for the HID, but they are whiter and they are brighter than the original bulb.

    Next up: rear turn signals:

    After again reading a bunch of posts about the turn signals I ordered a few amber LED bulbs and a replacement turn signal LED relay. I tested the LED bulbs and they were just not as bright as the original bulb...so I need to do more research to find the right bulb with equal or better brightness...any suggestions? also...has anyone figured out where to replace the existing turn signal relay?

    After the turn signals I will be looking for the right amber led side marker bulb....rear backup light and rear tail light (Not LED ones)

    Ok...on to the inside....

    First up: Map lights.

    These were very easy to replace...in this case there was no instructions on how to replace these in the manual...but it is very easy...I took a very small flat head screwdriver and gently inserted it where the tabs on the lens are visible...as each one releases pop the next and the next...it will come right off:

    [​IMG]

    Once open remove the W5W bulbs:

    [​IMG]

    Then install new LED 194 bulbs and snap cover back into place:

    [​IMG]

    The new LED Map lights are amazingly bright....so much better then the originals....

    Next Up: Rear cargo area light:

    Another very easy install...not in the manual again. Use the same small flat head screwdriver to pop the left side of the light assembly off...once off the bulb can be easily replaced..

    [​IMG]

    Replace bulb and snap assembly back in:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    So that is my adventure so far...I still have more to work on...I will update this thread as I continue. I hope this helps some of you that are looking to do the same thing on your Prius C!

    -M
     
    #1 managerman, May 15, 2012
    Kelvin Wu, lmnopaul, TC400 and 23 others like this.
  2. formula

    formula Member

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    do you know how to pop open the side mirror light?
     
    #2 formula, May 15, 2012
  3. managerman

    managerman Prius v Nerd

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    Nope...not yet. I have examined it a bunch of times but have not seen an easy way to access it...maybe someone will come up with the solution to the puzzle

    -M
     
    #3 managerman, May 15, 2012
  4. hnx676

    hnx676 Junior Member

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    Nice...

    Be careful with the LED bulbs you used for parking light... I had used one with 3 LEDs and the heat (from the bulb and the head light) was so much it sort of melted the Len cover on the LED bulbs.. Now I am using one with a single LED, and it's not even CLEE type... Just check back from time to time to make sure they are ok...

    I did the similar mod and went a bit further by replacing the turn signal and also take care of the hyper-flashing syndrome associated with LED turn signal bulb.. I am using PIAA H-541 bulbs and they are bright enough...Instead of replacing the turn signal relay I am using a PIAA-H-540 LED regulator.. As far as I know our car does not use turn signal relay, so there is non to replace... PIAA H-540 is the only solution for now...

    http://www.piaa.co.jp/products/car/led/led_miniatureblub/index.html

    As for the side turn signal indicator bulb... I have yet to get to them because the bulb is sealed in the assembly... Anyone know how to open it up?
     
    #4 hnx676, May 15, 2012
  5. managerman

    managerman Prius v Nerd

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    Any idea where to get the PIAA bulbs in the US? Looks like thy are only available from Japan?

    -M
     
    #5 managerman, May 15, 2012
  6. formula

    formula Member

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    I don't use any LED bulb. :) I use Nokya halogen mini bulb. they are great.

    having trouble with LED bulb before and the LED bulb doesn't look good at daytime too.

    it you can cover the led bulb by the len, then it is ok.
     
    #6 formula, May 16, 2012
  7. hnx676

    hnx676 Junior Member

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    Try ebay or global.rakuten.com... The later is the english version of the popular online shopping network in Japan and they do ship to US..

    I believe PIAA has a US webpage but the selections are limited...
     
    #7 hnx676, May 16, 2012
  8. orangenerd

    orangenerd Junior Member

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    do you have any flicker issues with that kit? I have been looking into going HID but I am a car noob and am worried about ease of install and flicker issue...Also, does the K of the HID kit make a difference in terms of flicker... mainly askin since i am looking at the 6k kit
     
    #8 orangenerd, May 18, 2012
  9. managerman

    managerman Prius v Nerd

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    No issues at all with flicker. Great kit! I am pretty sure the K value is only related to the color temp of the bulbs.

    -M
     
    #9 managerman, May 18, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  10. orangenerd

    orangenerd Junior Member

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    my bulbs have an extra red and black wire coming from it...where do I put those? COrrection, I now know that those wires connect to the power from the car...I know red is positive and black is neg, but the prius wires are green and white with black stripe... which one is which? Also, should my bulb have come with a housing to hookup to my priuse connector instead of just two wires? I bought it from xenon supply if that helps... they seemed to be recommended
     
    #10 orangenerd, Jun 15, 2012
  11. FranklinTN

    FranklinTN Dave

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    I bought the exact same set and have the same question. I watched the video from xenonsupply and the video does not answer the question of where to install the extra wires. I will call the company Monday and will let you know what I learn. The installation video and diagram on the box do not apply to what I was sent. At least I dont think so.
     
    #11 FranklinTN, Jun 16, 2012
  12. orangenerd

    orangenerd Junior Member

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    I figured it out with a voltmeter. The red one goes with the green wire on toyota's connector, and the black one goes with the white with black stripe on the toyota connector. I emailed them and they responded stating that they took the connector housing out because of customer complaints...i call bullshit but either way, i taped up the exposed connector with electrical tape.
     
    #12 orangenerd, Jun 16, 2012
  13. FranklinTN

    FranklinTN Dave

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    thanks for your voltmeter info. went ahead and installed the HIDs. the new bulbs have a much tighter fit than the originals, and so took me awhile to complete. but the new bulbs are working well.
     
    #13 FranklinTN, Jun 17, 2012
  14. orangenerd

    orangenerd Junior Member

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    I'm trying out Hella bulbs for my highs will post results
     
    #14 orangenerd, Jun 21, 2012
  15. Daizy

    Daizy New Member

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    Unfortunately, HID lights are illegal in my state! Otherwise I would def take advantage of this thread! I may still do the interior lights.. Thx.
     
    #15 Daizy, Jul 2, 2012
  16. orangenerd

    orangenerd Junior Member

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    The hella bulbs weren't as white as I thought they would be... maybe switch to silverstars...had them before and I hate the longevity issue but i'll compromise for the color.
     
    #16 orangenerd, Jul 3, 2012
  17. dellrio

    dellrio Im pretty much awesome

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    What about all of the Lexus, Caddilac, Mercedes, and BMW's that have them from the factory? Not trying to be rude just wondering if these manufacturers have to have non-hid setups for cars sold in those states. If its only the retrofit or the blue color that is illegal, I don't think most cops would know the difference - especially if you use a 4300k or a 5000k bulb in the projector beam housing - looks pretty stock to me.
     
    #17 dellrio, Jul 3, 2012
  18. Daizy

    Daizy New Member

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    I could prob get away with it. (Or maybe not) The law says you can not have altered or modified headlights, and the lights on the vehicle must be from factory. Now i know with so many new vehicles coming out all the time there is no easy way to tell weather or not it is factory lights, I mean really, what are they gonna do pop your hood and call the manufacturer? First time ticket is $50, second is $75, then $75 every other ticket after.... By the second ticket im sure you would catch the hint and remove the lights. And... If I woud invest in any at all they would be purple! So.. eh I could take that chance. Being a new vehicle it would prob just get passed off as stock... The White and Blue ones are illegal as well as the other colored ones.

    This link breaks it down...With proper links to the official documents. State: Louisiana
    Lights out on ultra-bright headlights, Louisiana Senate panel decides | NOLA.com

    I would advise anyone thinking about doing this to check with their state first, at least then you would know your consequences for the mods. Otherwise, I say go for it!
     
    #18 Daizy, Jul 3, 2012
  19. dellrio

    dellrio Im pretty much awesome

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    Hahaha - I dont know I have been driving for 13 years now and have had 9 Window tint tickets and 5 window tint warnings. Its not that I don't "get the hint" its just that the tint benefits far outweigh the penalties for me. They recently upped the ticket to $150, but I have only gotten 2 at that price, and have yet to be pulled over in the c yet. And I usually go back to the Thomas Jefferson quote that "It is your responsibility (not right) to challenge and disobey an unjust law" - I mean its not like my tint is black - just a reasonable 30%...

    Be careful with the purple bulbs, the higher the Kelvin temp the lower the light output and the bigger the "pull me over" flag is. I installed some 30,000K's (against my advice) in a friends WRX STI and the night visibility is worse than halogens.

    Know the law but if you get pulled over the first time just play dumb and get a warning. Once they have a warning on file however - good luck...
     
    #19 dellrio, Jul 3, 2012
    Daizy likes this.
  20. Teacake

    Teacake OohShiny

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    Ignorant question please - on the OP's picture where he's showing the front headlights against his garage...what is the point of having the lights cut off like that at a certain height? Sorry, I'm 100% the mod n00b!
     
    #20 Teacake, Jul 8, 2012
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