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Passenger Side Low Beam Headlight replacement...ARRRRGH

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by sqwerty, Jan 30, 2015.

  1. sqwerty

    sqwerty Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hello!

    I am having a rough time getting my passenger side low beam to go back into the lens. Complicated by the difficult, blind reach in, I cannot seem to find the spot where the "locking ring" on the bulb housing goes in to the lens for that nice 90 degree "twist and lock" into place that makes the bulb not only secure, but shining in the right direction through the lens for correct lighting. Any suggestions? I have also replaced the driver side and it was a snap and I have repeatedly gone back to the drivers side and taken it out and replaced it to attempt to get the feel for what the bulb on the other side is supposed to feel like. I feel like I can't quite get the bulb to that preparatory state it needs to be in before twisting it into place. I apologize if I am not explaining it well. Have at it.
     
    #1 sqwerty, Jan 30, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2015
  2. sfprankster

    sfprankster Active Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I had the same problem. It was aggravating to say the least. After several failed attempts, I walked away, had a glass of wine and came back to try again. This time, it went right in without effort...


    Possible solution: loosen the bolts holding the radiator fluid reservoir and move it slightly to give yourself a little bit more room... ;)

    Another possible solution: having small hands :rolleyes:
     
    #2 sfprankster, Jan 30, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2015
  3. texasboy77904

    texasboy77904 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
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    Yea its a pain. Drivers side done in 10 minutes. Passengers still not "set" exactly but holding. I tryed for 2 hours. Ive got big hands. I think I pretty much stripped the area as the lamp still sits more up & took the right instead of directly where it should be like the drivers side.

    My wife got it closer than I could. :p Id like to have it back to normal position but that would take me sending it to the service dealer. Who knows how much that would be?
     
    #3 texasboy77904, Feb 19, 2015
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Vehicle:
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    Four
    "I think I pretty much stripped the area as the lamp still sits more up & took the right instead of directly where it should be like the drivers side."

    Assuming you didn't bust something, get the kid at Autozone to try it.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Feb 20, 2015
  5. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Yes, it's a PITA, but after a couple tries and scratched hands I was eventually able to align it and lock it in place. Had to replace the bulb twice so far since July 2009... :(
     
    #5 RRxing, Feb 20, 2015
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Remove the bolts holding the air intake hose bracket and release the other clip holding the intake hose, then gently move the intake hose up and away. If you have to, remove the two bolts holding the intake box as well.

    Much easier that way. ;)
     
    #6 xliderider, Feb 20, 2015
  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Remove the bolts holding the air intake hose bracket and release the other clip holding the intake hose, then gently move the intake hose up and away. If you have to, remove the two bolts holding the intake box as well.

    Much easier that way. ;)
     
    #7 xliderider, Feb 20, 2015
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