Headlight problem

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by Pri(ap)us

Can some kind soul explain to me what 'ballast' means here?
I don't think we're talking boats, are we?

TIA

High voltage discharge lamps function by exciting gas with a high voltage. It takes a very high voltage to make the lamp "strike" and begin to discharge, after which the voltage is dropped to control the current flow through the lamp. The ballast circuit does the controlling, or stabilizing of the current flow. Most ballast devices also contain the starting circuitry. It is this starting process that makes rapid cycling bad for discharge lamps, so it's not good to cycle them on and off.

Examples of high voltage discharge lamps are fluorescent lamps, neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and so forth.

Tom

[Pri(ap)us]

Thanks qbee42 (aka Tom).
Got it :-)

Ian P

[windstrings]

And welcome to the forum.... Pri(ap)us

[foo]

FWIW, I have had the headlight problem in a 2006 Prius #8 for about the last 6 months or so, but didn't address it until the last week where it really got bad -- lights would dim almost immediately, and after 2 minutes they would both shut off. My car is at 42K miles.

I called SF Toyota where I bought the car and they gave me the runaround, "no we don't know about this problem", etc. but I could come in and "have it evaluated".

I called Walnut Creek Toyota and not only was the guy on the phone nice and knew about the problem, but said they would likely take care of it if I brought it. So I did, and they said it was a common occurrence, was the bulbs, and that Toyota would cover them and I just pay for labor (est. $130).

I live in an area with 8 trillion Priuses, partially because that's how it is here, and partially because in 2006 there was a limited-time HOV lane sticker offer for hybrids including Priuses. So they sold a lot of 2006's.


Moral: Yes this is a known issue, at least to dealers who will admit it. And, so far, Walnut Creek Toyota's service center kicks ass.

[windstrings]

Not that a dealer would do this.. but it almost makes you think some dealers would llke to get double paid... once by Toyota and once by the customer!

Just kinda makes you think!... thats all!

[EZW1]

Originally Posted by windstrings

Not that a dealer would do this.. but it almost makes you think some dealers would llke to get double paid... once by Toyota and once by the customer!

Most do... thay is why they take the 'dumb' approach.

[windstrings]

Originally Posted by EZW1

Most do... thay is why they take the 'dumb' approach.

And Toyota probably knows their games and that's why they prefer to reimburse the customer.

Pretty sad if Toyota really can't trust their own dealers... I guess its the way of America.. from Wall street "and the White House" down!

[tananis]

This issue happened first with ONE of my lights (in warranty) and the dealer replaced the bulb at no charge. I thought that was either veryyyyy interesting or I had found the dealer of dealers! The same problem (specifically and totally as described with the first post of this thread) happened about 3 months ago with the OTHER headlight (out of warranty). I was originally told that they would have to replace the bulb and I would be charged. I was ready. I cannot believe this is a "bulb problem" since it is not consistently staying off, but rather resets and comes back on when you turn the car off and restart it. I had print outs from PriusChat in hand and told the mechanic that clearly this was not MY issue, but rather, TOYOTA's. He checked in with the service manager (when I said I wanted it replaced and was not going to pay for it), and lo and behold, the service manager yet again, didn't blink, and didn't charge me.

While I do think I have found the dealer of dealers and am VERY happy with my maintenance experience with my dealer (North Hills Toyota in Pittsburgh), I also think it very likely that this was not the first or the last headlight issue these folks had seen. I remain surprised that Toyota has not issued some form of redress.

Cindy
2006 Prius Package 8 Driftwood Pearl, with stabilizer

[windstrings]

I hate to keep being the devils advocate, but it was also interesting they were going to charge you... yet didn't blink when you wouldn't pay... that tells me they were likely still making a buck whether you paid or not.

He checked in with the service manager (when I said I wanted it replaced and was not going to pay for it), and lo and behold, the service manager yet again, didn't blink, and didn't charge me.

[StBrianofMinneapolis]

I am experiencing this same problem with the driver side headlight in my 07. I live in Minnesota and it has been in the last few weeks of bitter cold weather that this problem has occurred.

I have two specific questions I am hoping someone can answer.

1. is there a Toyota corporate service hotline, that I can call and get some real answers on this?

2. If my local shop gives me the runaround, can I just have halogens installed and be done with the HID issue?