Headlight problem

[FJRGerry]

Update on my Headlight situation: I called the dealership and was told I needed to contact Toyota. They gave me the number 800-331-4331 which I called and reported the issue. I was given a case number and told I would receive a call back in 24 hours by someone more familiar with the issue. I did receive a call back the next day and was told Toyota would replace the headlight and computer as a "goodwill reimursement" covering the full amount. I was also told I would need to pay then fax the information to them (at 310-381-6858) and would receive a check in 2 to 5 weeks. I was also told some dealers were replacing both headlights, but that it was up to the dealer. The Toyota representative informed me that he had already called my dealer and spoken to the service manager. I next called my dealer back and explained that Toyota would cover both headlights if the dealer thought it was prudent. The dealer agreed (TriCounty Toyota in Limerick, PA). The dealer ended up replacing both headlights and entering the repair as a warranty coverage so I didn't need to pay a penny! YAY! Happy customer here!

[chaschuk]

Originally Posted by AlphaTeam

I've got a package 6 2006 Prius. One of the headlights keeps going out. I can't really tell when or how it goes out since I can't see it. I'll notice it when I see the reflection in the back of another car. If I turn the bright lights on and off it has no effect, but when I turn them all the way off and back on the light comes back. Sometimes on long trips it will stay on the whole time, sometimes it won't. Sometimes on short trips it will go out, sometimes it won't. It is not an event I can make happen. I've taken it to the dealer and they can't make it happen (of course). ANyone have any ideas as to what is going on?

I've been having this problem for a few months. Both of my lights go out, and I'm suddenly in the dark. It could be dangerous. Like you, I just turn the lights off, and then immediately ON, and the lights are on again, and stay on for a while. But the failure can happen any time. I did call my dealer, and apparently they are aware of this, and may take care of it for free or little charge. I will find out when I take the car in and "the manager will look at it."

[stan]

My 2006 with 96k had the same problem about 50k ago. I contacted Toyota directly and as another poster said, they replaced both bulbs as a "one time, good will gesture." I did report the problem to the NHTSB.

[MacDude]

Yay!

I had my case answered and the HID headlight repaced by a local Toyota Dealership under Warrenty!

Filed the case with Toyota, got contacted, etc.

Made an appointment at Sunnyvale Toyota and they handled everything.

No charge to me, no reimbursement hassle.

BTW- My 2007 Touring had almost 66,000 miles on it, but they did it anyway.

[georgekessel]

So far so good with mine - Toyota said they will be sending me a check for the money I paid to replace the bulb at the dealer.

[Arthur Dunkel]

Originally Posted by georgekessel

So far so good with mine - Toyota said they will be sending me a check for the money I paid to replace the bulb at the dealer.

I have a 2005 Prius with 115,000 miles on it. About 3 weeks ago I noticed that my passenger side headlight would turn peach colored after running a while and then go out. Then the next time I started the car, it would shine fine, then turn peach colored and go out. I took it in to the dealer to get a new light. I was quoted $400 parts and labor. Later, I got a call saying they had to go somewhere to pick up the light and they got the wrong one, but it would fit. The only thing was that it cast a little different color. The good news was that it would only cost $300. I said o.k. I waited over 2 and half hours for the light to be changed, so the service manager said he was only charging me $200 for materials and waiving the labor. So, I guess I got off cheap. But, I can't help remembering when I used to go to an auto parts store and buy a replacement headlight for $5.00. What's up? I discovered this site just a few days ago and there was a popup about contacting a lawyer over this issue, so I sent off the information. Maybe I should contact Toyota directly?

[sardis]

My 2007 Prius has 44,000miles on it and just a couple weeks ago my doughter told me that my passanger side headllight is not working. It was a day time so I just turned the lights off. When I stopped the car and turned the lights on everything was fine. So I forgot about it untill two days ago the driver from the car next to me told me that my right headlight is not working. I assumed it is a30 dollars repair. Imagine my panic when I start surching internet and discovered that it is well known problem and repair can cost up to a thousand dollars! I emailed Toyota but three days later still did not hear from them. I will call them Monday. The price is absolutely outrageous! I am very scared to drive at night now.

[satwood]

Sardis, Welcome to the Headlight thread. You are not alone. We are all very concerned and depending on where you are in th process either getting sticker shock or working through the problem with Toyota. So far, it seems most people have either done the repair themselves or achieved some satisfaction with the company. In any case, I believe you should be able to get some relief.

I carry an LED flashlight with me and if my headlight goes out I can duct tape the flashlight in place to get home. It's really a lame problem for such a fine car.

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by qbee42

In general, the problem has been a compatibility issue between the capsules and the ballast. It appears that the ballast is barely supplying enough voltage to maintain the capsule, so as the capsule ages, it stops working reliably. In this situation it usually doesn't help to replace the ballast, since you will most likely get another one built to the same specs. It gets complicated because a replacement ballast might work at the upper end of the voltage range, and that would fix the problem. A replacement capsule might be more tolerant of lower voltages, and that would also fix the problem. In rare cases the ballast might actually have failed, which means a replacement would work. On the other hand, a replacement capsule might be less tolerant and will not fix the problem. All of these permutations make the problem confusing.

Tom

If the goal was confusion, mission accomplished!!

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by patsparks

If the goal was confusion, mission accomplished!!

Happy to be of service. Next time I'll see if I can do it with fewer words.

Tom