Changing headlight

naturenut · 10-27-2009, 04:40 PM

I had one of my headlights on my 2006 Prius begin to work intermitently. Decided it was that the bulb was about shot (and hoped it wasn't a wiring problem). Looked in the manual and tried to change the bulb with the instructions there--no luck. I took the car to a mechanic and he assured me he would have the bulb replaced in a half hour max. He couldn't figure out how to do it. I took it to a Toyota dealership and explained what was going on and he told me you had to remove the front bumper to replace the headlight? Having no choice, I had it replaced to the tune of $150 for the bulb and $47.50 labor. Has anyone else replaced a headlight? How did you do it? I hate to think of replacing another headlight down the road.

direstraits71 · 10-28-2009, 12:03 AM

I assume due to the amount you paid for the bulb, you have the HID headlights and not the halogen type. You need to state which type headlight you have or list the package for your Prius.

If you have the halogen type, replacement is described here: How To: Change Headlamp / Headlight bulb

If you do a search on "headlight replacement" in this forum you will see many threads discussing the problems with the HID headlights for 2004-2009 cars.

Boo · 10-28-2009, 02:19 AM

If you have HIDS (and it sounds like you do), a lot of people have had success with the HID bulb replacements they get on eBay for less than $50 for two bulbs.

And there's a photo album and instructions on PriusChat for changing the HID bulbs -- though they're not as good as the thread posted above for halogens which has detailed instructions and videos (but note that a lot of that stuff in the halogens thread should be applicable to your HIDS too).

Do a search on PriusChat for HID bulb replacement.

EDIT:

Check out this thread about HID bulb replacements for 2006-2009 Prius; note that the last post also has a YouTube instructions video:

My HID bulb replacement on my 06 prius

And here's the photo album instructions for the 2004-2005 Prius HIDs:

http://priuschat.com/forums/members/...placement.html

naturenut · 10-28-2009, 01:10 PM

Yes, it is a HID bulb. I found the instructions in the forum. Thanks.

10-27-2009, 04:40 PM	#1
naturenut Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Changing headlight I had one of my headlights on my 2006 Prius begin to work intermitently. Decided it was that the bulb was about shot (and hoped it wasn't a wiring problem). Looked in the manual and tried to change the bulb with the instructions there--no luck. I took the car to a mechanic and he assured me he would have the bulb replaced in a half hour max. He couldn't figure out how to do it. I took it to a Toyota dealership and explained what was going on and he told me you had to remove the front bumper to replace the headlight? Having no choice, I had it replaced to the tune of $150 for the bulb and $47.50 labor. Has anyone else replaced a headlight? How did you do it? I hate to think of replacing another headlight down the road.

10-28-2009, 12:03 AM	#2
direstraits71 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 118 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 14 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Changing headlight I assume due to the amount you paid for the bulb, you have the HID headlights and not the halogen type. You need to state which type headlight you have or list the package for your Prius. If you have the halogen type, replacement is described here: How To: Change Headlamp / Headlight bulb If you do a search on "headlight replacement" in this forum you will see many threads discussing the problems with the HID headlights for 2004-2009 cars.

10-28-2009, 02:19 AM	#3
Boo Boola Boola Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New York, NY Posts: 4,295 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 167 Thanked 302 Times in 155 Posts Friends: 22	Re: Changing headlight If you have HIDS (and it sounds like you do), a lot of people have had success with the HID bulb replacements they get on eBay for less than $50 for two bulbs. And there's a photo album and instructions on PriusChat for changing the HID bulbs -- though they're not as good as the thread posted above for halogens which has detailed instructions and videos (but note that a lot of that stuff in the halogens thread should be applicable to your HIDS too). Do a search on PriusChat for HID bulb replacement. EDIT: Check out this thread about HID bulb replacements for 2006-2009 Prius; note that the last post also has a YouTube instructions video: My HID bulb replacement on my 06 prius And here's the photo album instructions for the 2004-2005 Prius HIDs: http://priuschat.com/forums/members/...placement.html __________________ Best regards, Tom 07 Magnetic Gray #2 - GY TripleTreds 195/60R15, BT Tech Stiffening Plate & Strut Tower Brace, Philips X-Treme Power Headlights, Webasto 4300 Sunroof, Sharkfin Antenna, Chrome Wheelskins Wheel Covers & Door Handles, BumperDefender.com Bumper Guard Strips, Body Side Moldings & Rear Bumper Protector, NoBump.com License Plate Screw Bumpers, Bumper Bully, Sheepskin Seat Cover, Leather Steering Wheel Cover, Leather Center Console Cover, Center-Hump Litter Basket, Non-Slip Pads, Dalmatian Bobble Heads. Last edited by Boo; 10-28-2009 at 03:53 AM.

10-28-2009, 01:10 PM	#4
naturenut Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Changing headlight Yes, it is a HID bulb. I found the instructions in the forum. Thanks.

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/71249-changing-headlight.html
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