Aftermaket Halogen Lightbulbs

Sunfire4jc · 09-01-2006, 11:35 AM

Hello,

I wanted to install some Silverstars or some Halo aftermarket light bulbs for my headlights, but when i went to different car mechanics and the toyota dealer (Longo), they all recommended against it

Halo automotive - http://www.haloautomotive.com/products.asp

They claim that It may cause damage, and the repairs would void the extended warranty. They further claim that it draws too much power and that these light bulbs do not last long

Can anyone feedback on whether or not I should go ahead and do this mod, or should i just not risk it.

OH BTW...what size is thte headlight bulb? The Manual says HB2 for a 2006 prius, but I dont know what bulb i should get. I appreciate the comments. Thanks

Trollbait · 09-01-2006, 01:22 PM

I don't see how they could cause damage or void the warranty. However, CR had a report awhile back on the brighter aftermarket bulbs. On average they weren't any better than the standard ones.
As has come up in the LED threads, the reflector was designed around the standard bulb. The brighter aftermarket one could be physically brighter, but with its size and shape, you could end up with less light reflected onto the road.
Personnally, I'd wait until the bulbs go before considering trying something new.

**Tideland Prius** · 09-02-2006, 02:30 AM

I have Silverstars on mine. They're almost a year old (put them on last October-ish). On a dark road with no lampposts, you can see that they're much whiter. In terms of brightness, I'm not sure cause it could very well be the fact that it's white that makes it seem brighter. I do think they are (especially last November when we had dense fog for a week or two). Again, it doesn't help in the denser areas of fog since it'll reflect more light but on the whole, I'm fairly satisfied with it. I have heard of them burning out early but since there's a one-year warranty on them, I'd save the receipt just in case. Remember to never touch the bulb.

The size is 9003.

Frank Hudon · 09-02-2006, 02:36 AM

we have SilverStars in both Prius and wouldn't want to be without them now that we have two winters on them. Standard halogens now seem like candles. I'll agree with Tideland about the extra light during that fog session last winter.

Conine · 02-13-2007, 08:19 PM

how did you put them in?? did you remove the entire headlight or just work your fingers in and around til you got it?

**Tideland Prius** · 02-13-2007, 08:39 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Conine @ Feb 13 2007, 05:19 PM) [snapback]389876[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

how did you put them in?? did you remove the entire headlight or just work your fingers in and around til you got it?
[/b]

You access them behind the headlight. The Prius' system is a bit of a PITA.

you have to unplug the module, then remove this rubber neck/cover before finally reaching the spring-loaded catch that holds the bulb in place.

Removing everything isn't an issue. Putting back that rubber piece is time consuming.

For the record, my dad's Camry uses 9006 bulbs for the headlight and it was a breeze to replace.

Conine · 02-13-2007, 08:50 PM

yeah i cant fit my hands behind there, they are too big any other ways to do it?

seasalsa · 02-13-2007, 08:56 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 13 2007, 05:39 PM) [snapback]389890[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

You access them behind the headlight. The Prius' system is a bit of a PITA.

you have to unplug the module, then remove this rubber neck/cover before finally reaching the spring-loaded catch that holds the bulb in place.

[/b]

"The Prius' system is a bit of a PITA."
That is putting it mildly!
He failed to mention that you have to do everything by feel. You cannot see what you are working on without a mirror and then everything is backwards.

I have replaced both of mine as they burned out(30 and 35,000 miles) with the regular unit but will probably change to SilverStars when the next one burns out.

Conine · 02-13-2007, 09:47 PM

yeah i noticed it was all by feel, lol i tired to take out the right one today at work and broke 4 of the clips holding the black plastic in place! so im taking it as there is no way to remove the entire headlight? and i noticed that there was a mayonnaise like cream inside the plug. is that normal??

Frank Hudon · 02-13-2007, 11:17 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Conine @ Feb 13 2007, 06:47 PM) [snapback]389933[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

yeah i noticed it was all by feel, lol i tired to take out the right one today at work and broke 4 of the clips holding the black plastic in place! so im taking it as there is no way to remove the entire headlight? and i noticed that there was a mayonnaise like cream inside the plug. is that normal??
[/b]

On the RH side of the car you get fairly easy access by taking off the snorkel for the air intake, that is mentioned in the owners manual the LH side is the difficult one. The rubber rings turn off the back of the assy. and yes there is grease in the socket that plugs onto the bulb. It's a bit of a struggle but to take out the H/L assy requires removal of the front bumper and all associated parts. A little patience or the neighbours or you kids small hands will help your H/L project.
Edit: the secret to the black plugs that hold the air deflection panel on is to push the pin in the middle in about 3/16" with a pencil or small screw driver or even a key, then pull them up and out of the panel.

09-01-2006, 11:35 AM	#1
Sunfire4jc Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 32 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hello, I wanted to install some Silverstars or some Halo aftermarket light bulbs for my headlights, but when i went to different car mechanics and the toyota dealer (Longo), they all recommended against it Halo automotive - http://www.haloautomotive.com/products.asp They claim that It may cause damage, and the repairs would void the extended warranty. They further claim that it draws too much power and that these light bulbs do not last long Can anyone feedback on whether or not I should go ahead and do this mod, or should i just not risk it. OH BTW...what size is thte headlight bulb? The Manual says HB2 for a 2006 prius, but I dont know what bulb i should get. I appreciate the comments. Thanks __________________ 2006 Prius - Metallic Silver Pkg #3 Exterior Mods - HP SunTek Tint - 20% Rear, Hatch/32% front/50% Windshield - BT Tech Chassis Stiffening Brace - Mud Guards Lights - Sylvania Silverstars Ultra - HID White Interior LEDs - HID White Liscence Plate Flank LED Audio - Focal 165ca & 165v1 Component Speakers - Alpine PDX 4.100 Amp

09-02-2006, 02:30 AM	#3
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 26,989 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 1,043 Thanked 1,179 Times in 852 Posts Friends: 32	I have Silverstars on mine. They're almost a year old (put them on last October-ish). On a dark road with no lampposts, you can see that they're much whiter. In terms of brightness, I'm not sure cause it could very well be the fact that it's white that makes it seem brighter. I do think they are (especially last November when we had dense fog for a week or two). Again, it doesn't help in the denser areas of fog since it'll reflect more light but on the whole, I'm fairly satisfied with it. I have heard of them burning out early but since there's a one-year warranty on them, I'd save the receipt just in case. Remember to never touch the bulb. The size is 9003. __________________ 2005 Tideland Pearl Premium Package 25/10/04 VVT-i Emblem, Sport Pedals, All-Weather Mats, Cargo Mat, EV Mod, JDM Prius Footwell Lighting, DICE iPod Kit, LED lights 2008 Deep Black smart fortwo passion coupé - sold (6.1L/100km) 2010 Blue Ribbon Metallic Technology Package 29/08/09 OEM All-Weather Mats, Homemade Console Pads, LED lights, 5000K HID, OEM Fogs, Euro Mudguards, OEM Cargo Mat, Heatshield "Ask an Expert" on Facebook I am not employed by Toyota, and the opinions expressed by me as a Prius Expert are not those of Toyota.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The $166.00 Halogen Head light?	rjmiz	Gen II Prius Main Forum	20	08-09-2007 12:46 PM
Short halogen headlight life	jbrooke	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	6	07-09-2007 05:49 AM
Legislative proposal to outlaw incandescent lightbulbs	Solar Hydro	Environmental Discussion	13	02-03-2007 01:05 PM
Halogen Headlight Bulb Type	Tideland Prius	Gen II Prius Modifications	5	11-20-2005 12:41 PM
What About Halogen Headlight Bulbs	Smooth Operator	Gen II Prius Modifications	6	08-08-2005 06:50 PM

09-01-2006, 01:22 PM	#2
Trollbait Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: eastern Pennsylvania Posts: 1,663 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 148 Thanked 127 Times in 112 Posts Friends: 1	I don't see how they could cause damage or void the warranty. However, CR had a report awhile back on the brighter aftermarket bulbs. On average they weren't any better than the standard ones. As has come up in the LED threads, the reflector was designed around the standard bulb. The brighter aftermarket one could be physically brighter, but with its size and shape, you could end up with less light reflected onto the road. Personnally, I'd wait until the bulbs go before considering trying something new.

09-02-2006, 02:36 AM	#4
Frank Hudon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,146 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 0	we have SilverStars in both Prius and wouldn't want to be without them now that we have two winters on them. Standard halogens now seem like candles. I'll agree with Tideland about the extra light during that fog session last winter.

02-13-2007, 08:19 PM	#5
Conine Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 70 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	how did you put them in?? did you remove the entire headlight or just work your fingers in and around til you got it?

02-13-2007, 08:50 PM	#7
Conine Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 70 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	yeah i cant fit my hands behind there, they are too big any other ways to do it?

02-13-2007, 09:47 PM	#9
Conine Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 70 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	yeah i noticed it was all by feel, lol i tired to take out the right one today at work and broke 4 of the clips holding the black plastic in place! so im taking it as there is no way to remove the entire headlight? and i noticed that there was a mayonnaise like cream inside the plug. is that normal??