4 questions re: HID headlights

[SW03ES]

If they fail during the warranty, I'd expect they would be covered.

[lsa55]

I have a 2006, have had it since January 06. First light stopped working after about 18 months. Replacement light alone was $359! Now the other has stopped working. Very frustrating. And expensive. I'm planning on buying a 2009, and want to get all the bells and whistles again (Nav, bluetooth, leather, etc.), but I'd love to skip the fancy expensive lights. Not possible, I guess. Other than the stupid lights, I love my car!

[Shawn Clark]

Would it be more economical to convert a car back to halogens and sell the HID hardware? (Lucky for me I don't have the HID's and have no use for fog lights.)

[glarus]

Originally Posted by DGH

Can anyone tell me if there is a brand preference for bulbs?

Avoid anything that features a high color temperature in its advertising. HID lamps have a specific color temperature due to its gas fill. To get color beyond that requires a filter on the bulb. This filter decreases available light output.

The Prius takes D4R bulbs. Anything made by a major manufacturer(Osram/Sylvania, Philips, GE, Narva) should be good. You should also replace bulbs as a pair as there will be a noticeable difference between a new HID lamp and one that has been used for a few years.

[kevinlaul]

My driver side headlight started going out, just had it in the dealers garage, $325.00 each, they plan on changing BOTH, I purchased the extended warranty for Electrical
Components when I bought the Prius in March 06, it will cover all but $50.00 , for once it seems to be a good investment (the warranty), the Prius is the BEST INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME.

[KTPhil]

There is a known isue with premature HID failulres on the Prius. Search here and Prius Online for details. In summary...

There are two bulb types depending on year. They are not interchangeable.

Bulbs can fail, and Toyota recommends replacing the ballast/controller at the same time. Normal cost to do this on both sides is over $2000 total.

Bulbs are not covered by warranty or extended warranty. Argue with Toyota customer care and point out the bulbs failed because of a failed controller, which IS covered. They can "goodwill" the money back to you, but you will pay first. Have the dealer replace the ballast/ECU as the main job, and add the DELTA cost to replace bulbs after that. This gets you the most warranty coverage (saves assembly removal labor).

[Clar]

Originally Posted by kevinlaul

My driver side headlight started going out, just had it in the dealers garage, $325.00 each, they plan on changing BOTH, I purchased the extended warranty for Electrical
Components when I bought the Prius in March 06, it will cover all but $50.00 , for once it seems to be a good investment (the warranty), the Prius is the BEST INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME.

Wow. Good to know. Time to put my platinum warranty to a good used. Few weeks ago I had 'em replaced coolant transfer pump that's about $350. Now a pair of HID that potentially worth $600. Almost same as the warranty I bought.


Thanks for the info. I was afraid they gonna deny me using "HID might be under normal wear/tear" excuse.

[qbee42]

Replace the capsules yourself. The total cost will be around $50.

Tom

[mfa-prius]

Originally Posted by Shawn Clark

Would it be more economical to convert a car back to halogens and sell the HID hardware? (Lucky for me I don't have the HID's and have no use for fog lights.)

Can this even be done? I've got halogens on my '05, and they're perfectly adequate for me, and around $10 each to replace. HID does not sound like an option I'd accept voluntarily.

[Shawn Clark]

Originally Posted by mfa-prius

Can this even be done? I've got halogens on my '05, and they're perfectly adequate for me, and around $10 each to replace. HID does not sound like an option I'd accept voluntarily.

I've got halogens as well, and am glad for it in reading about the expense of any problems with the HID system.