headlight replacement

[Donna Coleman]

I am thinking about buying a 2008 touring model. I heard from a Prius owner that she just had to spend $1200 to replace a headlight (both had to be replaced, even though only one went out). What gives? Is this just the tip of the iceberg?

Donna

[qbee42]

If you hit an iceberg, then it's not uncommon to need new headlamps.

Oh, I'm sorry. I misunderstood your question. No, the Prius is very reliable and has lower than normal maintenance costs. HID headlamps, like many new high-tech devices, last longer and are more reliable than older designs, but are more expensive to fix or replace when something does go wrong. If you are one of the unlucky ones, then it can get expensive.

There are other sources for replacement HIDs. I suspect your friend got taken to the cleaners by an unscrupulous dealer.

Tom

[dan_pomona_prius]

Your friend should take a look at this thread, and probably should complain to the NTSB (a link can be found in the thread).

Headlight problem

It seems to be a very common problem, and Toyota should do a recall on it.

--Dan

[GBraceman]

HOW TO CHANGE HEADLIGHTS 2006 prius, Head lights take turns on off, or both. Dealer put new computers in. Still same, Says I will need new bulbs $700.oo. SOMEONE tell me Why if they still work part time. Police already got me once.
Greg. THEN again. SO I Bought $7.99 x 2 bulbs. THEY^ do NOT Fit an 06 Prius!! On line I found $119 ea. bulbs, all blue, I can see. U must lossen The washer container and disconnect the two electric clips, same for fuse box, I couldn't figure how to take them out. Twist black mayo size caps i/8 turn pull them off.
twist and pop off wire harness,It's looks like woven silver. unclip U bulb spring, IT IS PUSHED AWAY FROM THE BULB, look at the top of the U , make it a V , how I did this is I wore surgical gloves and the springs tips caught in the gloves and were so easy to hook and open- close. The bulbs fall out once springs are disconnected. springs will not fall out. Reverse to reinstall. the lighting rod thing under bulb goes DOWN, Wide part on top.
I was able to open the black lid with washer and fuse stuff in place. I am med gloves, arhtridic thumbs, very weak wrist. If someone opened the black lid,1/8th turn, pri or pull open I think a small hand could do this without removeing all the hardware, I'm sure I can now. You need about $20 or so of walmart tools. if you lossen the hardware or a dextrous friend.
I left out the fact that my dealer ,Koons NVa. was straight with me, and that they replaced what they called the 2 computers, maybe chips of some sort. I have 41,000 miles, . all the time running on my bulbs. thats good. Note the very blue happy face, I make my daughter change her spark plugs[I have never done that, but she doesn't know gooood luck. GBraceman@aol.com

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by GBraceman

2006 prius, Head lights take turns on off, or both. Dealer put new computers in. Still same, Says I will need new bulbs $700.oo. SOMEONE tell me Why if they still work part time. Police already got me once.
Greg

Greg, are your eyes okay? Maybe the headlights are working and you can't see them. Most readers will be bothered by your large bold font.

I do recall other owners having trouble with intermittent headlamps. You can buy replacement capsules for a lot less than $700. Several people have posted about an Ebay dealer. Take a look at this thread: Another 2006 HID headlight problem

Tom

[RichL]

Hi Everyone,
I'm thinking of buying a Prius within the next week or so. Are any of these problems being reported on the 2008 Touring models?
Thanks

[windstrings]

Wow!.. I just called my dealer in Granbury Texas "888-290-2513" and they only want 38.00 for each HID lamp.....??? I expected much much more?


NEVERMIND!.... I think he was quoting me the "non" HID bulbs... he made a boo boo!

[ny biker]

Originally Posted by GBraceman

2006 prius, Head lights take turns on off, or both. Dealer put new computers in. Still same, Says I will need new bulbs $700.oo. SOMEONE tell me Why if they still work part time. Police already got me once.
Greg

Greg, what dealer did you go to?

[CarolinaJim]

My 2007 Touring model is doing the same thing...left headlight intermittent. I'm lucky and still under 36K (~33K to date). I'll take the car in to the dealer and provide a report on my experience on getting this repaired under warranty. Appreciate all the information provided on this irrittating problem.

[windstrings]

What argument can we use to get this done under the "platinum extended" warranty?

Both of my 06 prius's are having the exact same issue.... each of us have police officer warning tickets to prove it!

this is a bit rediculous?