How to Replace My Fog light bulbs?

I was thinking about changing the fog lamps out my self but really wondering if it was going to be worth it. Now I just wonder if my big hands will be able to do it.

 

thanks for the info. i too want to change the foglamps.

 

From the service manual, the official way to do it is to remove the front bumper cover and lower grill. Ouch.

 

Sorry I couldn't offer info on how to change them. I had mine changed by a shop at the same time they were doing something else, and I didn't watch how they accessed them. My new bulbs are PIAA Xtreme While Plus Bulbs - 9006. The package says they change output to 115W.

Given the good results you achieved, can you tell me how you have the fog lamps aimed vs how the headlights are aimed? Also, do you know whether the fog lamps can also be adjusted more or less to the side of the Prius, or, are they just adjustable up and down.

When I got my Prius, the foglamps were aimed so low I couldn't see any change in brightness when I turned them on. They were pointed to closely towards the ground I couldn't see their light band over the hood etc. I had the dealer raise their aim, but they didn't move it very far up ... I can see some difference now, but it's hardly worth having. I am thinking of pushing their aim to equal that of the low beams.

My other car is a Sebring, also with fog lamps. When you turn them on, you really get results. The area in front of you lights up considerably more, and there is considerable extra light to both sides as well (good for seeing deer before you otherwise hit them).

Thanks for any help offered,
Rick

 

Please remember that for every action, there is also an equal and opposite reaction.
Improving your view by aiming your fogs higher, thus causing increased light spill, will greatly impede the view for all drivers that face your car.

 

Hi,thanks for the info on changing the fog lamps.
I just did it and it took maybe 30 min?
I unscrewed the one nut 6in below the lamp holding the plastic bottom on. {actually did two but not sure if the second was necessary}.
When you look in there is an electrical connector just pull that off and twist the holder to the left holder its a gray plastic piece.
I bought new bulbs but when I looked from under the car the connector was not attached so not sure how you get it off. I changed the bulb anyway and reconnected the cable push on until it clicks, and the light came on.
I have large hands and managed fine and I never jacked the car up either though its a hard squeeze to get your head under and see upwards. This is easy, the electrical connection comes off, then the whole part holder and bulb turns.
Thanks guys this forum is indispensable.
Bill

 

I've got one fog light that's out in my 2007 Prius, and was all set to change it myself, until I read in my manual that that was the ONE bulb that I shouldn't try to do myself. They give you detailed instructions for the headlights and even the license plate light, but specifically say to NOT try to do the fog lights yourself.

Imagine my surprise to read that it IS a DIY kind of thing. Will continue to read up on it, maybe I'll give it a go after all. Would rather NOT pay someone to do something I can do myself.

 

The foglight bulbs are simple to replace once you move the plastic underbody panels. It's held on by screws on the bottom of the bumper cover. It took me about 15 min to do it the first time.

 

Why - other than the obvious Almighty Dollar - do they tell you that the other lights are okay but specifically NOT to replace your fog lights on your own, then? I was all set to jump in and attempt it myself, used to change lights on my old car all the time, but when I pulled out the manual to see how to do it, they made it sound like the world would end if I tried to do it myself.

Sounds like I'm making another run to the auto parts store this week and give it a go over the holiday weekend next weekend.

 

Maybe they are worried about heat? A standard wattage bulb should be fine. Some of the higher wattage bulbs may run hotter and cause the reflective surface to eventually peel. I ran high wattage PIAA bulbs for awhile and didn't have any issues but removed them later since output didn't increase appreciably.