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Love it,but quirky headlights

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by hrticknor, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. hrticknor

    hrticknor Junior Member

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    I took delivery of my magnetic gray Prius V last week. Immediate impression, way cool ride. But, last night I was driving out in the country on back roads with lots of dips, rises and sharp turns and keep feeling as though I was about to outdrive the headlights. High beam is fine. Low beams seem to leave much to be desired. Other experiences?
     
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Many of us Gen IIIs, including the LED headlights have found them aimed toooooo low. I adjusted mine up and now they are nearly perfect. Probably could use a little more up but certainly don't want to blind anyone. BTW, the adjustment is pretty darn easy (at least in HB).
     
  3. Wanderer

    Wanderer Hybrid neophyte

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    I've said the same about mine (v5 w/LED low beams) but haven't adjusted them yet. W
     
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The standard headlights in my V3 are excellent low or high.
     
  5. anewhouse

    anewhouse Active Member

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    I've noticed exactly the same thing in my v3. I'd describe the low beams as bright enough, but with a sharp cutoff across the top of their range. Definitely most noticeable on hilly roads - i.e. if you're driving down a hill, you can't see far enough up the next hill. (FWIW, this was one of Consumer Reports' few gripes with the v...)
    High beams are fine.

    I'd like to try adjusting the whole fixture up a bit - hopefully that will help with the range without blinding oncoming drivers too much.
    Andy
     
  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Here are a couple of threads explaining the process.

    Thread 1.
    Thread 2.

    The process should be similar to the v. If so, please post to confirm.
     
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  7. Mac Prius

    Mac Prius Mod Junkie

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    Or just switch them out for HIDs like I did. Coverage is so much better and its not an expensive mod. And yes I know that it is illegal in CA to modify your headlights but as long as they arent blinding oncoming traffic not many cops will know if they are OEM or not.
     
  8. anewhouse

    anewhouse Active Member

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    Confirmed - thanks!
    I haven't taken a test drive yet, but I found the bolt exactly as described in these threads (8mm), and "loosened" each one ~8-10 notches. The beam was slightly higher on a tree across my yard, so I expect that they'll be fine (possibly with some more fine-tuning adjustment).
    Andy
     
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