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Question About front headlights

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Christian_cool, Dec 17, 2014.

  1. Christian_cool

    Christian_cool Junior Member

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    Hello Everyone
    I have the 2010 3 gen Prius, with standart front headlights. I have the last months changed my front normal headlights to offen because they blow, like once a month! And i am tired to pay so much money, and looking around for the special H11-E1 light bulbs since Toyota dealer rip me off every-time. Is it possible to use other kinds of light instead of the H11 light bulb? so its also more easy to find in the stores?

    Thanks
    Christian
     
  2. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    If your local laws permit it, I would switch over HID headlights illumination
     
  3. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    There's actually a TSB for this, TSB-0204-12

    I switched to HID kit and never had the issue... but mines is a 2013.
     
  4. Christian_cool

    Christian_cool Junior Member

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    okay i will give the HID a try, i think they will last longer than normal light bulbs as i read.

    thanks for your reply :)
     
  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Did you leave your headlight switch in the On position all the time? Doing that can cause early bulb failure from powering on when voltage surges could be present.

    You definitely shouldn't do it if you install HIDs.

    SCH-I535
     
  6. Christian_cool

    Christian_cool Junior Member

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    yes i do, actually here in Germany its allowed to drive with position light only at the day or even off. But since i am working in Denmark, the laws is different. Even at daytime cars should use their main headlight all the time even in sun.
    Will the HID lights in that case damage my car or the life become shortend?
    sorr my english :)
     
  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    It's Ok to drive with your lights on, but you should turn the switch to the off position either before or after shutting the car down.

    Don't turn the lights on till after a few seconds after starting the car. This gives the electrical system a chance to stabilize so no voltage surges are present.

    SCH-I535
     
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'd stay with the original lights, try xlideriders' advice, AND ask dealership if there's anything they can do/suggest: headlights should not be burning out like that.

    That aside, how's your Danish? Specifically, are you able to watch shows like Forbrydelsen without sub titles? Wish I could. ;)
     
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  9. Christian_cool

    Christian_cool Junior Member

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    Thanks for your advice :)

    I am from Denmark so my Danish is good, and i like the serial Forbrydelsen, i am glad that i am not the only one watching it nice! ;) :D
     
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  10. Christian_cool

    Christian_cool Junior Member

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    thanks very much for your advice, i hope it will extend the lights lifetime :)