Set me straight on the Prius headlights

If you have identified your car correctly, as a 2008 Base model Prius, then you have standard halogen headlights and a standard bulb from Autozone will work fine. There are threads on here about how to change them, do a search. Some other versions of the Prius have high intensity discharge (HID) headlights and if there is an issue, it is with those type of lights.

 

Not sure if this is the right forum, but I will ask anyway. The front left headlight on my 2009 Prius comes on no problem when the car is cold, but after driving for awhile, or restarting the car after being driven, the light goes out. I have replaced the light bulb. Any thougts? Thanks

 

Yes. Replace it again, but this time use a good bulb. You need D4R bulbs for that era of Prius, not to be confused with the D2Rs used on earlier Gen IIs. Likewise there are a lot of counterfeit bulbs on the marker. Make sure your replacement is genuine.

Tom

 

2008 Package 2 is Halogen H4
2009 Package 5 is HID D4R

So you two will have different issues.

 

Having tried to replace this bulb myself I can tell you it will come down to how small your hands are. The problem is that the cover for the drivers side light rests just below the fuse box thinger that's on that side of the car. For me, my hands fit but i couldn't get the torque I needed and ended up breaking a plastic fin or two before giving up and taking it to the dealer. I bought the blub seperately (HID) and ended up spending 140 total I think for parts and labor vs the 200+ the dealer had quoted me. It pays to buy the parts seperately.

Side note: passengers side light is *way* easier to change.

 

Sorry new to the forum, not trying to high-jack your thread, but had a similar question...

My 2008 Touring with OEM HID - passenger side is flickering. I know i should start with a DIY bulb replacement to save $, but I can't seem to get a straight answer on what bulb is the replacement? D2R or D4R? I've used the search function at the top but I get all kinds of answers. Please assist! Thx!

 

For the 06-09 Priuses w/OEM HIDs, you need D4R. You might be covered by Toyota Prius Class Action Lawsuit | Toyota Headlight Lawsuit | Girard Gibbs LLP.

Only 04-05s w/HIDs had D2R.

 

Thanks cwerdna! I have used vvme.com in the past for my HID needs but they do not carry the D4R only D1R & D2R bulbs, any recommendations for reliable inexpensive (if possible) bulbs and ballasts? I will probably do a 50W ballast and bulb replacement. I have never had a problem with the VVME brand or quality - a PAIR of their HID bulbs usually run under $30 - Full Kits for under $60.

*I am in no way shape or form a rep of vvme.com* in case anyone is wondering...just had great luck w/ them.

 

I went w/Philips D4R bulbs I ordered from Amazon (sold by Amazon, not 3rd parties). They were a bit over $50/each, at the time.

Later, 2k1toaster published Not all HID Bulbs are created equal | PriusChat.

I don't know anything about VVME.

I recall the Amazon was listed as an authorized reseller of their automotive lighting products long ago, but unfortunately,
Automotive Lighting - Philips
now has no link to their North America site (whereas, it used to have a dead link). I'm reasonably confident that if it's sold by Amazon (and NOT a 3rd party), it should be a genuine Philips bulb and not a fake.

 

Anyone used the DDM bulbs or ballasts? HID Kits, BMW Aftermarket Bumpers & Lighting, DEPO - DDM Tuning - $30

 

Personally, if you've got a failing OEM HID bulb, I'd first go to the dealer, if you're still under the extended warranty I posted about (as a result of the class action suit).

My 2nd choice would be to buy a genuine Philips D4R as a replacement before screwing around w/aftermarket ballasts. HID Headlights | PriusChat asserts the OEM Denso ballasts are way higher quality.

We don't seem to hear of too many Gen 2 Priuses needing ballast replacements, even on those that use the D4R system (06-09s). The bulbs fail. The ballasts don't seem to...

Although not directly replaced (since the ballast and bulb are different on 04-05 HID equipped Priuses), see 04-05 (NOT 06-09) Prius owners w/HIDs - how long did they last? | PriusChat.

 

Swung by DDM Tuning in San Diego and picked up a pair of D4R 6000k bulbs for $30 and a pair of 9006 3000K bulbs for $15. Really a great deal. Swapped out the flickering Headlights within 15min thanks to several "DIY" YouTube videos. Wired in the 55W ballasts (had an extra set laying around) and new HID bulbs in the fog lights with the help of some jackstands and a 10mm wrench withing the next hour. All went really well. Love the look. Might pick up a extra pair of 6000k bulbs in case I ever get bored and want matching Headlights and Fogs... Thanks for the help "cwerdna"!

 

...missed the cut of because of the mileage on my lil car.

 

I also missed the cutoff because of mileage. I also filed a complaint with NHTSA. Everyone else should do the same. It's a safety hazard.

Home | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

 

^^^
While I agree it's a safety issue, car headlights (regardless if they're HID or not) burn out all the time. Shouldn't all cars have such as "safety issue"?

How many other cars have headlights that are warranted for 5 years/50K miles (as provided by the class action settlement)?

 

I agree parts wear out. This is my first experience with HID lights.
Perhaps the public needs educated on how the lights "burn out". Initially I was unsure if it was the lights were burning out or an electronic problem. The lights would dim or go out, if you cycled the lights they would come back on. I asked the dealer if that is how the lights burn out, he said they would have to look at it to be sure.

The quoted price for parts and maintenance was $600. Thankfully I was helped by this site and youtube. I bought the lights on Amazon and replaced them myself. Total cost around $100.

Now that I know how to do it I am willing to help others. If you live in the DFW area send me a PM.

 

Hello,

Here is my Prius headlight question. I have a 2004 Prius with HID headlights. The passenger side lens is very yellowed and hazy. Instead of using the cleaning/sanding/polishing products, I would rather replace it with a used or non-yellowed lens. SInce i have the ballasts and bulbs already in place, can I use an assembly that says w/o HID to replace and mount my own light bulbs ballasts to it? What is the difference in the housing between Halogen and HID headlight assembly models?

Is this a stupid question?