1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2008 HID Replacement: Failed again after 2 weeks :-(

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by drewtx, Nov 20, 2014.

  1. drewtx

    drewtx Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2007
    21
    1
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hi All,

    My Driver's side headlight recently started 'switching itself off' - which I understand is a pretty common problem.

    I'd already had the Passenger side replace a couple of years ago - by the dealership.
    But this time I figured I'd do it myself.

    So I bought, and installed 2 of these:

    The light quality is good, they seem brighter than stock. And whiter too - without being 'blue-white'

    (I installed these Yellow Fog Light bulbs at the same time, and they look good.
    )

    I was VERY careful not to touch the glass of any of the bulb; I wore new surgical gloves and also didn't touch the glass at all.

    BUT ... my Driver's side Headlight it acting up again!
    Intermittently blinking out.
    After only 2 weeks!

    So I am wondering: What should be my next step?
    • Should I assume it was a bad bulb, or that I accidentally touched the glass, and replace it again?
    • Or is there something else in the headlight system that I should check/replace?
    Many thanks!
     
  2. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    4,365
    3,209
    1
    Location:
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It could be the ballast, not the bulb.
    Much more expensive, and much more time-consuming to replace.
    Plan on a good hour and a half.
    Part from the dealer is over $300.
     
  3. drewtx

    drewtx Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2007
    21
    1
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Many thanks for the info Eric.

    • Is there any way to test the ballast before replacing it?

    • Or is it possible to swap the ballast between the Driver's and Passenger's sides - to see if the problem moves?

    I'm sort or wary of spending $300, because I am planing to trade it in in early 2015 (for a newer Prius :) )