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Dim Headlights

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by DaveGoodrich, Nov 3, 2014.

  1. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    My (2001) headlights are always the dimmest of any car around me on the freeway. Is this a common issue with Prii? Yes, my lenses are clouded, but even when I clean them up, they are still dimmer (and yellower) than the cars around me.

    Is this a possible indication of a problem with the electrical system?

    Any recommendations for headlight bulbs I could try that might make them brighter. I can't remember what bulbs are in there now, but I think they are just stock replacements.

    Thanks,
     
    #1 DaveGoodrich, Nov 3, 2014
  2. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Three
    A good place to start would be to have the 12V battery and it's connections checked; also the charging voltage when in RUN mode.
     
    #2 Easy Rider 2, Nov 3, 2014
  3. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    12v battery is near new. Battery voltage is 12.88 volts with car off (fresh from commute home), and 13.8 volts when running. No other electrical issues.
     
    #3 DaveGoodrich, Nov 3, 2014
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it might be a common problem for 13 year old pri.:cool:
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 3, 2014
  5. LEVE

    LEVE Member

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    When you clean the headlights, can you tell if the inside of the lens is fogged?
     
    #5 LEVE, Nov 3, 2014
  6. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Three
    Next would be to check the voltage at one of the lights.
    Battery voltage is only part of the story; if there is a loose or corroded connection somewhere along the way, the voltage at the lights might be down.
    Bad grounds are often the most elusive.

    Then, hopefully someone who knows what bulbs that model uses will chime in with replacement recommendations.
     
    #6 Easy Rider 2, Nov 4, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2014
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