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Testing headlight level sensor?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by ozymandias, Dec 24, 2009.

  1. ozymandias

    ozymandias Junior Member

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    I got the headlight level warning indicator on our 04 Prius. Well I took the sensor out and opened it up expecting to see corroded contacts but everything is perfect!

    So I don't know what could be wrong now. Does anyone have any instructions on how to test the sensor and make sure it is working properly?

    Thanks
     
    #1 ozymandias, Dec 24, 2009
  2. ozymandias

    ozymandias Junior Member

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    Quick update: I took it apart again and noticed that while the tops of the springs are perfectly fine, the bottoms were starting to corrode! Cleaned them up with sandpaper and hopefully that will fix the issue.

    Nobody has been able to find the same springs in stainless steel?
     
    #2 ozymandias, Dec 24, 2009
  3. johnjamis

    johnjamis Junior Member

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    Did cleaning the corrosion fix the problem?
     
    #3 johnjamis, Dec 25, 2009
  4. ozymandias

    ozymandias Junior Member

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    Yeah, everything is working great now.
     
    #4 ozymandias, Dec 25, 2009
  5. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    If you have the sensor loose from the car you can plug it in and try raising and lowering the arm that comes out from the sensor. You can raise and lower the arm and the headlights will move to follow. You have to leave it in a new position for about six seconds before the car reacts.

    While you have it open you might want to put a little dielectric grease on the springs and the connector plug.
     
    #5 kenmce, Dec 26, 2009
  6. N3FOL

    N3FOL Member

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    +1 on Dielectric Grease for long term protection. Anyway, where exactly is this headlight level sensor located. It might be a good thing to know right now, just in case I run into the same problem.
     
    #6 N3FOL, Dec 26, 2009
  7. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Just inside the left rear tire. You will only find it on the cars with HID headlights, the halogen models don't have it. It goes inbetween the rear axle and the body.
     
    #7 kenmce, Dec 26, 2009
  8. N3FOL

    N3FOL Member

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    Thanks, kenmce. I do have HIDs. The next time I crawl under my Prius, I'll make sure to take a peak near the left rear tire.
     
    #8 N3FOL, Dec 26, 2009
  9. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    See also:

    04 Broken auto leveling headlights - fixed!
     
    #9 kenmce, Dec 27, 2009
  10. ozymandias

    ozymandias Junior Member

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    I didn't have any grease so I just hope it lasts a while the way it is. :)
     
    #10 ozymandias, Dec 27, 2009
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