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Headlight LED not lighting up

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by toyolover, Apr 19, 2010.

  1. toyolover

    toyolover Member

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    After driving my Prius for over 4 months, I still couldn't figure out how to light up a row of LED inside the headlight. It looks like the Audi A4 LED tail light arrangement but I have no clue whether it actually lights up or not. The user manual says nothing about this. Can somebody tell me what it is for and how to turn it on? (See red circle in posted picture.)
     

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    #1 toyolover, Apr 19, 2010
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    There are no LEDs there--it's a design element.
     
    #2 stream, Apr 19, 2010
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  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    It is a great mod idea though. Been wanting to replace those things with real LEDs. It appears that the cover would have to be removed (with heat). Perhaps this summer when we get 19 hours of daylight.
     
    #3 spiderman, Apr 20, 2010
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  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    As stream has mentioned, it's there for aesthetics, same as the LED looking dimples in the 2006-2009...
     
    #4 Paradox, Apr 20, 2010
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  5. toyolover

    toyolover Member

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    Never cross my mind that its for cosmetic purpose only because I always looked after dark with the headlights on. I finally took a good and careful look under the bright sunlight this morning. It would be so nice if it is a row of LED like the Audi. Looks impossible to modify the original headlight. But then again, some Prius guys here are smart here.
     
    #5 toyolover, Apr 20, 2010
  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    It would look great for sure. I stuck my fingers behind the light last night and it feels like there is quite a bit of material between the dimples (inside) and the back of the headlight unit. So drilling will be difficult. The good news is that the projector unit is seperate from the housing, that means I wouldn't have to take the clear cover off to remove any shavings that fall in from the drilling.
    I might just have to give it a go...
     
    #6 spiderman, Apr 21, 2010
  7. toyolover

    toyolover Member

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    That's what I think but I am not sure if I have your courage to drill holes on the original headlight assembly.
    Post some pictures and let us know if you do.
     
    #7 toyolover, Apr 22, 2010
  8. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    I believe someone has already carried this mod out and replaced the dimples with a row of white LED's. I believe they also posted a couple of pics. It looks great but they did have a job easing the two halves of the headlight apart.

    Another row of LEDs is on the side of the headlamp unit next to the reflector. Replacing these with a row of orange LEDs would look good too.

    Perhaps it's waiting for someone to release a modified headlight as an option?
     
    #8 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 22, 2010
  9. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I have seen the mod on previous generations but not the GenIII. If you find that post, please pass on the link. Thanks!
     
    #9 spiderman, Apr 22, 2010
  10. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    #10 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 22, 2010
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  11. toyolover

    toyolover Member

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    #11 toyolover, Apr 22, 2010
  12. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    in order to mod the headlights (recalling from memory) you have to take out the headlamp, and bake it so the top clear cover comes off.. then drill holes and epoxy (guessing) the LED's into place... then bake it all back together. the post was about a year or two ago...
     
    #12 V8Cobrakid, Apr 22, 2010
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