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I keep having to replace the halogen headlight bulbs due to lowbeam failure

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by prius8654, Aug 17, 2017.

  1. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Hi all,

    I have had to replace 3 halogen headlight bulbs in the past year, and another one just went out yesterday. I use Sylvania 9003 bulbs.

    I'm not sure what's going on, whether there is a problem or if this is just random or if it's normal for the non-HID Gen 2s to consume bulbs more than most other cars - some googling showed some people have had to repl even the non-HIDs more often than they expected.

    Prior to the past year, I had to only replace a bulb one time a few years ago.

    I am always careful not to touch the glass and I wear new nitrile gloves when I replace the bulb. Nothing has changed about our usage of the headlamps since we've owned the car (2013)

    I was thinking about installing LEDs or possibly an HID kit instead. (I figured I would get better light output with a properly installed HID kit plus I wouldn't have to replace bulbs as often).

    What are your thoughts on this? Abnormal? Should I just stick with halogens, or do you all have preferences with either LED or HID, and which brands have worked well for you?

    Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! :)
     
  2. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    You can touch then. Use paper over them can't touch the sides putting them in. Pull lights the pit blub in

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  3. Osxarsam17

    Osxarsam17 New Member

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    Same thing happened to me a few years ago...my advice would be not to touch the bulb with bare hands...its took 3 bulbs and ive had this last bulb for over a year now

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Where are you purchasing the bulbs?
     
  5. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the reply, I did mention in my OP that I didn't touch the bulb:

    "I am always careful not to touch the glass and I wear new nitrile gloves when I replace the bulb"
     
  6. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the reply, I did mention in my OP that I didn't touch the bulb:

    "I am always careful not to touch the glass and I wear new nitrile gloves when I replace the bulb"
     
  7. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Shipped and sold by Amazon. Sylvania genuine.
     
  8. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    I've had my '06 since new, have replaced only one set of bulbs as far as I can remember. When handling the bulbs I've always use gloves and wipe down the bulbs with alcohol and let dry before putting them in the housing.

    My personal belief is that quick cycling the lights often enough can be detrimental to it's lifespan. Sometimes I will forget to turn off the lights after parking at night. The next morning I'll notice they are on, I will let them burn for 1-2 minutes before turning them off. How do you normally use your lights?


    2006 Gen 2
    2014 Gen 3 v wagon
     
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  9. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    OP says he is using Sylvania 9003. Is this the basic halogen bulb or the brighter Silverstar version? I would avoid the brighter bulb which has a shorter service life.

    The original equipment bulbs seem to have a long service life and should be considered.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  10. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Patrick, thanks for replying, I know you have helped many on this forum.

    This is the basic halogen Sylvania 9003.

    Do you happen to know what brand the OE bulb is?

    Even if my issue is just an anomaly, what are your thoughts on switching to an HID kit like possibly one from DDM Tuning or a decent eBay or Amazon one?

    I figure I would get better light output. The stock halogen setup provides mediocre nighttime visibility, especially in situations where I can't use the high beam.
     
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  11. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    My firm belief is that most items purchased via Amazon are NOT authentic, especially bulbs. Our son's 2005 Prius, which we've had in the family well over two years now (and about 40k miles) has never had a single light bulb fail. I'll see what I can do about pulling one out tonight to see what brand it is.
     
  12. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Update, I checked my order history:

    The first bulb was from Amazon, the second two were from Walmart, same brand and bulb number, but a two-pack.

    By the way, lol, that's quite a statement: "My firm belief is that most items purchased via Amazon are NOT authentic".

    Amazon sells hundreds of thousands of items in many categories every day, I think it's safe to say that the majority of products Amazon sells are genuine, however there are definitely many that are counterfeit. In this case however I do believe I received a genuine Sylvania bulb in original sealed Sylvania packaging and believe that the identical bulbs I bought from Walmart were genuine as well (I still have the old bulbs and packaging),

    That being said, I get your point and it certainly is wise to be aware of the possibility of counterfeits.
     
  13. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Ships from and sold by Amazon is the real deal. The quality of the Sylvania bulbs you received are in question, maybe defective.

    Does Sylvania not provide any warranty regarding lifespan?
     
  14. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    Aside from bulbs, I was wondering about something like this (google search yielded), not exactly the site I'd expect to find 2nd gen prius info, but the thread is fairly informative:

    HELP! Prius headights burn out bullbs in months - not HID. - AR15.COM

    I may try just checking voltage using the MID (I have to google the method again, it has been a while), and then at the headlight bulb socket as well for good measure. Traction battery and Aux battery have both been replaced within past year.

    But I was also curious to you alls thoughts on HID kit vs LED bulb upgrades, I know that starts to take me a bit towards the aftermarket accessories section of forum, but this inquiry started because of the bulb issues I'm having. Patrick, any opinions/preferences regarding HID kits vs LED bulb swap?

    Thanks everyone!
     
  15. Jmack111

    Jmack111 Member

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    Are the plug to the bulbs black (burnt) if do ebay has jacks

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  16. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I do not know, but assume some Japanese brand - made in China. I have to admit these bulbs are expensive compared to the Sylvania alternative on Amazon.com
    Capture.PNG
    The concern about aftermarket HID is that in the event the load in your hatch area changes, the headlight aim will vary which may impact your light pattern and potentially cause distress to oncoming traffic. The Prius with HID has a sensor on the rear axle which determines the extent to which the rear body is sagging and adjusts headlight aim to compensate (in theory at least.)
     
  17. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    HID and LED are not at the point in development where they can safely replace a halogen bulb.

    Although the moderator(s) at candlepower forums can be downright mean, I believe them on that point.
     
  18. Longboardluv

    Longboardluv Junior Member

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    i think Sylvania 9003 are for the fog lights, not the headlights. try ordering these...


    go on amazon and look for
    MAXLUX HID Xenon Bulbs D4R 5000K (1 Pair, White)
     
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  19. prius8654

    prius8654 Junior Member

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    thanks for offering some help but I have halogen headlights and no fog lights on my model. Xenons were an option on 2nd gens.
     
  20. Victor Sasson

    Victor Sasson Junior Member

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    I have replaced the bulbs in a 2010 Prius twice, once for free, but now they are covered by a Toyota warranty enhancement program.