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Inconsistent headlights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by VeselyDM, Sep 27, 2018.

  1. VeselyDM

    VeselyDM Junior Member

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    I have a 2005 Prius with 207K miles and recently experienced an issue with my headlights. When turning the headlights on (whether in high beam or normal) the headlights inconsistently turn on. The first time this occurred, neither came on. After taking the light switch to off and then back on, the left headlight came on but the right didn't. The next time, the right came on and the left didn't. Cycling through this several times, the headlights do not fail to come on in an consistent pattern. I have recently replaced one of the HID bulbs (2 months ago) and the lights have been working fine until now.

    Before I replace the light/turn signal switch on the steering, I thought I would ask the experts. Any thoughts? Thanks. Dean
     
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Have you ever replaced either of the HID bulbs before this single bulb swap?

    On your recent replacement, did you use OEM locally sourced HID bulbs or aftermarket bulbs sourced from Ebay/Amazon?

    Cheaper priced knockoffs may fail in a shorter period, of course mileage may vary regardless of which brand bulb you use.
     
  3. VeselyDM

    VeselyDM Junior Member

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    I have only replaced a headlight bulb once (couple of months ago) with no issues since until yesterday, The bulb was purchased at Advanced Auto Parts - I believe it was Sylvania brand name. Although I replaced one bulb, both will not turn on at times when cycling the light switch, sometimes the replaced bulb will not light. Other times, it remaining the original bulb will not light.

    The light switch appears to operate correctly - solid (not loose), clicks (not extensively worn. How would the lights respond if the headlight relay was failing?
     
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Wow, 12 years and 200k+ miles on an original HID bulb is pretty impressive. Many had a hard time making it a fraction of that, and then spent hundreds if not thousands on repairs (when not covered by Toyota) trying to fix HID problems.

    If the 4-PIN H-LP relay was faulty there would be no power to the HIDs.

    After reading the following thread, one might suspect the replacement bulb (assuming you installed a D2R) : Another pesky Prius 2 headlight problem | PriusChat

    Seeing as how one of your bulbs finally gave up the ghost, there is a chance the other original bulb is also trying the same after 200k miles. You might also consider switching up brands when replacing again (as per the above link).
     
    #4 SFO, Sep 27, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2018
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I just replaced both in my son's new (to us) 2005. I wouldn't put too much faith in Joe the Counter Guy at Advance Auto picking the correct bulb. This is certainly something that I would verify myself to ensure the correct bulbs are installed.

    To the OP: HIDs are best replaced as a set to prevent ending up with oddball uneven brightness headlamps. Beware of sketchy replacements. They may be cheap, but they also may last 30 days or 3 years.
     
    #5 TMR-JWAP, Sep 27, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2018
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  6. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Fixed, right before you posted ;)
     
  7. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Updated mine!! On another note, I don't think I've introduced the new addition to our family.

    Ran across a 2005 Prius on my Craigslist app that was only about 5 miles from my house. It was advertised as needing a new HV battery. $950 (Sweet, as I knew a guy who can probably handle this for me ;)).

    The unfortunate part was that I was in Dominican Republic for a destination wedding. Having planned ahead, we had our phone plan changed for international before we left the states. I was able to call the owner and arranged for my son to take $1k$ to him. I told him the extra was for working with me long distance...He drove the car to my house, removed his plates and my son gave him a ride home. This all happened in a period of about 2 hours from the time I read the ad to the time it was in my driveway. Spent the next 5 days eating, drinking, enjoying the weather, drinking, playing volleyball and drinking some more in various resort pools. Went snorkeling and swimming with dolphins also.

    196k miles.
    Black with near perfect body.
    Leather interior ( one small 1.5" tear in driver seat)
    Navigation
    HIDs

    and now an HV Battery with 2015 modules.

    We swapped the registration over from the blue 290k mile 2005 about a week or so ago. That poor blue one has been rear ended twice. Fortunately it was minor both times. Hope like heck this one has better luck...........
     
    #7 TMR-JWAP, Sep 27, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2018
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  8. VeselyDM

    VeselyDM Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advise on the Relay. How about the light switch on the steering column. I would think that switch activates the relay, which provides the necessary current to both headlights. Therefore, the switch is not the issue. Does this make sense?

    Contrary to the chat provided, I have symptoms on either side and sometimes neither headlights turning on. This leads me to think it may be the interference between the two headlights (ballasts or bulbs), controls or aux battery.

    My troubleshooting thoughts:
    - Relay (not likely unless poor contacts; could impact either/both headlights) (only $12 to replace)
    - Lights switch (not likely because it would impact both headlights through the relay)
    - Aux Battery (low voltage cause havoc with electrical systems in general, could impact either/both headlights)
    - light bulbs/ballasts (interference between headlights: not likely because headlights should operate independently)

    Way ahead:
    1. Operate vehicle for awhile ensure aux battery is fully charge prior to turning on headlights - rule out aux battery issue
    2. Replace relay (inexpensive)
    3. Depending on feedback, replace light switch ($100)
    4. Replace both bulbs with OEM ($220)
    5. Replace both headlight assemblies (including ballasts) (>$1000)

    Any thoughts or recommendations?

    Thanks.
     
  9. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Try this first.

    Onyx Performance Lights | Performance Automotive Lighting

    Order item XB1-211-04C

    It's a 2 pack of D2R HID bulbs at a cost of $38

    These are the ones my son ordered for his car. They have a one year guarantee. So far they are working perfectly.

    If your problems go away then great, if not, you only spent 38 bucks, and you'll still have a new set of bulbs for when you figure out the real problem.
     
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  10. VeselyDM

    VeselyDM Junior Member

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    Thanks. I'll give it a try and order the relay at the same time.
     
  11. MichaelKnight

    MichaelKnight Junior Member

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    imho...
    Stay with oem.....especially if longevity and lumens(to many to list) is prefered.

    start with pair of oem bulbs if that solves your done...But if they go faulty (bulbs), next go with both oem ballast....
     
  12. VeselyDM

    VeselyDM Junior Member

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    I purchased the same D2R Sylvania brand headlight bulb for the other side. In other words, both have been recently replaced and with the same brand. Current symptoms are as follows:

    - Driver side consistently works correctly
    - Passenger side lights most of the time (lights approximately 70% of the time), but comes on slower than the driver side (about 1/2 second later than the driver side).

    I have a state inspection coming up in December. Should I attempt to change the ballast on the passenger side? My understanding is that the ballast replacement requires wiring modification (splicing) because the construction of the headlight assembly. Rockauto has light ballasts (Dorman brand) for $168 each and Headlight assemblies w/HID are about $200 - not sure if the ballast is included with the assemblies.
     
  13. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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    I think the contacts for the bulbs and any connections after the bulbs needs this stuff. Before mine started going out this helped keep them more consistent but in the end after I replaced them with some originals off eBay for 38 bucks I've been going strong for a year and a half. I even pulled the relay apart and cleaned it with this stuff. Lot more of power going through those connections, any oxidation won't help. Screenshot_20181009-072556.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  14. Al Bundy

    Al Bundy Member

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    i had good luck with ebay china bulbs, $17 with free shipping going on 3 years
    $220 for bulbs is just insane
     
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  15. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    Has anyone noticed when you turn on the headlights they are super bright then dim down. Is this normal? My BMW sweeps the bulbs up and down when I turn them on the the super bright thing is new to me.
     
  16. audiodave

    audiodave Active Member

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  17. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I just happened to be discussing HID bulbs with a fellow member today and thought I'd update this. They are still working perfectly. Just over 2 years old now.