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Gen ll Prius Headlight Question.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PRwanting, Jul 30, 2011.

  1. PRwanting

    PRwanting Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    So I've decided to buy a used Prius (2007 or 2008). But I've been reading how the headlights (some HID and some non) have problems with both of those year models. I also read how Toyota had recalls or something like that (?). So I was wondering------

    1) Do all 2008/2007 models have HID Headlights? If not how do I tell? Do regular lights have the same issue as the HID Headlishts?
    2) Did Toyota have a recall on those?
    3) Do the headlights last longer after the recalls?
    4) What's the Price of a pair of headlights and can I change them by myself?
     
    #1 PRwanting, Jul 30, 2011
  2. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Most 2004-2009 Priuses have HIDs. The lowest packages (#1 and #2?) don't, but the rest all the way up to package #9 have them. The easiest way to tell - If you have foglights, then you have HIDs.

    No recall, but there was a class action settlement on it. Basically you're covered for 50,000 miles/5 years, whichever comes first. from the car's original delivery date. Most service departments won't tell you about the settlement, it's an issue you have to remind them of.

    As is the case with the HID headlight before the replacement, it's simply a matter of luck.

    You can find replacement bulbs on Amazon for $50-150. You can change them by yourself but it's a little tricky to reach in there. However, there are some good videos/tutorials online that will show you how to do it.

    I wouldn't let the HID issue stop you from buying the car. HIDs are a great thing and we're lucky to have them on a non-luxury class vehicle.
     
    #2 macmaster05, Jul 30, 2011
  3. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I have an '04 with 84,xxx miles and the original HIDs. No doubt many others will chime in with similar reports.

    As MacM said, it's a matter of luck pretty much.
     
    #3 TonyPSchaefer, Jul 30, 2011
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Well, the 04-05 HID equipped Priuses used D2R bulbs which seem more reliable than the D4R bulbs they switched to in the 06-09 model year. I posted a survey at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ius-owners-w-hids-how-long-did-they-last.html.

    The 06-09 Priuses were covered by Toyota Prius HID Headlight Class Action Settlement - Consumer Class Action Attorneys - Girard Gibbs LLP, err... if they failed within the extended (5 year/50K mile) warranty period.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html should also help the OP.
     
    #4 cwerdna, Jul 30, 2011
  5. 05pkg6

    05pkg6 New Member

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    Vehicle:
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    I would not say that MOST of the 2007-2008 Prii have HID, most in my area at least do not. Like another poster said, if you see fog lamps, more than likely it has HID headlamps.

    I have a 2005 Prius (D2R) bulbs and had an intermittent problem with the passenger's side headlamp. I replaced both bulbs and the problem remained. It ended up being the passenger's headlamp computer (one on each side). Very expensive part through Toyota. Luckily I found one on eBay from a junkyard for $50 shipped. Have not had any problems since.

    I changed all the parts myself but changing the computer requires removing the front bumper cover and headlamp assembly. Not as bad as it sounds though, but not for the faint of heart.
     
    #5 05pkg6, Aug 2, 2011
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