2004 Gen II Headlight: $2000 bill??

Sounds like you have the HID type headlights which are expensive but not THAT expensive. The dealer is hoping you'll throw up your hands and trade it in on something new. Then they'll replace that part, put it on the used lot and make a very tidy profit (on both sales).

Check ebay, salvage yards, etc for a used ballast. If you're not a DIY type, find a local hybrid specialist shop in ABQ or other larger city who can swap out the parts.

 

I just checked and you can get a used OEM ballast on ebay for a whopping $45 shipped.

GOOD LUCK!

 

What brand of bulb did you use? A pack of 2 Philips brand D2R costs about $80 from Amazon. There are many other brands that cost less and burn out quickly. Touching the glass on the bulb with your bare fingers leaves skin oil on it that will trigger an early failure.

The dealer sounds like a real stealership, so you really need to find another mechanic. Nothing hybrid about the headlight, so any mechanic who can service an HID headlight should be up to the task.

I really doubt that the ballast needs replacing. There is a long history about the 2006 HID (different from your 2004) where Toyota was replacing bulbs for $300 per bulb, plus another $400 for installing them. Plus a lot of ballasts. A class action court case led to a lot of rebates. The price was reduced to $150 per bulb, and ballast charges were refunded.

I'd recommend buying another bulb, a real Philips brand D2R. Wear clean gloves while handling the bulb to DIY again.

Check out Light Bulbs - Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists for a review of headlight bulbs for the Prius.

And a video of Carolyn at Luscious Garage replacing a bulb in 3 minutes...

 

Found a whole bunch here:

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market


iPad ?

 

I have this issue with my 2007 prius. I have changed the bulb myself and later realized the socket that you plug into the bulb is burning up burning through the plastic. I changed the plastic socket and SAME THING. I am thinking about just getting some LED lights placing them in the skeloton of the headlamps. IF I hack this I can chop a hole in the headlamps and as long as I get light I could care less if the light is not factory as long as I am not violating law by putting too much light out. These days we have so many sources for lights none of us should pay the STEALERSHIP anything if we need light it is not coming from GOD it is coming from a light source. STEALERSHIPS act as if they are GOD and GOD ALONE can produce LIGHT !

 

Sounds like you bought the wrong bulb if it is burning the socket....