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Projector headlight internal fogging

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by HopefulGasSipper, Apr 1, 2020.

  1. HopefulGasSipper

    HopefulGasSipper Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
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    Location:
    92057
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    A 2012 gen 3 Prius V 3... The convex projector lenses for the low beams are fogged or just plain dirty.

    I am prepared to take the whole assembly out but I'm worried that I might mess up the aim of the light. Has anybody done this job? I've searched YouTube for videos and have found other brands or other styles but nothing specific enough to make me feel comfortable.

    I have Meguiar's PlastX and Headlight Restoration (clear coat spray - blame Scotty Kilmer, ha!) for the external lens; they look really good for an eight-year-old car with 155,000 miles on it and I'll address the externals later. My worry is over that internal convex projector lens.

    I'm not even sure if it's a fogging due to degradation of the plastic or if it is dirt and exhaust film on it. I even thought about pouring a whole bottle of 90% isopropyl in it and shaking the whole damn thing up...

    Thanks to @NutzAboutBolts for the inspiration to dig deeper than just doing the PCV! Hope I can do it all!

    (The photo of the projector lens with the light on was completely useless, my camera didn't have the sensitivity to show the problem.)

    IMG_20200401_173326407_HDR~2.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    NutzAboutBolts likes this.
  2. AninoAudeles

    AninoAudeles Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2022
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    Location:
    Vt
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Ever have any luck with this? I have the exact same issue here with my 2011.
     
  3. HopefulGasSipper

    HopefulGasSipper Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    29
    24
    0
    Location:
    92057
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    No, it appeared that it was just UV/heat damage.

    I didn't have the car very long as it was having problems starting. It sounded like a metal garbage can being pounded on by bats. Turns out it was a blown head gasket and the dealer returned my money to me. Apparently the dealer (Kearny Mesa Hyundai on Convoy in San Diego) knew it had a blown head gasket as well, they just hid that little fact hoping it would go away.