1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2008 Tail Light bulb replacement recommedations?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by CWB, Jul 19, 2022.

  1. CWB

    CWB Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2022
    23
    3
    0
    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    So many forums, hope I hit the right one.
    My tail light went out, and learned this from being pulled over. I had issues with my headlights and decided to go LED.... and no longer have the burn outs I had been having. I want to see about doing LED for the brake lamps... any suggestions and would it be plug/play or would I need a load equalizer or?

    thanks!
     
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,487
    3,763
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    You say taillights then you say brake lights. Which do you actually mean?

    The brake lights are already LEDs and just so happen to be unserviceable. If you really mean the brake lights, and it is out, then you need a completely new rear light assembly.

    If you mean taillights, then you should be able to buy a replacement LED bulb to replace the blown incandescent bulb. If changing over to LEDs, replace both bulbs. Make sure to match the brightness of the new LEDs to the same as the old incandescents. Nothing worse than having to follow a car with sunlight-intensity taillights.
     
    #2 dolj, Jul 20, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2022
    SFO and jerrymildred like this.
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    8,053
    1,395
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    It's 194s in the lower part of the tail light The other one is your turn signal I rarely use those so I didn't put those in LED time I make a turn the person behind me or in front of me just noticed the car is vanished so I don't get to flip that lever that much. But the bottom one which is your tail light I used the brightest red LED shining through the red square or trapezoidal cover that's inside under the tail light lens have a look I think mine's a Phillips zivo 6000 k and one watt
     
  4. CWB

    CWB Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2022
    23
    3
    0
    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II

    Sorry, it's the tail light which I can replace. :)
     
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    8,053
    1,395
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    194 zevo in red bottom part and 7440 or 7443 in turns cannot remember.
     
  6. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,487
    3,763
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    DON'T do this. Match the lumens of the original incandescent bulb. 1 Watt will be way too bright for a LED considering the original bulb is only 5 Watts. A W5W 5 Watt wedge or equivalent is what you want.
     
    #6 dolj, Jul 21, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2022
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    8,053
    1,395
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Not at all true . I'm behind the morons you sit behind alot apparently too. The .5 or the 1 watt zevo at the parts store is nowhere near that .I have em in all my Prii. 5 cars a few power sports equip. Mimic my factories. Almost exactly. Red go in red amber go in amber . Clear to white. Etc . Remember these are made by an automotive manufacturer not the kids toy companies that make all that junk for the Hondas it's a little different I promise you I am not blinding people with my zero daylights on my prii. It's not even close no matter of fact I'm looking usually more of the stealth look not to be seen 5 mi away by idiot police and onlookers.
     
  8. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,487
    3,763
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    You did say back in post #3
    but now you say they are not bright but ...
    If that's the case then we're in agreement.

    I replaced my front sidelight wedges with LEDs and they're way brighter than the stock incandescent bulbs and wouldn't use the same brightness in the rear sidelights so still looking for a suitable replacement for the rears. I'd happily give your recommendation a go if they are as you say no brighter than the stock bulbs.
     
  9. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2009
    1,135
    1,560
    0
    Location:
    Iowa
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Can't tell you details, but bought a pair of LED lights for the bulbs that light up when I go in reverse because while the OEM bulbs worked they seemed pretty dim and I do a lot of backing where there are no lights.

    Easy swap, much improved vision for backing, especially helped with the rear view camera.
    kris
     
  10. Another

    Another Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2021
    1,802
    510
    0
    Location:
    Naples, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring