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Moisture in Headlamps

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by rcarwile, Apr 15, 2018.

  1. sadie72

    sadie72 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have the same problem with my passenger headlamp assembly. They are a sealed unit, so you will need to buy a new one. I found a new one at 1A auto for $114 with free shipping. You can replace this yourself. My local dealer wants $177 labor only to fix it.

    The headlight restore kits don't work very well, and in my opinion and are a waste of money. It's not a hard fix, but without the proper tools it will take some time and is no fun. I do headlamp restoration and typically charge $100 for the pair. If done right they will look brand new and last. A good car detailer can fix this for you.

    Check out the Youtube channels: Sweet project cars, Ammo NYC, Chris Fix.
     
  2. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
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    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes! $20 to replace a headlight! I remember those days!! Then the plastic patrol came along, the plastic is about as sturdy as Gumby, and either starts little tiny stress fractures, hazes up, yellows or if you are really lucky, all three. My car hits 5 years this month and my passenger headlight is starting to yellow on the top. The driver's side isn't because that side of the car is not in the sun all day. I've been through all the repair kits on other cars over the years. They work great, but they don't last long for the effort I put in. I will most likely search ebay for replacements when the time comes. Worth it for the 5 year window. Just bought a car cover and will be using it more.
     
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    If possible when parking outside, have the headlights facing away from the sun.
     
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  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Then your hv battery will get the beat down from the sun and be replaced sooner. Headlight replacement over HV replacement all day :D
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    The headlights on the latest Prius are about a K apiece. :eek:
     
  6. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The issue with my parking arrangement is the size of the driveway. All 3 cars will fit in the driveway as long as they are parked a certain
    Geometric way. I have purchased a car cover and will use it as necessary.
     
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  7. Solman636

    Solman636 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2014
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    Location:
    Florida Panhandle
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It would be great to see a picture of where you taped the top of the headlight, but I think I'll get out the duct tape and give it a try and do the best I can. Sounds like a great solution! Thanks!
     
  8. rrg1234

    rrg1234 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2022
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    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I had the issue and I wrapped the headlight seam with electrical tape.
    Over lap the tape with two layers.

    I used the good electrical tape so it does not peel open in the cold.

    No more issue after that on my 2011.
     
  9. rrg1234

    rrg1234 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    That is my old login rrg that got lost in the system.
    I will take pictures tonight for the electrical tape fix for the headlight after work 3/7/23.

    I do remember doing a few small pieces of tape on the sharp turn V area of the headlights.

    I never did look for the possible leak area but still no water in the lights since 2011.