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Alternative to replacing HID bulbs

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by dsoprius, Nov 21, 2007.

  1. dsoprius

    dsoprius Junior Member

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    A headlight on my 2004 Prius goes on and off ---instead of replacing the HID bulbs (at $340 each plus labor) is there a less expensive alternative, ie. giving up on HID and converting the headlights to use less expensive bulbs? Many thanks.
     
    #1 dsoprius, Nov 21, 2007
  2. mingoglia

    mingoglia Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dsoprius @ Nov 21 2007, 04:25 PM) [snapback]542658[/snapback]</div>
    Is it just one bulb doing this? Are you positive it's the bulb and not a wiring/contact issue?
     
    #2 mingoglia, Nov 21, 2007
  3. dsoprius

    dsoprius Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mingoglia @ Nov 21 2007, 06:30 PM) [snapback]542661[/snapback]</div>
    It is only the driver's side bulb, and I've been told by the dealer that it is not likely to be the plug on the back of the bulb. Do you think it could be a wiring/contact problem, and if so, where?
     
    #3 dsoprius, Nov 21, 2007
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    just nitpicking but technically HIDs are capsules, not bulbs since they don't really have a filament.

    Anyway, hmm.. not that I know of. Also having one side halogen and one side HIDs doesn't quite work. You'll also have to get rid of the ballasts and such. HIDs shouldn't burn out this quickly unless you've been flicking them on and off (or left them in the ON position and started/stopped your car frequently on short 5ish min trips).

    If they fire on and off > 3 times within the hour (just a rule of thumb), their life can be shortened significantly)
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Nov 21, 2007
  5. dsoprius

    dsoprius Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 21 2007, 07:52 PM) [snapback]542710[/snapback]</div>
    I have used them as DRL's, which in Detroit traffic is necessary for safety. I'd use the fog lights if they would come on separately, but the process of converting them electrically to be independent of the headlights (as shown in detail by another member) is beyond me. Of course replacing the fogs is not a cheap job either. I had intended on replacing both sides with the HID's or an alternative. I appreciate knowing the guidelines for not wearing them out. So perhaps there really is no alternative to paying about a thousand dollars to have the HID's replaced?
     
    #5 dsoprius, Nov 21, 2007
  6. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    you can replace them yourself to save on labor costs if you're careful, but the bulbs are still pricey. using your HIDs as DRLs will also shorten their lives.
     
    #6 galaxee, Nov 21, 2007
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dsoprius @ Nov 21 2007, 05:04 PM) [snapback]542718[/snapback]</div>
    Hmm.. really? I though the foglight mod was ok and I haven't taken a car apart until I got the Prius. Using the foglights as DRLs will definitely be cheaper.

    Or even better, use the indicators. They're large enough to be seen from afar. I think someone here (seasalsa?) has done it.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Nov 21, 2007
  8. dsoprius

    dsoprius Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 21 2007, 09:38 PM) [snapback]542752[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the suggestions and for properly defining the HID "capsules". Looks like I have some modifying to do (for the foglights to work independently). Appreciate your help.
     
    #8 dsoprius, Nov 21, 2007
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    heh.. np. Hope the mod goes well!
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Nov 21, 2007
  10. mlathem1

    mlathem1 New Member

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    I am currently researching on what type of HID light and temp the Prius uses, so if you know I would appreciate the info.

    I kind of find it hard to believe the bulbs can run over $100 for a single bulb if you know what you are looking for.

    I converted my motorcycle lights to HID and got 6000k temp bulbs and love them. I want to convert the prius to 6000k because they appear to be about 4000k, not a blue as I would like.

    I bought a COMPLETE conversion kit from www.xenonrider.com for a dual lamp setup for $199. Mine were H7 lamps, so if I knew what lamp the HID was in the prius this might be a much cheaper way to go and still retain the HID lamps.

    EDIT: I just found that the Prius uses the H4 lamps, and you can get those on the www.xenonrider.com website. The whole kit is $199, but you get two lamps, and ballasts. Sadly I did not see an alternative to just order lamps, but this is MUCH cheaper than anything else I found.
     
    #10 mlathem1, Nov 25, 2007
  11. icarus

    icarus Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dsoprius @ Nov 21 2007, 03:25 PM) [snapback]542658[/snapback]</div>

    Make sure that it is the bulb assy and not the controller. From what I have learned on this forum is that there is a very expensive controler for the lights. If you turn it off and back on, and it comes on it MAY be the controller. (Do a search here for more info)

    Icarus
     
    #11 icarus, Nov 25, 2007
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Stock HIDs are usually 4300K. Also aftermarket kits don't come with auto-levelling.

    A kit from Xenon Depot (a company that I trust) will run you about $400.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Nov 25, 2007
  13. mldoc

    mldoc Junior Member

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    I hate to say it, but the cost of an HID Lamp is always going to give you some sticker shock. I work with HID lamps of various styles on a regular basis, and our cost as a retailer is typically over $100 (though these aren't automotive lamps). The most expensive ones I use are well over $500. The materials, manufacturing techniques, and precision involved are far more advanced than they need to be for an incandescent lamp.
     
    #13 mldoc, Dec 3, 2007
  14. stealth junkie

    stealth junkie JR member

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    read the owners manual! They say your headlights will go out! When there's power,they'll fire back up!

    Imagine that!
     
    #14 stealth junkie, Jun 20, 2008
  15. sorka

    sorka Active Member

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    The stock temp is 4300K. Why? Because it's the brightest. Going a higher temp may look cool, but they'll be dimmer and they'll cause more glare.
     
    #15 sorka, Jun 20, 2008
  16. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I was browsing around on LusciousGarage a while back and noticed this blog post.

    Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists

    Quote:
    "After ardent research we found a direct source for OEM bulbs (Philips Brand D4R 4300K) for $92 each. We also offer upgraded bulbs that are brighter (Onex Brand D4R 6000K) and whiter in color. The bulbs can be changed from above, without removing anything, in a half hour. Two bulbs installed: $260."
     
    #16 a_gray_prius, Jun 21, 2008
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