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Headlight transformer problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by amaranita, Nov 15, 2008.

  1. amaranita

    amaranita Junior Member

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    2007 Prius
    Recently my headlights have been flickering on and off. I brought the car ('07) to the dealer who did nothing. My local mechanic said it is a transformer problem and I should bring it back to the dealer. He also said it is probably still covered by warrranty. Anyone have any thoughts or info about this? Thanks.
     
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Mar 2, 2006
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    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Re: transformer problem

    The HID headlamps use a power supply normally called a ballast or controller. It is basically a transformer type system with some control electronics.

    You could be having trouble with the ballast, or it could simply be one of the capsules (bulbs). Toyota has a history of problems with the capsules in the Prius. A quick search of this site will give you some ideas. Sometimes the dealers fix the problem without a fight. Sometimes owners just buy new capsules from EBay and do their own replacement. Others have paid large $$ out of pocket. Some have had luck getting Toyota corporate to reimburse the cost.

    Tom