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busted xenon headlights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by KandyRedCoi, Dec 19, 2008.

  1. KandyRedCoi

    KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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    OK, i have an 08 touring and my driverside xenon headlight just went out, where can i get a replacement bulb and how much

    i noticed its very common on HID equiped cars, i guess it was just a matter of time til i had to go thru it as well

    any info would be greatly appreciated

    thank you everyone!
    :rockon:
     
  2. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    The OEM HID bulb costs $300 - $350 each.

    But if I were you, I would try to get your dealer to fix the problem under warranty. Although I think bulbs are expressly excluded from the warranty, I think a HID bulb failure on a 2008 is strong evidence of a defect in the bulb or somewhere else in the HID system that rightfully should be covered. I'd jump up and down and scream if I had to.

    Failing that, or if you don't want to spring for the major dollars of an OEM bulb, I'd consider getting the inexpensive ones off eBay.

    Windstrings seems satisfied with the inexpensive HID replacement bulbs he bought from eBay for his 2006 Prius (bulb size D4R -- same size as yours):

    http://priuschat.com/forums/care-ma...7938-my-hid-bulb-replacement-my-06-prius.html

    I think Windstrings bought his 2 for $69 bulbs from this eBay seller:

    Search results for Lighting, Lamps & Accessories 4300K HID Xenon D4R in Car & Truck Parts & Accessories

    And here's a link to Bruceha 2000's HID installation photos for his 2004 Prius (bulb size D2R -- different size than yours):

    PriusChat Forums - bruceha_2000's Album: 2004 Prius HID bulb Replacement

    Good luck.
     
  3. KandyRedCoi

    KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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    Wow thank you! I got the bulbs from a friend non oem, install looks like a pain in the butt, Thanx for the 411, I'll post pics when I'm done
     
  4. KandyRedCoi

    KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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    ok so my bro and i replaced the bulbs

    problem is the same busted light is just flickering when i turn it ON then it doesnt work again...so after spending $90 on a pair of bulbs, my car is still blind...

    anoyne have any idea on whats going on?
     
  5. KTPhil

    KTPhil Active Member

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    Search for HID failures here. It's a problem Toyota fixes with both a new bulb and a new controller (ballast). Toyota warrantee covers the ballast but not the bulb. have then write up the warrantee work for the ballast, then ADD the bulb replacement work to the work order (so the R&R labor common to both operations is part of the covered work). Then ask Toyota customer service to comp the bulb cost. When you do, point out this is a known quality problem with the Prius. The dealer service writer probably knows this and can help yu through the maze. You will have to pay for the bulb up front, then wait for a check from Toyota.

    Check the NHTSA site and search for the problem--there are dozens of filings.
     
  6. KandyRedCoi

    KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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    ^i figured that much, but i already bought the headlight bulbs, so can i just have them replace the ballast then i can just replace the bulbs myself???

    thanx
     
  7. KTPhil

    KTPhil Active Member

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    No; unfortunately, in order to cover the ballast replacement under warrantee, Toyota insisted that the bulbs be replaced at the same time.
     
  8. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    I'd agree this is unusual - my 2004 w/ 108k miles is still on original bulbs and balasts. I don't use them as DRL and don't "flash" them on and off or otherwise "strike" them when warm. I'm sure it's a matter of time, but when properly cared for, they will last quite a while.
     
  9. KandyRedCoi

    KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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    ^true, my bro said the same thing, its probably because i use the HID a lot, even tho a NEVER flash em, and rarely use em as HIGH BEAMs...oh well i guess im off to the stealership and im down $90 to start with :(