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Fog light H.I.D kits

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Goudttocs, Feb 23, 2009.

  1. Goudttocs

    Goudttocs New Member

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    Hello guys/gals first post did few searches before posting.

    I have a 07 prius not sure package has Bluetooth, nav, oem H.I.D headlamps i believe its almost fully loaded other than leather? Has 48k miles bought new off lot.

    so my oem headlight passenger side starting to go out , I turn lights off then back on , passenger light is on for few miles then goes off ect,, which is how I found this great site thru Google. I bought the extend warranty thru Toyota, 6 yrs 100,000 miles. I drive 128 miles a day. I made an appointment for Thursday to see if they will cover it. Do they normally cover this problem which seems to be common?

    If not I’d really like to put the 6k bulbs in myself, but when doing so also install the 6k Fog light Hid kit,, found a few kits online, not sure if there is a better company to go with? I understand the 6k is not as bright as 4300 but I do like the color different than stock..

    I seen few write ups but link was broken to vendor..

    Thanks for any help, :D
     
    #1 Goudttocs, Feb 23, 2009
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    There are a lot of problems with the Prius HIDs. The dealer might say it's the bulb, but it's not. If you do a search on PC you will see numerous posts on the subject. I recommend filing a complaint with Toyota at (800) 331-4331 as well as filing a complaint with NHTSA at IVOQ - File a Complaint. If enough people complain, maybe Toyota will do ma recall.

    Headlights are not covered under any warranty. You may get a concession from Toyota, but you will have to call the 800 number.
     
    #2 firepa63, Feb 23, 2009
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Xenon Depot is one company that does HID kits (and it seems to be reputable given that two forums that I frequent recommend it. It's a Canadian company based in Toronto).

    Re: the OEM capsules, I don't know. You'll have to see what your extended warranty covers.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Feb 24, 2009
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    To disagree with a previous post, many members of PC have found that replacing the HID capsules will fix your problem. It appears that there are two major problems with the HIDs on the Prius:

    1) Toyota used a bad batch of HID capsules (bulbs). These capsules failed early. Replacing them through the dealer is very expensive and likely to result in another bad Toyota capsule. The solution in this case is to purchase a pair of new capsules from EBay and put them in yourself. You can find the supplier and instructions on a previous thread (search for HID).

    2) The HID "computers" on the Prius appear to be marginal when it comes to maintaining discharge in the capsules. As a capsule ages, it takes more voltage to maintain the same current. The ballast modules ("computers") do this automatically. Without enough current the capsule drops out and goes dark. Turning the lights off and back on causes the ballast to re-strike the capsule making them work again, at least for a while. The net result is that the Prius HIDs are more finicky about capsules than some HID systems.

    Because of these two problems, many dealers will replace everything and call it good (at great $$$$). Others will try to do it piecemeal.

    If you can get the repair done under warranty, then let them figure it out. However, the capsules are not usually covered, so the dealer is likely to stick you with a big bill for those.

    If it were me, I would order the new capsules and try that route first. Another option is to contact TMS USA corporate and complain to them. Many PC members have had Toyota pick up all or part of the cost of fixing this problem.

    Tom
     
    #4 qbee42, Feb 24, 2009
  5. Goudttocs

    Goudttocs New Member

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    thanks guys going in Thursday. just to see what they say. I already mentioned to the service rep that i have been reading forums and have seen lots of similar issues/problems other people have with there H.I.D and my concerns of Toyota's intent or integrity
     
    #5 Goudttocs, Feb 24, 2009
  6. DIV

    DIV New Member

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    Is this HID capsule problem current through the '09's as well?
    I just got my '09 package 6 on Saturday...
     
    #6 DIV, Feb 25, 2009
  7. Goudttocs

    Goudttocs New Member

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    Update, wife dropped car off today. got a call around noon, estimate was for $289. one headlight installed and was not covered on any warranty, so I respectively told the service manager what the next steps I would be taking, I will be calling the Toyota customer service and placing a complaint Not on this dealership but about the H.I.D defects/issues itself. and that i was an informed owner that has researched this problem and that there are thousand of people having same issues. that I would be listing this vehicle (Cant show link) and would support the the petition for a recall. all the time i was being courteous, yet determined to see it through. 2 hours later my wife called me and said they contacted her and said they wanted to keep us as a satisfied customer and that they would install both lights for $100.00 no labor. that is service and I think I was treated fairly. I think the key was to be firm but respectful, placing blame on the manufacturer rather dealership. And mostly be to informed with facts.Thanks for all you help. and I hope it helps anyone else having these issues.. this is dealer nw ohio, Rouen Toyota of Maumee​
     
    #7 Goudttocs, Feb 26, 2009
  8. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    My brother-in-law just had the tubes and controllers replaced on his 06 today (both headlights). Toyota picked up the entire cost. He did call the Toyota 800 number in advance and they contacted the dealer and approved the parts and labor.

    I think you're giving in too easy to accept paying $100 out of your own pocket.
     
    #8 firepa63, Feb 26, 2009
  9. midget

    midget New Member

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    Lost my driver'sw side last month- fixed for free and passenger side two weeks later- also covered by dealer. No $$$
     
    #9 midget, Mar 1, 2009
  10. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    i'm very sorry about the problems you people have had............i have a 2008. did the "BAD BATCHES" go away by my time or am i still in danger of this happening?

    thanks for your time
     
    #10 Genoz World, Mar 1, 2009
  11. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Who knows? Hopefully there are no problems with the 08 and 09. The biggest problems were with the 06. Of course they are the oldest with the current version of HIDs. There were very few problems with the 04 and 05. It was when Toyota changed part numbers for the 06 model that problems started to surface. The tubes for the 04/05 and the 06/09 are not interchangeable.
     
    #11 firepa63, Mar 1, 2009
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