1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2004 HID Replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by magruder, Mar 8, 2009.

  1. magruder

    magruder Average Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    145
    2
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I replaced the HID bulbs in my 2004. The lights had the common problem of going out while driving (and coming right back on if you turn the headlight switch off and back on). The job was the most difficult bulb replacement I've ever done. However, it was easier than I expected. It took me about 1.5 hours to do, but mostly because I couldn't see what I was doing. I could probably do it in 30 minutes next time, just from the learning curve.

    I bought my bulbs for 29.99 including shipping on ebay. So I'll have to see if they last very long or not. I haven't tested to see if the problem is fixed. I'll do that tomorrow driving to work.

    Just thought someone might be interested.
     
  2. magruder

    magruder Average Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    145
    2
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    So far so good, the lights stayed on for my 30 minute drive to work. Apparently, the 2005 headlight was modified and may be more difficult to work with. However, the hard part on the 2004 is removing the spring that keeps the bulb in. You can't see where the spring is attached, so you have to remove it by feel alone. I'm going to get an inspection mirror for jobs like this. This would have helped immensely.

    Dave
     
  3. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2006
    804
    114
    0
    Location:
    Pennsylvania USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    HID for $29.99?? Doesn't sound right.
     
  4. Kamilla

    Kamilla New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2009
    3
    0
    0
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius

    I am having the same issue. Except I think mine has now gone out for good. What do I ask for when I go to the parts store and how do you replace?
     
  5. magruder

    magruder Average Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    145
    2
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I know,

    That's why I'll let you know if they burn out in a month. However, they look very much like the bad German bulbs that I pulled out of the car.
     
  6. magruder

    magruder Average Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    145
    2
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    The part number is D2R and the bulb temperature is 4.3K. They should be able to look that up by make/model/year as well. I don't recommend doing the work yourself if you don't have experience replacing headlight bulbs. It is very difficult because you can't see what you're doing. It also can be very difficult to remove the dust cover. You might consider asking a repair shop how much they will charge to install the bulb if you buy it.

    Regards,
    Dave