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Can we just do away with the HID headlamps?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jrod81, Jun 21, 2009.

  1. jrod81

    jrod81 Member

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    Hey guys
    I have a 06 and the ever so popular headlamp issues is about to start for me... I will be going to Toyota tomorrow and expecting them not to fix it of course! Since Toyota still hasn't put a recall out for the headlamp issue, I am just wondering if we can put regular headlights in the car instead of the HID??? Right now it is just the driver's side that will need attention but from what I have read it is only a matter of time before the passenger goes bad too... So my thought is just putting a regular headlight in the driver's side this time and then do it to the passenger side when it goes out- man that is going to look bad I bet, but it just seems safer than having to pay again in a few months to have it replaced again! Is this even possible or does HID have to go back in the car?
    thanks
    jared
     
  2. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    You cannot run regular (halogen) headlamps in the HID system which is completely different.

    I know the HID is a very high voltage system. Halogen's would not work.

    The HID's are definitely on my watch list and I've got quotes from several dealers. Toyota Sunnyvale said they have been doing 'good will' repairs out of warranty.
     
  3. jrod81

    jrod81 Member

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    crap, that is awesome... i wish a dealer around here would do "good will"... where is ole sunnyvale? i am taking a road trip this summer, maybe we could just run by...lol
     
  4. jrod81

    jrod81 Member

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    so when the headlamps start flickering what all has to be replaced? is it just a bulb issue or is it the whole assembly or what? i was going to just keep an eye out on ebay but not sure what exactly i am keeping my eye for...
     
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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  6. kim.mpls

    kim.mpls Junior Member

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    I emailed Toyota Customer Experience about this common problem. They agreed to cover parts and labor to replace my HID on my 2004. The dealer worked with them and I had no bill for any of it. (Long out of warranty!). Good luck.
     
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  7. Celtic Blue

    Celtic Blue New Member

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    There are some folks that want the HIDs (not me and fortunately my package didn't have them). Is it possible to swap out the system with that of another trim level Gen II Prius?
     
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    What does this post have to do with HID headlamps?

    Tom
     
  9. Emilyjohn

    Emilyjohn New Member

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    Our 2005 has HID headlamps. The aim has gone bad. We get a headlamp aim warning light, upper left corner of the display. The NHTSA has about 350 identical complaints. It's a real safety issue. So far I get nothing from the service department. The woman answering the phone at the Toyota help desk doesn't know the first thing about "HID".
    Has anyone else had a similar experience?
     
  10. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Ask for a service advisor. If they play clueless, ask for service manager, then service director if necessary.

    Your Toyota dealer should be well aware of HID problems.
     
  11. Celtic Blue

    Celtic Blue New Member

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    ...still thankful I don't have HID's...talks about a an "ugrade" that would best be avoided. Now if I could get a real gas tank instead of the stupid bladder.
     
  12. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Note that HID's are no longer available on the 2010 model.