Headlights pointing almost straight down...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kev1000000 @ May 29 2006, 11:58 PM) [snapback]262616[/snapback]</div>

Do you have an 05 Pruis with HID headlights? That's what I have and I had the same problem you had. The headlight leveling sensor was defective in that it allowed moisture in which caused it to work erratically. On mine, I'd have to drive for a while before the lights came up to the righ position. Sometimes they stayed low for hours.

They replaced the sensor (which is behind the back left wheel). This made it work better, but I still felt the lights were too low. so I disconnected the sensor and manually set the height. 95% or more of the time I'm in the car alone without luggage, so I don't need auto-leveling.

To manually set the height of the lights, I disconnected the linkage from the sensor to the rear axel. Then I moved the sensor arm (you'll see what I mean when you look at the sensor) until the lights were pointing just below the windshields of other cars. Then I taped it in place. Not the most glamorous mod, but it has worked well for over 6 month.

When I took it to get inspected, the lights were exactly where they were suppoed to be. I think Prius lights are aimed lower than necessary. I was overdriving the low beams at 35 mph, even after the new sensor. Now the lights point down the road, straight out ahead, without blinding others as they are supposed to.

 

If you have HID headlamps, there is a leveling adjuster on the rear axle that sometimes fails. Depending on how it fails, your headlamps point up or down. The dealer should be able to check the continuity and output of the leveling sensor.

If you have halogen headlamps, I have no idea what's wrong.

 

I have no idea, but if you're handy, you can remove it and clean it out and it will probably work fine. It's just a rheostat with a lever arm.

 

That should be a 36k mile warranty not 35, so check the odometer again.

 

you're very close to the end of the warranty period. push them a little, they might cave in and cover it for someone who's barely out of warranty. always worth a try.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ May 30 2006, 10:21 AM) [snapback]262697[/snapback]</div>

I bought an extended warranty from Greenfield, MA Toyota for $900. It extended my warranty to 7 years and 100,000 miles. Maybe it's not too late to extend yours too. With all the new technology and electonics on the Prius, the extended warranty seemed like a good idea.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kev1000000 @ Jun 2 2006, 11:05 AM) [snapback]264753[/snapback]</div>

$325 for a sensor v. $990 for an extended warranty. Let the debate begin (once again).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(htmlspinnr @ Jun 2 2006, 02:16 PM) [snapback]264758[/snapback]</div>

Thanks. I didn't realize that. I just looked online to find info about Prius VSC sensors. The attached note says VSC works by correcting under and oversteer. It shows the four sensors used to do this, but doesn't mention the HID leveling sensor as being part of the VSC system. Can you provide more info or a reference to more info that describes the HID and VSC link you mention above?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(htmlspinnr @ Jul 6 2006, 01:38 PM) [snapback]282107[/snapback]</div>

Rick, Thanks for getting back to me. I would definitely have reconnected the sensor if it was part of the VSC system. As you suggest, I may do it anyway. It was frustrating having the dealer tell me they were set right, when I couldn't safely drive over 35 mph at night. Forget about the freeway. When I reajusted them and took the car for inspection, the mechanic aimed the lights at a measuring board and said they were exactly right. When adjusting them, I made sure they were pointing lower than other cars windshields. I don't think my lights shine in people's eyes more than any other HID Prius (ie: it only happens when going over a hill, like any other HID car). Nevertheless, I'd rather have the system working as designed. Maybe I'll try another dealer. Thanks again, Frank