Report: Replaced HID headlight assemblies w aftermarket from Carparts

The HID headlights on my 06 Prius needed replacing, had been polished a couple of times and needed it again when I realized that the inside of both were schmootzy. It was time to replace them.

Options? I could only find two options: OEM (like $800 each) or this pair from carparts dot com for $325/pair. I ordered the $325 pair.‘The order went smoothly, arrived to SoCal in 5 days. Nice thick cardboard boxes, well packed.

It’s just the housing and inserted lamp holders, no ballast or lights, which need to be moved from old lights if not installing new ones. I relocated the ballasts, which required disassembling the plugs that hood the Philips Xenon lamps. I purchased new D4R C1 lamps from Amazon ($53 each). *note - Philips authentication changed in mid-2020, there’s no hologram on the boxes anymore…this caused some “counterfeit stress” for a while until I figured it out.

Everything fit perfectly. I had to remove the upper fasteners and corner screws from the bumper cover, of course, to replace the headlamp assemblies. The new lights fired up and looked real good, and then…

The driver’s high beam was ‘sticking’ on. If I hit the low beams, I’d have to go outside and smack the headlight to get the low beam back. Inconvenient. Turns out the shutter assembly is defective, the entire unit needs to be replaced. *note - next time I’ll check this before installing and buttoning up the bumper. Duh.

I called carparts dot com, was #9 in line, my call would be answered in 6 minutes. Counted down like that until it got down to 30 seconds, which then repeated for about 20 minutes. When they answered, they were friendly and helpful…new unit is on the way. It’s been 5 days, it should arrive today. I should mention there was an easy to use online return option available, but the processing time was 2-3 days and I needed the replacement sent right away due to upcoming long drive.

I’ll update with pics when it’s finished and a link to the YouTube video when it’s ready.