I got the headlight level warning indicator on our 04 Prius. Well I took the sensor out and opened it up expecting to see corroded contacts but everything is perfect! So I don't know what could be wrong now. Does anyone have any instructions on how to test the sensor and make sure it is working properly? Thanks
Quick update: I took it apart again and noticed that while the tops of the springs are perfectly fine, the bottoms were starting to corrode! Cleaned them up with sandpaper and hopefully that will fix the issue. Nobody has been able to find the same springs in stainless steel?
If you have the sensor loose from the car you can plug it in and try raising and lowering the arm that comes out from the sensor. You can raise and lower the arm and the headlights will move to follow. You have to leave it in a new position for about six seconds before the car reacts. While you have it open you might want to put a little dielectric grease on the springs and the connector plug.
+1 on Dielectric Grease for long term protection. Anyway, where exactly is this headlight level sensor located. It might be a good thing to know right now, just in case I run into the same problem.
Just inside the left rear tire. You will only find it on the cars with HID headlights, the halogen models don't have it. It goes inbetween the rear axle and the body.
Thanks, kenmce. I do have HIDs. The next time I crawl under my Prius, I'll make sure to take a peak near the left rear tire.
