How to adjust LED headlights on the v?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 09Priusman, Jul 20, 2012.

  1. 09Priusman

    09Priusman Junior Member

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    I drove the v for the first time during the night yesterday on a two-hour trip, and as reported before the aim is way too low. I had to use the high beams a lot for an excellent view of the road at 75+ mph.

    Anyone know, or could they direct me to a link, on how to adjust them? I could not find any posts about the subject after doing a search. BTW, the fog lights seem to be very weak on the v, but that could be caused by their light being washed out by the LEDs, which are super white and bright.
     
    #1 09Priusman, Jul 20, 2012
  2. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    On back of headlight you will find an upside down bottlecap like device. You need a screwdriver or a small socket to turn it. CC for higher, CCW for lower.
    A search here will help, it's the same process as for the halogen headlights.


    ​
     
    #2 DGH, Jul 20, 2012
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    We've got that light combo on a 2010 Canadian Touring model. I'd concur about the foglights; it's hard to even tell when they're on. I hardly ever turn them on, never used them in earnest. They look cool though. ;)
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jul 20, 2012
  4. 09Priusman

    09Priusman Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info. Yes, the slotted bottle cap like device was indeed the adjuster. I adjusted them (I used an ignition wrench) last night. I raised them about 6 inches on the garage door and took a test drive. The lights are perfect for me now and no flashing from oncoming drivers. I would say I gained a couple hundred feet of good light down the road. No overdriving the lights now at high speed.
     
    #4 09Priusman, Jul 21, 2012
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  5. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Excellent!
     
    #5 DGH, Jul 21, 2012
  6. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Anyone look into replacing the H11 fog lamp bulbs with combined radial/projector high power LEDs?
     
    #6 Air_Boss, Oct 15, 2012
  7. Hollander

    Hollander New Member

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    To adjust the aim of the low beams on my Prius v, I used 1/4 " socket wrench with a 5/16 socket. Set the wrench to loosen the plastic bolt on the back of the headlight.
     
    #7 Hollander, Oct 17, 2012
  8. Sappy

    Sappy Junior Member

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    is the headlamp adjuster the same on a 2015 prius V "FIVE" model that comes equipped with led headlamps? and I'm not sure if my model came with "self leveling headlight" option
     
    #8 Sappy, Nov 26, 2017
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If it has the self-levelling you should see a little contraption of arms/elbows around the middle of the rear axle cross beam. Look under the rear with a light, even without raising you should be able to spot it. Around here:

    upload_2017-11-26_9-45-8.png
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Nov 26, 2017
  10. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    No, but I did replace them with these LED bulbs. I didn't notice a difference in light level or quality, but they draw such little power that we just keep them on all the time (as additional DRL) which increases conspicuity. And with a life expectancy rating of 50K hours, they'll last the life of the car+ -- even when run all the time. Plus now the color temperature of the fogs matches the low beams. Not bad for $4!

    BTW: I did the same with my Gen 2 when we still had that car.
     
    #10 tvpierce, Dec 19, 2017
  11. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Thanks. Old thread! I went with inverter-ON-triggered Morimoto-style LED lamps used as DRLs, a direct-fit replacement for OEM fogs. As you say, the ON-state current draw is minimal as DRLs and they are terrific squirrel finders.
     
    #11 Air_Boss, Dec 19, 2017
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