Yesterday, I was replacing the passenger-side parking-light bulb and the new bulb fell into the headlamp assembly. Does anyone have any idea how I can get the bulb out? Also, since then, condensation has already formed in the inside of the lens, what can I do to fix it?
You can try using a heavy wire (think coat hanger) with some tape on the end or one of those grabber tools with the plunger activated prongs to try and snag it. Edit: Something like this, Amazon.com: OEM 25291 Four Claw Pick Up Tool: Home Improvement Not sure about the condensation though. You must live in a really humid area, or it's been raining since the bulb fell in, leaving a n open hole for the humid air to get in. Normally, you would need some kind of dehumidifier or dessicant to dry out the air in the headlamp. Perhaps you can try to make some kind of small adapter to get a vacuum into the headlamp and draw out the moist air? They sell some adapter/attachments for use on computers and keyboards that are pretty small, that might help.
Thanks for the tips. Will try the wire, if that doesn't work the grabber tool might be the ticket. I was replacing multiple bulbs and apparently didn't get the headlamp bulb in tight enough, so it came loose while I was driving in the rain, hence the condensation. I couldn't get enough of a feel to screw in that bulb in until I moved the coolant tank out of the way. [Wish I did that first.] I'll post back when I figure out what worked.
Took out the high-beam bulb for easier access to the fallen bulb and rigged up a duct-tape "swab" at the end of a heavy gauge wire. Unfortunately, before we got the bulb out, it fell off and disappeared into a concealed compartment of the assembly. Using the wire to sweep the section where the bulb seemed to fall, I couldn't find the bulb. Out of sight, out of mind. The condensation isn't as bad as the first day. I'll keep am eye on it. Overall, I'm not happy with how difficult it was to replace the bulbs. The side-marker light on the passenger side was almost impossible, even after removing the coolant tank.
Not sure about the Prius side marker bulbs, but to access the side marker bulb on the Camry the front bumper cover needs to be removed, or at least loosened and tipped away and the headlights need to be pulled out. SMH.
I thought about that too. The manual only suggests lifting the air-intake hose off to the side. You can barely reach the bulb. Taking out the coolant tank was the next obvious move and was mentioned in a previous thread. If that bulb that dropped ever starts rattling around, removing the corner of the bumper and headlight assembly is the obvious next step. My last car was a '96 RAV4. Before DIY became difficult.
I have a 2012 Prius and reading in the manual, minimal condensation is normal. However, if you start seeing water accumulating then you have a problem. Sucks about the bulb. I dropped a bulb in the engine compartment of my Ford Focus (last ford I will ever own) many years ago. I could not find it for the life of me. So I went and installed another one and forgot about it. About a week later I drove down a rough road and started to notice some loud squealing and a burning smell. I pulled over and had the car towed. Darn bulb had dislodged from wherever it was and jammed a pully/flywheel. The bulb had shattered but the wire and plastic is what did it in. Be glad it's stuck in the light housing.
Condensation, try a hair drier blowing warm air into the housing. Just like when you want the bathroom mirror to be clear of steam/moisture. I also saw the manual that said condensation was normal. If you ask me that is an out for Toyota, CYA. My dealer said the same thing, normal. So I took matters into my own hands and removed the lamps and wrapped the seams with electrical tape, no more condensation. If they issue a recall I just peel the tape and bring it in. my2cents.
I had a similar problem with my wife's VW - the Hair dryer works to get the moisture out - but - after it "looks" clear - you might want to blow in some cool, dry air - because if you seal it back up (at high temperature - after the condensation is gone) - when the interior cools back down, the moisture in the headlight will condense again...
____________________________________________________________ No Coat Hangers, they can scratch the inside of the polycarbonate lens. Buy a magnet on a telescoping rod, most auto suppliers sell them. The powerful magnet will hold the metal wires and allow you to extract the bulb quickly and easily. I already did this more than once, it works every time.
