Headlight cover damaged

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by mlghaxx, Dec 9, 2022.

  1. mlghaxx

    mlghaxx New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2022
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    The headlight cover to change the bulbs was a pain to remove and I broke one of the little fins off, and also damaged the O ring a bit, is it bad for the light if it loses its seal?
     
  2. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2019
    2,220
    663
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Are you referring to the mating area between the headlight and the lamp holder? In general, for any car, having an opening back there can lead to problems. Once water gets into the headlight there is a possibility of a drop touching the lamp when it is fully warmed up, and if that happens, the lamp will probably shatter. A substantial amount of water can get in, over time, just from humid conditions and temperature cycles.

    If the plastic part you broke is on the headlight (meaning here the clear part you see from the outside of the car) then you probably need to replace that. Aftermarket ones are available for not too much, or try a junk yard.

    2007 TOYOTA PRIUS 1.5L L4 ELECTRIC/GAS Headlamp Assembly | RockAuto

    The lamp holder with wires to splice in might be available from a car parts place, otherwise, again, off to the junk yard. The holders, at RockAuto

    2007 TOYOTA PRIUS 1.5L L4 ELECTRIC/GAS Headlamp Socket | RockAuto
     
  3. mlghaxx

    mlghaxx New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2022
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    I meant the black headlight bulb cover in the rear of the headlight that you need to remove to install the headlights. I can't post a link but the part seems to be called "prius 2009 headlight bulb cap rear". It doesn't have a hole in it but the ring part at the edge has some damage from trying to pry it off. Does this part need to be completely sealed?
     
  4. alftoy

    alftoy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2009
    1,132
    514
    0
    Location:
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    $23

    2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback Headlight Bulb Cap. Lamps, HEADLAMP, Electrical - 8113547100 - Genuine Toyota Part