Headlights my 2010 Prius randomly burned out I wanted 10 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by magnumrtawd, Jul 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM.

  1. magnumrtawd

    magnumrtawd Member

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    The headlights on my 2010 Prius randomly verb out need to be replaced several times a year. The dealer found a ts
    B but they want $1,200 for the repair.
    Anybody have a solution for a more reasonable price?
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    • If you're electrically handy, you can do the repair yourself for the cost of the parts. Just be meticulous, because there is copper-to-aluminum splicing involved, which can be a fire hazard if you cut corners.
    • If you tend to buy fancy, extra-bright bulbs, stop doing that. Those are already made to trade off lifespan for brightness, and they'll live crazy short lives for you. Buy the plain ones, they'll last significantly longer. Of course in most auto parts stores, the fancy ones are hanging right at eye level on display, and you have to hunt for the plain ones, on the pegs down by your ankles.
    • As far as I know, the Dept. of Transportation still hasn't issued standards for acceptable LED retrofit bulbs, which means technically none are approved. But they've been getting pretty good and they won't burn out so soon.
     
  3. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Install good quality LED low beam headlight bulbs. I did this 3 years ago, and they are brighter and have no problems with them burning out.
     
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Alternatively, I've had an 35w AC HID system installed in our 2011 Prius for over 10 years. I've only just recently changed out the original bulbs, maybe 2 years ago, not because they failed, but they lost a bit of brightness.

    I did have to replace one of the ballasts as well, but it lasted over 5 years.