HID Xenon trouble shoot

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Cadenza, May 29, 2019.

  1. Cadenza

    Cadenza Member

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    Hi folks -

    My driver side Headlight is out. First it was intermittent for a few weeks. Now dead for 2 months. How do you diagnose - is the bulb dead or the ballast dead? Thanks!
     
    #1 Cadenza, May 29, 2019
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Try the bulb first if you're throwing parts at it.
     
    #2 SFO, May 29, 2019
    Skibob likes this.
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Since your headlight apparently followed the normal failure process for an HID bulb, why not just purchase 2 new bulbs and install them?

    Why 2??? Because:
    1. standard rule of thumb for HID bulbs is once one goes out, the other will be right behind it
    2. one new one will most likely be significantly brighter than the old one
    3. these bulbs are typically cheaper when bought in pairs
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, May 29, 2019
  4. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    And check for moisture in the headlight by the ballast. I have heard that can be a problem.
     
    #4 Skibob, May 31, 2019
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