Problems with changing headlight bulb

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by jmaliakal, Nov 19, 2014.

  1. jmaliakal

    jmaliakal Junior Member

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    The passenger side headlight went out last night. I looked up some instructional videos and guides on how to replace the bulb, and it didn't seem too bad. I then purchased two Sylvania H11 bulbs from the auto parts store (an extra in case the driver side bulb goes out).

    I tried pulling out the dead bulb today (in <30F weather), and it rotated about 45 degrees before giving me resistance. It seemed like the wires were a bit short, preventing me from twisting it all the way. I didn't want to break anything, so I locked it back into place. I tried the driver side bulb just to see if that one was better. It came out easily, but then I had trouble reseating it. Every time I thought it was in place, it was crooked.

    I ended up bringing it to the dealership because I don't want to be driving around with a single headlight. Claiming they had to pull off the bumper to get at the bulb, they priced the repair at $90 (for labor alone; they're using my bulb).

    Any tips? I'd like to be able to swap the bulb next time this happens.
     
    #1 jmaliakal, Nov 19, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You only changed 1 bulb? I would think $90 they would do the pair. ALWAYS REPLACE BULBS IN PAIRS.
     
    #2 JC91006, Nov 19, 2014
  3. jmaliakal

    jmaliakal Junior Member

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    I'm at the dealership now; I asked them to change the driver side too, and they said it's fine (no extra labor).

    Back to the original question... Can anyone provide advice for removing and reseating the bulbs? I didn't remove the air intake hose or anything, but I have small hands...
     
    #3 jmaliakal, Nov 19, 2014
  4. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Wait for a warmer day to practice, and empty your bladder first. A little patience goes a long way.
     
    #4 SageBrush, Nov 19, 2014
  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    The passenger side headlight bulb is much easier to access if you move the intake hose out of the way. Remove the 3 ten millimeter hex head screws/bolts so you can move the little intake box and hose.

    SCH-I535
     
    #5 xliderider, Nov 19, 2014
  6. drewtx

    drewtx Junior Member

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    I did mine about 2 weeks ago, and it is pretty difficult - just in terms of access etc.
    Mine is a 2008, but presumably the same lights?

    The problem is that you need to be able to get a good grip on the round cover that seals the back of the headlight. It is maybe 5" diameter, and access is very tight. The round cover unscrews. Maybe takes about a 1/4 turn. But it also seems like there was some sealant in the 'thread' so it is very hard to rotate the cover.

    So, between the poor access, and the 5", and the 'sticky thread' it takes quite a lot of patience and effort.

    Oh, and given the 'sticky thread' (due to some kind of sealant?), it may be much harder to do at low temperatures. I was doing it in Houston TX, in probably 75f weather. You *might* find it helps to gently warm the back cover with a hair dryer - to soften up the sealant.

    On the Driver's side I removed a few pieces of trim above the grille - and the allowed the entire headlight unit to move *maybe* 1/2" - which gave be just a *little* more room behind it. But I don't think that is required.

    Definitely doable. But, yeah, AWKARD!


    And, sadly, might driver's side light (which was the one that was originally failing) is now failing again - after only about 2 weeks with the new bulbs. It is doing that typical thing where it switches itself off at random times. I was very careful about not touching the glass of the new bulb - so I'm not sure what my next step is.
     
    #6 drewtx, Nov 20, 2014
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Taking off the bumper on the Gen2 cars is quite easy. I first did the change without taking off the bumper then on a 2nd car, I took the bumper off. I find taking the bumper off only takes 5 minutes and makes the process a whole lot easier....especially if you have big hands.
     
    #7 JC91006, Nov 20, 2014
  8. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    If the dealer said they had to pull the front bumper to change a bulb on the Gen III, it's time to find another dealer.
     
    #8 RRxing, Nov 20, 2014
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