Prius HID Headlight Replacement in less than 3 minutes - Luscious Garage

[mmauricemd]

Tried it today and it worked and I have big hands. Thanks.

[teampullmyfinger]

they told me it would be in the hundreds! and that they have to drop the front bumper. is that the case on a 04?

[cstonegroove]

Thanks for inspiring me to do it on my own!

[ThePostal67]

Just goes to show, went to one place that had replaced one bulb a couple of years ago... Economy caused him to lose shop, new guy had his mechanic go to replace and after forty minutes the owner came in and said the have to take off the bumper...I said close it! Made him angry, oh well..forty minutes to figure out your doing it wrong... Took it to Toyota, change both bulbs, 180 bucks, still not happy. Now I watch you and get mad all over again...

[omniriot]

It would have been good to see camera footage of actually removing/installing the bulb. All I can see is her digging her hand around somewhere

[ThePostal67]

@omniriot Oh sure, get a camera in there and perhaps a stunt man too? I hate to see you talking to your doctor when he is checking for polyp in your anus and you want a camera up there too.

[LMM5461]

This took me more like 25 minutes to do both sides. Mostly because my big hands made getting in and out of the tight space more tricky. One quick hint to your viewers, change your gloves before handling the new lamps if you got dirt/grease on them. Thanks for your tips.

[chuckinmontana]

Thank you SO much for a common-sense approach. The bumper removal method seems like tremendous overkill----like taking the neck, rim and head off my banjo to change the strings! Anyway, I didn't need to see what you were actually doing----you just proved that it could be done easily. Armed with that information, and the owners manual (p. 420 or so, I believe), I replaced the Left side in 10 min, then did the Right (took a little longer--had to remove 2 things). Thanks again!

[KevAvatar]

Ok, proves bumper doesn't have to be removed, but devoid of any hint how to replace the bulb yourself.

[hbmindy]

You make this look a lot easier than it was for us. I'm curious too, how long the replacement bulbs are lasting for people? We've had to replace ours three times in less than a year. I think it's because it's almost impossible to install the new ones without getting a speck of grease or dirt on there that significantly shortens the life of the bulb. I finally broke down and paid the dealer to do it the "proper" way. I'll see how long they last this time. At least I have a 1-year warranty.

[ButtercupsMoms]

Mechanic lady, you are really good! Thanks for showing this to me, I was able to do it also in just a little longer time!

[blackwar12]

just wait until a signal light burns out. with my ford, there's metal tabs I can pull up to release the headlight assembly and change both headlight and signal bulbs. literally took me longer to find a hammer to tap up a stuck tab than to do the procedure.

[mean1600]

There is a hybrid way to do this if you don't have small hands. Remove the fasteners that hold the top of the bumper cover. Remove the hood stop screws(2), remove the verticle screws that hold the side of the bumper cover that is behind the wheel well skirt. Gently, pull the top edge of the bumper cover away, this gives you access to the 3 bolts that hold the headlight in. Remove the headlight shell(just take out the bulbs you aren't going to replace and let them dangle for a bit. Remove Bulb

[edvac1]

Thank you for putting this on the net. After watching your process I took the fuse cover off and was able to reach in and get the bulb out, and put the new one in. I'm really glad I did't try to take the bumper off!!! I had some trouble getting the cap back on but, finally did get it. The light bub was a little over 8 dollars with the tax.

[junisor1]

I'm a woman, no experience with cars, not even an oil change. Watched this video and another one to get familiar with what is actually behind. Changed both headlights using this method. The hardest part was to twist the black lid. I used a flat screw driver to push it forward a little bit before unscrewing, then also used a small mirror to see where the clicks that hold the bulb in place are located. Didn't need the mirror for the 2nd bulb. Thanks for the video, I'm very excited!

[RBK85a]

Toyota quoted me $450 for the drivers side only.

I watched your videos & the 3 part "bumper removal" video.

Bought the bulbs on-line for $50...Gave your method a try first but my hands where too big for the 3 minute version. Tried the 5 minute version instead & it worked perfectly ! I am no mechanic but I completed the whole job (both sides) with 2 screwdrivers & the 10 mm socket in less than 45 minutes...

Shame on you Toyota -- you just lost another customer !

[DogHouseDiver]

Still working with standard bulb. The HID's are not that expensive if you look around, $100-$140 at most, but my cheapo works fine!!

[Randyincv]

I replaced the Headlamp Bulbs in my wife's Prius today. The hardest parts were removing the "Caps" that protect the back of the bulb from weather and getting the bulb to seat properly (pay attention when you pull the old bulb where the Notch in the bulb base is). The new bulb has to be properly oriented for the bulb to seat properly and the spring clips to close. Wear surgical gloves when handling the replacement bulb or the bulb will fail prematurely. (I did NOT have to remove the bumper.)

[toyotatech973]

so what are you charging customers for labor? 0.05? i don't know where you work but cars don't appear on my lift, i have to find them in our lot, and i have to wait for my writer to sell the job, and i have to write up paper work....theres a lot more to the process then just a 3 min video, not for nothing, it would be pretty easy to place a bulb in there and fidget like your acually doing something...

[shayne8377]

Please help me fix my headlights?? I am in Utah and can't find anyone to change my headlights Toyota wants $300 a side and im tired of waiting for the recall, What tool did you use explain please????????

[shayne8377]

Will you please explain how to do this !! and does it fix the problem, I have been to 5 places in Utah no one can get into the headlight to fix it. I have read reviews of people getting this fixed at toyota and the headlights would still go out. PLease help come to Utah .???

[mazetronic]

this sexy lady tells the truth....it's almost as easy as it looks......but not quite....lol......unless you have done it 100 times....lol

[tfitzhenry]

You are my hero. I did it myself in about 10-15 minutes - no tools at all. I did use a tool to remove a something for the passenger side but for the driver side I did it all by hand. Seeing you do it told me that I could do it too. Thanks. I would bet you that the dealers don't remove the bumpers either. They probably have a couple of people that can do it "by hand" but charge you the book rate.

[ZenaBlase]

This video shot from the front doesn't show anyone how to do it. This is like watching a video of Jeff Beck and calling it a guitar lesson. Holy cow, why couldn't the tch have explained what was happening rather than the car owner babbling on?

[robertjamessteeleiii]

What is the Tool she is using?

time stamp 26-38.

I am guess it is something to turn the housing

I did a quick try and attempted to turn it and could not

get it to turn.

[michaelsgroup]

Excellent video.....thanks for posting! Our 2005 Prius is still on the original HID bulbs and when they go, I'll do this myself. And you are correct, any car dealership, not just Toyota, milks the "back end" of the business like crazy. You need to have your thumb hooked over your wallet any time you go to a dealership service department. Heck, our dealership insists that the Prius needs the oil changed every 3,000 miles even though Toyota specifies 5,000! (Doubling the cost to the customer)

[gccardoso]

Please post the size of your hands or at least the minumun size of gloves that will fit your hands. My hands are XL and there was no way I could get the job done -- then I did it the hard way. Before that I asked someone with small hands to try but she did not have enouth strength in the fingers to get all the parts pulled off.

Conclusion: Small hands + strong fingers = easy job.

[MikeyNCat]

@gccardoso - I wear size 10 gloves (XL) and I was able to do it. Driver side like she does is easy, the passenger side (which I did) was a little harder. The washer tank was easy enough to remove, but the bulb socket is really recessed under the radiator support (or whatever it is), so you have to do it blind. I stuck my jug head down in there to inspect how the clip holds the bulb in, cursed at the clip because I have big fingers, but finally got the clip off.

[marauderfh]

My hands won't fit in this side at all.

[DogHouseDiver]

So glad I watched YOUR video and not the 3 part "remove the bumper" version. I did mine in about 6 minutes, not bad for a first timer. Also, I decided that HID's are not that important since people are always thinking I have my Hi-Beams on. I used a $10.98 replacement standard bulb, right off the shelf at my auto parts store

I did this for $11, in 6 minutes. Bless the sweet lady at lusciousgarage that posted her video response, you saved me a nightmare of labor. PS, I tow a trailer w/my prius.

[lyvisky]

@DogHouseDiver Is the standard bulb still working? I asked my dealer's service guy who said 1) the standard bulb will not fit, and 2) Prius electric system would blow it out. If the standard bulb is working for you and giving adequate light, I'll save myself about $500!!! Thanks!

[811radiance]

THANK YOU!! I watched the complete bumper removal first then I watched yours. Working on the right front. Most work was blind and very tight. Hardest part pulling the rubber boot off and that really just takes reaching in and pushing up and giving a little pull. Total time for me (first time) was about 30 minutes.... 10 of that was cussing and swearing I couldn't do it. I practiced replacing the old bulb a couple of times to know where everything was by touch and then did it. Love saving.

[doggydetail]

GREAT common sense approach to the prius headlight replacement. Yeah it's a tight fit super tight if you have big hands, put latex gloves on and it's just like every other headlight. GREAT VID!

[UnumExPluburis]

It takes muscle to undo the 6 inch rubber seal on the 2007 Prius to get to the light electronics (first time). I pulled the bumper cover forward and could change both lamps again in under 1 hour. Unlikely anyone can do what you described correctly.

Changing the lamps in the manner you described may lead one to falsely believe they have sealed the boot. I highly recommend VISUAL inspection. An askew O-ring will damage everything - HID beam motor, ballast computer, bulb and lens with moisture.

[munkex]

@UnumExPluburis yeah I'm having the exact same problem. I get the fuse box cover off but can't get enough clearance to work the power cable free and then pull the lamp pan.

Once I get my hands on a 10mm socket(the one @#$@ing socket I don't own), I'm going to the try the bumper removal method.

[reb14451]

I did mine this way. A light & mirror helps see the clips for a "rookie". You have to get the feel for how the bulb & clips connect...Kind of like the spark plugs in a transverse mounted 3.8 in a GM car/van. Thanks!!

[hfrankjr]

My left lite went out and then last night I noticed the right one was out too. This video inspired me to try changing them out without removing the plastic and it took me about an hour and a half to do both headlights and a parking light. I did remove the radiator/grille protector and then did the right side first for familiarity (a mirror came in handy). Also removed the fuse box cover.

[thomasbenham]

So you charge $30 for this? Equals $10/min.=$600/hr. You have the nerve to call people crooks and idiots? Don't give me the flatrate/skill jive, I understand all that. You're a flaterate whore just like all the rest, just cheaper.

[bluetextonwhitebg]

Would you care to explain HOW you did this?

[watchingirlz]

Hmm Even though these cars are junk! Following Toyota's recommended service procedures is for idiots? Certainly explains why you have no manufacturer certification though!

[watchingirlz]

More importantly do you know why This Hybrid "blunder car" keeps blowing headlights? Uncontrollable voltage fluctuations! As ive said before Its because we haven't figured out how to make this technology work yet! No one has not even in formula one!

[jzinich]

Would be nice to show a video of what you do to get access to the bulb and remove it without removing the rubber boot not just that you can do it.

[studiopeg]

Glad to have found this. I would give you all of my business if I lived out there. Thank you for this video!

[miljeff420]

Can we see how you do the passenger side? Is it easy once you do it a couple times? I never thought I'd see anyone do an HID change without removing the housing.

[miljeff420]

Good luck doing it yourself without knowing what the equipment is like inside the headlight. This obviously is someone that has done this a lot. Plus women have small hands, compared to the average man. I will be trying this on my car ASAP

[videoscreenname]

I'm a man with fairly large hands, and I do it this way. It takes a little practice to do it this fast, but not much. I take the fuse box cover off on the driver's side to make a little more room; the top of the air snorkel comes out on the passenger side. It's a bit awkward, but WAY better than pulling the bumper.

[lusciousgarage]

PS I didn't mean to call a $70 dealer price "highway robbery". I imagine that is a half hour's time, which is what most shops are likely to charge for the talent of getting your hand in there, regardless of how long it really takes. The labor to pull the front bumper (which is normally quoted at $250) is what I meant by "highway robbery".

[lyvisky]

@lusciousgarage Do you know anyone in Tallahassee Florida who can do this for me? Thanks!!

[wakedog38]

@lusciousgarage Very talented and you were just telling it like it is.