How to replace headlights on a Toyota Prius

Headlights are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle. A broken headlight bulb can be dangerous to you and other road users.

Replacing a headlight bulb on a Toyota Prius is a relatively simple procedure that can be done with very few tools, saving you time and money. Headlights are one of the most important elements of car safety. When they don't work properly - usually due to a blown light bulb - visibility is reduced not only for the driver in the vehicle, but also for other drivers on the road.

In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to change the driver and passenger side headlight bulbs in Toyota Prius. This manual covers all models up to the latest Toyota Prius; The procedure for installing headlights on Toyota Prius of all generations is very similar, with very few differences.

Part 1 of 2: Driver side headlight bulb replacement

Necessary materials

• Basic set of hand tools
• The right bulb replacement for your car
• flashlight
• Nitrile gloves (optional)

Step 1. Determine and purchase the right bulb for your Prius. It is important to determine exactly which light bulb is installed on your Prius.

Models of different years will be equipped with different lamps, and high and low beam will be different.

Later model years will even offer multiple headlight bulb options in the same year, offering a brighter High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulb alongside traditional halogen bulbs.

Search the web or refer to your owner's manual to determine the exact type of bulb your Prius is equipped with.

Step 2: Clean the area behind the headlight bulb on the driver's side.. Remove all components preventing access to the rear of the headlight.

This will free up more space when removing and installing the headlight bulb. Some Prius models will require you to remove the cover from the fuse panel cover as well as the plastic vent to access the headlight.

Most plastic car components, such as trim and air ducts, are held in place by plastic clips that only need to be carefully pry out with a small flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Remove the headlight bulb. Once you can reach the area behind the headlight on the driver's side, carefully disconnect the bulb electrical connector and remove the bulb.

If your Prius is equipped with halogen bulbs, removing them is as simple as removing the metal tabs by pressing them to release the bulb, or by simply unscrewing the bulb from the socket, depending on the type of bulb.

If your Prius is equipped with HID bulbs, you may need to remove the plastic dust cover before you can get to the connector and access the bulb.

Step 4: Install the new headlight bulb. Take care to properly align the bulb in the socket and make sure it is secure.

• Attention: Do not touch the bulb with bare fingers as this may shorten the life of the bulb.

Part 2 of 2: Passenger side headlight bulb replacement

Necessary materials

• Basic set of hand tools
• The right bulb replacement for your car
• flashlight
• Nitrile gloves (optional)

Step 1: Clean the area behind the headlight on the passenger side.. Remove all components preventing access to the rear of the headlight from the passenger side.

Access to the headlight bulb on the passenger side is usually easier than access to the headlight on the driver's side; however, there may be times when components need to be removed to create more wiggle room.

Remove any components such as trim pieces, air ducts, or fluid reservoirs if they obstruct access to the lamp.

Step 2: Remove the passenger side headlight bulb.. Carefully disconnect the headlight bulb harness and remove the bulb.

If necessary, remove any dust covers that may obstruct access to the lamp and wiring harness before disconnecting and disconnecting the lamp by unscrewing it or releasing the retaining clips.

Step 3: Install the new headlight bulb. Connect the new light bulb, making sure it is properly aligned and secured.

Step 4 Make sure both of your headlights are working.. Turn on your car headlights manually to make sure they are working properly.

If one or both of your headlights are not working, make sure the electronic connectors are properly connected and not loose.

For the most part, replacing headlight bulbs on a Toyota Prius is a simple procedure that requires very few tools. However, if you don't feel comfortable doing the steps above on your own, a professional mechanic from AvtoTachki, for example, can come to your home or work to replace your headlight bulbs at a reasonable cost.