Prius High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp (HID) Bulb Replacement

Replaced the HID bulbs from November 2015, about 3.5 years.

Still a PITA. But this time it was easier as I had lower expectations.

Previously, previously

Prius 2006 Headlamp Bulb Replacement

Old bulb (top) with detached low-beam coil; new bulb (bottom) in box with both coils

Successfully replaced both headlamp bulbs, this time on a 2006 Prius with the standard halogen 9003 bulbs (the 2005 Prius had HID bulbs).

Still a PITA. However, it seemed a bit easier than the 2005 Prius. The 2006 model seems to have different clips (just one clasp?) and cover assembly, which makes it a bit easier.

Both existing bulbs failed within a few days of the other. The first the day of, or the day after, getting my oil changed at Oil Can Henry's in Soquel. The second failed within the next few days.

Bulbs used:
Philips 9003B1 Standard Halogen Replacement Headlight Bulb

Tools used:

• Flat-head screwdriver (remove cowl)
• Philips-head screwdriver (remove cowl screw)
• Mechanics gloves
• Overalls
• Flashlight (mobile device)
• Nitrile gloves (to handle bulbs)

Found a shady spot near Rachel Carson college parking lot. Figured neighbors didn't want to hear me cursing.

Two contractors working on a roofing job came down to the lot and hopped into a white truck. I overheard one say, "I don't do drugs ... regularly." I wondered at the need to qualify the statement with an adverb.

Previously, previously

Prius High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp (HID) Bulb Replacement

Replaced both headlamp bulbs yesterday, on November 12, 2015.

NOTES

• Driver's side seemed harder, for me, due to the fuse box, which limited space more than the passenger's side, I think
• Driver's side clip's shape seemed distorted, a bit, so I had difficulty replacing it. I eventually did the best I could and tested it for snugness--it was snug, so replaced the cap and called it a day...note: did not have this problem on the passenger's side
• Dealership "Toyota & Scion of Santa Cruz" quoted me $200+ to do the job, just for labor
• Used new, disposable latex gloves while installing the bulb, and Mechanix gloves otherwise...protected my hands nicely from random scrapes and scratches, and gave better grip
• Night before, I wiped the bulbs with rubbing alcohol (that is, 70% isopropyl alcohol); dried overnight
• New headlamp bulbs glow, in a blueish white color
• Aligning the bulb: hold it in place with one hand, then step back and look through the front of the headlamp...you will see the bulb poking through and get another indication of whether you have aligned it properly
• The electrode, the part which looks like a metal bar and runs along one side of the bulb glass, should face down (?)
• I think the knobs, on the bulb back should align horizontally (?)
• Time elapsed: 45-60 minutes
• Do it again? Yes

RESOURCES

• Driver's and passenger's side bulb replacement (shows: plastic tab removal; mirrored view of bulb clips, and so forth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Ih1CPQUzM
• Removing the entire headlamp assembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zG2BPEK0dQ
• Driver's side bulb replacement, only (gave me the idea of using the screwdriver, for torque): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er0oEHNUfQs
• San Francisco's Luscious Garage YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/lusciousgarage/videos
• Bulb source: 
• HighPerformanceBulbs.com
• Product: "High Performance Xenon D2R HID replacement bulbs (2 bulbs) (Choose Your Color) Part # D2RHID"
• HID Bulb Color : 4300K OEM White
• Parts cost (two bulbs), with shipping and handling: $52.74
• Warranty: 1 year for defects or failure
• Estimated HID Bulb Life: 3000 Hours
• Recommended, via PriusChat
• Previously