How to Change a Head Light on a 2005 Prius
- 1). Pull on the hood opener, which is located below the steering wheel to the left directly under the auxiliary light controls as seen in the diagram on page 18 of the Prius Owner's Manual. This will pop the hood. Open the hood up by moving the metal latch directly in the center of the grill to the left. Keep the hood open by using the black metal bar located in the engine compartment.
- 2). Unscrew the plastic dust cover using the Phillips-head screwdriver. This cover prevents debris from getting inside the front portion of the engine.
- 3). Remove the plastic air duct by popping out the reusable clips with the flat-head screwdriver if the burnt-out headlight is on the passenger side. Remove the fuse box cover if the headlight is on the driver's side.
- 4). Disconnect the electrical wiring connected to the bulb by pulling it off gently.
- 5). Twist the light bulb cover, also called a boot, counterclockwise until it is separated from the vehicle. Push in the retainer spring, which holds the bulb in place while it is in the boot.
- 6). Pull out the burnt out the bulb and discard it.
- 7). Put on latex gloves. The gloves will prevent oils from your hand getting onto the new bulb. If oil gets on a halogen light bulb, it may cause it to overheat and eventually burn out.
- 8). Install the new halogen or HID (High Intensity Discharge) light bulb in place depending on the model selected. Prius' with halogen light bulbs are much cheaper to replace than HID lights. Both lights can be purchased at automotive retail store and licensed Toyota dealerships. Close the retaining spring.
- 9). Twist the boot clockwise until it is firmly in place and reattach the wiring back to the light bulb. Turn on the headlights before going further to make sure the light bulb works by twisting the light control located on the left hand side of the steering wheel as seen in the diagram on page 19 of the Prius Owners Manual.
- 10
Replace the air duct or the fuse box cover depending on which light bulb was replaced. Screw back in the plastic duct cover with the Phillips-head screwdriver and close the hood.
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