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2003-2009 Toyota Prius Headlight Bulb Replacement

If the headlights on your 2nd generation Toyota...

iFixit Library 2003-2009 Toyota Prius Easy 15 - 30 minutes Guide 206736

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

If the headlights on your 2nd generation Toyota Prius (2003-2009 models) no longer turn on, they are likely burnt out and need to be replaced. This guide will show how. Headlights are extremely important when driving in darker conditions, as they make you visible to others and the road visible to you. After enough use they will burn out due to the filament within them thinning out and failing. Driving without them poses a safety hazard to everyone and is a finable offense. It can also cost considerably more money to have it replaced by a shop than to do it by yourself. Make sure you turn the car and headlights off before starting to minimize danger.

Step 1

Repair step

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Open the hood of the car by pulling on the latch with the symbol near the pedals on the driver's side.

Step 2

Repair step

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Place your hand under the slightly open hood, a little to the right of the Toyota logo.
Feel around for a latch, then pull it up and lift the unlocked hood.

Step 3

Repair step

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While holding the hood up with your left hand, use your right to pull out the prop rod from its underside.
Place the nub from the bottom of the rod into the holder near the fuse box, then slide it down to secure it.
There is an arrow on the fuse box to help locate it.

Step 4

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Flathead Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove all screws on the front plastic panel with a #2 Phillips head screwdriver by rotating counterclockwise.
Once removed, simply grab the panel and pull it out.

Step 5

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Flathead Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Phillips #2 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Starting on the passenger side, remove the plastic intake extension in front of the fluid tank.
Some cars may have a fastener holding it down. If yours does, use a flathead screwdriver to place under its lip and pull it out.

Step 6

Repair step

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Behind the headlight housing, there is a rubber cap with wires sticking out.
Firmly grasp the cap by its tabs, then rotate counterclockwise and pull back once loose.

Step 7

Repair step

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Behind the cap is an electrical plug. Pull it out from the light housing.
Place the cap and plug somewhere secure so they don't drop down into the engine bay.

Step 8

Repair step

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On each side of the bulb, there are metal clips holding it in place.
Push into these clips, which will release the bulb, then grab it and take it out.
Be careful not to drop the bulb. Keep the palm of your hand closely behind it when removing.

Step 9

Repair step

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Place the new bulb into the slot by aligning the notches and pulling the clips out into their farthest position.
Once in, push the clips back down onto the bulb to secure it. It should no longer be loose when letting go.
Do steps 5-7 in reverse to reassemble everything else.

Step 10

Repair step

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For the driver side, remove the fuse box cover to make it easier to reach the headlight.
Repeat steps 6-9 to replace headlight bulb for the driver side.
Reinstall the front panel and close the hood.