High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are xenon gas bulbs that last longer, consume less energy, and provide three times as much usable light as halogens. They operate in conjunction with a ballast that controls the flow of electricity. Fog lights and HID lights are included as a kit for the Toyota Prius. As a stopgap solution, you may choose to switch from HID lights to halogen bulbs when HID replacement bulbs are unavailable or when HID lights burn out.
- Unplug the HID ballast. The ballast is a small box with a power supply that regulates the flow of electricity so that the high-intensity beam does not vary. It is an important part of an HID assembly, but halogen bulbs don't need it to work.
- Remove the HID headlamps from the housing by slightly rotating the light assembly counterclockwise. When you take off the cover of the fuse box, it's easier to get to the headlight on the driver's side.
- After taking the HID ballast wires out of the power source wire connection, connect the halogen headlamp wires directly to the power source wire connector/harness.
- Install the halogen bulbs after removing the HID bulbs from the light assembly.
- To test the replacement bulb assembly, turn the car's lights on after clockwise-twisting it into place.
Things You Must Have
- Halogen headlights
- Wire adapter
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver