42 lb per Sq In. tires and headlights keep burning out

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

If I'm not mistaken, the headlights in the Prius is a bit of a known design issue. Not sure what the root cause is, but again, if I'm not mistaken people have complained about Prius headlights for a long time.

The Prius HID headlights seem to have issues. I've heard it's the ballasts.

[Nedlom]

https://priuschat.com/threads/my-toy...5#post-2342985

Seems to be a design flaw with a simple fix (I've not investigated it fully though, since I don't own a prius)

Too many volts getting to the headlights, shortens the bulb life. Fix is extra wire to increase the voltage drop slightly?

Check out the link, see if that makes sense...

Chris

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by Nedlom

https://priuschat.com/threads/my-toy...5#post-2342985

Seems to be a design flaw with a simple fix (I've not investigated it fully though, since I don't own a prius)

Too many volts getting to the headlights, shortens the bulb life. Fix is extra wire to increase the voltage drop slightly?

Check out the link, see if that makes sense...

Chris

I had this problem on my cts with cheap led license plate lights. Would burn out very fast in winter when the charging voltage would occasionally hit 15.1v when temps were very cold on an older battery.

[Vman455]

There's either a recall or technical service bulletin for the 2010-2011 Prius headlight wiring harnesses, and yes, Toyota's fix is to add length to the wiring. 2012-2015 aren't affected.

2010-2015 Priuses weren't available with HID headlights, only halogen (trims 1-4) and LED (5). The HID issue was with an earlier generation, 2004-2009.

Angel, try the simplest fixes first before you go worrying about expensive modifications like suspension bushings (which, for the record, there aren't any other than OEM-spec available). Try different bulbs first, make sure it's had the headlight recall performed, and report back. It is almost certainly not your tire pressure at fault here.

[Angel And The Wolf]

I just had the car into Toyota for an unrelated issue, and had the FIX done. they also put new bulbs in to prevent old ones from going out due to age. Waiting to see if harder tires bring up the same problem. Thanks to everyone.

[slowmover]

Hard tires make one pay a penalty in long-term reliability. Which is what Economy really is. MPG is only an indicator of operator mindfulness.

No road vehicle is designed without tires taking some of the impact. Alter that and pay a MUCH higher price than any putative fuel savings from incorrect inflation.

It also goes straight to the operators physical condition. Why wear one’s self down prematurely? No one is as good at day’s end as at the beginning. NVH deteriorate one’s applied skill.

.

[Bill the Engineer]

Depending which model year Gen III Prius you have, there is a Toyota recall to modify the headlight wiring harness due to low headlight life. Check to see if your car is covered.

I have a 2010, and am waiting for the dealer to receive the parts to install them.

[redpoint5]

My Gen III Prius had halogen bulbs in projector housings. I replaced the halogens with HID, and there are 2 plastic covers (which have no apparent purpose to me) in the engine bay toward the fenders that perfectly accept the ballast.

Much better light output, the pattern is faithful to the original, and no burned bulbs.

BTW, I tried LED, but not only did the tabs break off that hold them in, but the pattern was terrible. My experience is that LED works well in reflector housings, and HID works well in projectors.