Philips XenEco D4R Bulbs

[The Critic]

2006 Prius with 85k with the factory HID bulbs, which takes the D4R.

It burnt out a RF bulb at 37k and was replaced. At about 63k, both front bulbs were flickering so they were replaced once again, with the same OE Philips XenEco bulbs.

Now today, at 85k, the LF is intermittently operational. Obviously that one is on its way out again. So I ordered a new one from Amazon, $53. Is anyone aware of any D4R bulbs that are more durable?

 

[Veilside]

i'm not sure about their durability but you can buy a pair of D4R at ddmtuning for $50. I have no experience with that particular size, but i have 4 HID kits from them with the oldest being 5+ years with no burnt out bulbs yet.

 

[Dan55]

Critic I think there was a TSB on that problem.More info http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-prius...tsb-letter.html

 

[Hokiefyd]

I was going to say that with the symptoms posted, it sounds like a problem with the electrical system, and the bulbs themselves are a symptom and not a cause.

 

[The Critic]

No, there's nothing wrong with the Ballasts or the Headlight ECU. That is what they believed to be the cause of the problems early on, but later they realized that the bulbs are simply the culprit.

For now, I just bought another XenEco D4R as a replacement. Replacing the bulb is going to be fun, I hope I won't have to pull the bumper.

 

[Dan55]

Complain to Philips, I did that with GE they sent me another set of bulbs.

 

[The Critic]

Did the bulb R/R today. Much easier than I thought, though access is a bit tight. It is only a 5 min job, tops. Not sure why dealers were initially pulling bumpers to accomplish this job or even charging 1/2 hr labor to this day.

I think I received a defective bulb. The new bulbs are even more intermittent than the old ones. Amazon is sending another one.

 

[UG_Passat]

don't the 06 Prius use the headlights as its DRL?

If so, it's probably meeting its life, as bulb life is measure in hours, not calendar days or miles

 

[The Critic]

Friend said the second replacement bulb from Amazon fixed it entirely. So I think the problem is resolved for now.

Another poster suggested that the other bulb be replaced as well due to the differences in color. I will let my friend know and have him decide. I'm sure the other bulb isn't far away from dying anyway.

 

[97prizm]

With HID bulbs they should always be replaced in pairs if they are near the end of their lifespan. HID bulbs Colorshift between 100-200 hours. I would go with GE, or Osram Sylvania as they both have D4r bulbs, with high quality. I'd stay away fom any "after-market" company including ddm tuning. Unless they sell OEM bulbs stay away, as aftermarket bulbs lack quality control and kelvin temp accuracy. Keep in mind D4R are not compatible with D1R, or D2R. D4R don't use mercury in the tube.