Replacing the daylight on a 2015 Auris Hybrid estate

[sofram]

One of the daylights on my December 2015 Auris Hybrid Estate has stopped working.  Is replacing it a specialist job or will I be able to do it myself?  If so, are there any problem areas to watch out for?

[Devon Aygo]

There is no serviceable bulb, the LED DRL is an integral part of the head lamp.

[sofram]

Meaning that it is not possible to replace without changing the entire headlamp unit?

[Gerg]

1 hour ago, sofram said:

Meaning that it is not possible to replace without changing the entire headlamp unit?

Yes, you are correct.  At least not remotely easily.  Some Avensis owners have split the headlamp housing apart by melting the sealant in an oven, and gently teasing it apart. This is not something a dealer of mechanic would entertain!  An electronics specialist might have some of experience of this type of repair.  (Devon Aygo works at a Toyota main dealer, by the way, so he knows the cars very well!)  

Is yours a pre-facelift or post-facelift model?  And which side?  Left or right hand drive?

The front bumper has to be removed to get the headlamp off the car - some of the headlamp Shell is actually just inside (underneath) the bumper cover.

Like this:-

It would be a good idea to be disconnect/reseat the connector(s) to the headlamp unit, and look for any corrosion in the connector, given the cost of a new part.  This is unlikely to reveal anything, but still worthwhile.

 

[furtula]

Ah, wheels of progress care not for the depth of your pocket, or for easy and cheap repairs.

I recently read an article about matrix led headlights being ludicrously expensive to replace, if they die, since you need to replace the whole unit. I think it was some new Hyundai model.

If you must replace the whole unit, i would try my shot at a DIY job. The part is to be scrapped anyway (sadly).

If you manage to open it without breaking anything, should be easy to replace the LED's if you know a guy, or are handy with soldering iron, or hot air gun, depending how big the LED's are.

If one was able to take it apart using an oven, hot air gun would be a great investment then, as you can slowly work around the headlight, and take it apart.

[Auris James]

What a great idea, not! Why didn't they make all bulbs replaceable? Does this apply to my pre facelift 2015 Auris? Probably wouldn't be covered under extended warranty as a wear and tear item?

James.👍

[mrpj]

It's a sign of the times James. My Yaris has a string of red fairy lights which are rear lights and brake lights combined. They vary in intensity(brighter) when braking. If/when they pack up it's, like your DRLs, a new light assembly. Plus bumper moulding off to remove them! Absolutely crazy and another way to fleece a customer - not just Toyota may I add.

Fortunately the reversing lamps and direction lamps are "conventional" and easy to change.

Apples and pears, I know, but I've just changed the dynamo on my 1962 Morris Minor, 3 bolts/nuts, remove belt, disconnect 2 push on connectors. 15 minutes job. Rear light lamps, 2 screws, remove lens, replace lamp.

[sofram]

Thank you for the many replies.  I have a pre facelift, righthand drive (I live in Luxembourg) model.  The front bumper was recently replaced following a chance encounter with a low post in a carpark.  The offside (driver side for the UK) headlamp was smashed up too.  I had it the repair done by a small local garage rather than going to one of the specialist chains.  To boot my wife threw away their invoice/receipt.  As far as I can remember they replaced the entire offside headlamp unit but now claim that the problem is a result of the impact and thus requires a new headlamp.  The car is now 6 years old and due for replacement soon.  But for the fact that the daylights are required for the local equivalent of the MOT test I would just live with iti.

[Auris James]

On 5/24/2021 at 10:56 AM, mrpj said:

It's a sign of the times James. My Yaris has a string of red fairy lights which are rear lights and brake lights combined. They vary in intensity(brighter) when braking. If/when they pack up it's, like your DRLs, a new light assembly. Plus bumper moulding off to remove them! Absolutely crazy and another way to fleece a customer - not just Toyota may I add.

Fortunately the reversing lamps and direction lamps are "conventional" and easy to change.

Apples and pears, I know, but I've just changed the dynamo on my 1962 Morris Minor, 3 bolts/nuts, remove belt, disconnect 2 push on connectors. 15 minutes job. Rear light lamps, 2 screws, remove lens, replace lamp.

They call it progress! So wasteful of a resource and energy making a part.

DRL's on my Volvo, have separate bulbs, and takes minutes to change like your moggy! I have a 1996 Volvo 940 petrol auto estate and it's easy to maintain and keeps on going. My Van for work. Bad part though is 25-33mpg. Road tax around £270 a year.

Like my Auris too, as good on fuel and zero road tax. Auris on 34,000 now, bought at 27,000. Volvo on 205,000miles. Had it 5 years now. 1989 Volvo 240GLT auto petrol for 10 years prior, sold that at 234,000. Still on the road.

Chose a Toyota, as don't rate newer Volvo's and bought Toyota like my Volvo as a reliable, A-B car. Biggest thing in the last 20-30 years is massive improvements in crash safety. My Volvo even though has ABS and drivers airbag, windscreen pillar would fold in. Much, much safer in the Auris, even though I notice in the crash tests the screen pillar/ a weld join? flexes and breaks the screen.

James.