Upon purchasing my new-to-me 2013 J200, I noticed that the driver's side low beam was flickering*. To resolve the flicker, I ordered OEM HID bulbs from my local dealer (~$375 for 2). However, while looking at installation procedures here on MUD, I stumbled across the above and decided to use the link to order the Toshiba D4S Xenons mentioned (~$100 for 2) for a savings of about $275. Since I had both the Toyota-packaged and amazon bulbs on hand, I figure I should post a picture to compare for those wondering if the Toshibas are in fact OEM.
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The Toyota part on the left and Amazon part is on the right. Aside from what I assume to be the production lot numbers (2G27 vs. 2J16, respectively), the bulbs appear to be identical in shape, color, and markings (though I'm no optics expert and am new to HIDs). The markings on the Osram bulbs I pulled out was much different, though the bulb shapes and colors were indistinguishable. I was very careful not to touch the bulb glass while handling, as residual finger oils can superheat and shatter the bulb glass once heated by the active bulb.
I was able to replace both driver and passenger lights** using the helpful advice found in this thread. A couple of notes on my replacement experience.
- I have little wrenching background and was nervous working around the 30k volts of the HID system. The owner's manual insists that HID replacement be done only by a Toyota technician for that reason. That said, I personally found it totally possible to do this replacement on my own but recommend anyone attempting have a very healthy respect for the electric system involved. I disconnected my battery*** just prior to the replacement to be on the safe side (and pulled it to get access to the driver's light). I did not engage my low beams for ~12 hours before this replacement in hopes that it would drain any capacitors (unsure if those are even in play here). I disconnected the HID housing backing plates from power before unscrewing them (even though the battery was no longer connected). Not sure how necessary all that is, but I felt compelled to reduce risk anywhere I could.
- The screw that holds the wire clips for the HID bulbs in place needs only to be barely loosened so that the wire clip can pivot around the screw into the down position. Once the screw is barely loosened, pinch the clip, pull it out of the track on each side above the bulb, and gently swing down. Keep a steady grip on the clip in case you loosened the screw too much; you do not want to drop the clip into the headlight housing. I initially loosened the screw enough to pull the whole clip out. This was unnecessary, and furthermore very risky. Be careful not to drop ANYTHING into the headlight housing, or you will need to remove the housing to fish it out (not easy and likely requires realignment). I pulled the battery out*** to enhance access, thereby reducing drop risk (and any electrical shock risk) while working in the lamp.
The lights I pulled out were Osrams. The replacement Toshibas where literally a night and day difference (excuse the metaphor). I was not impressed by HID bulbs while driving at first, which I can't really blame on Osram if the bulbs where past their useful life. But with the Toshibas in, I can see what the hype was all about over HIDs. I've been driving with the Toshibas now for a couple weeks without issue. Time will tell if they hold up to OEM standards, but I have no reason to doubt it at this point.
* From what I understand, HIDs use an electric arc to produce light (not a glowing filament or diode). Flickering or intermittent engagement typically indicates that the arc in the bulb cannot be maintained and the bulb is at the end of its useful life (sometimes other electrical issues can cause this from what I've seen on MUD, but a majority of the time it's just a worn-out bulb).
** Replacing both driver and passenger low beam HIDs is recommended to ensure color temperature match, as HIDs color temperature will slightly change over time. Also, if one bulb is going, the other probably isn't that far behind; so, best to just get it taken care of while you're in there.
*** To disengage the alarm system prior to battery removal, my understanding is that you simply unlock the car prior to disconnecting the battery (for 2013 J200). I did so and had no alarm issues upon reconnecting the battery. YMMV. Upon battery reconnect, I think I lost seat presets (but only for a moment as I recall), and otherwise everything electronic worked as if the battery had never been disconnected. While searching MUD, I did find some other issues with battery disconnects, specifically sound system amp overload, but I was fortunate enough to avoid these issues.