Stealth install an aftermarket stereo in Prius

F8L

I wanted to add an update for anyone trying this type of install.

I swapped out the KDC-X591 stereo for a 2008 model KDC-X792 and the faceplate is a tad thicker on the newer unit and required some trimming to allow the faceplate to flip down properly. Since my unit is not mechanized it was no biggy but for those with a mechanized faceplate please be aware that trimming may be required so you don't harm the deck.

It was only the top portion of the plastic housing that needed trimming and you cannot see a difference once installed. I estimate I took off about 1/8" of plastic across the top portion. I don't have pics but if you simply install the plastic housing (the factory part with the smoke colored plastic flap) over the stereo and look at the top of the faceplate you'll see what i mean.

__________________
2005 Prius - Upgrades: Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X993, Diamond Audio D9800.2 and D61500.1 (1900w RMS), Diamond Audio D971 7" component set, 2 Diamond Audio D910D4 10" subwoofers (600w/ea).

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armyjodonn

Can you post this procedure for all of us, please.

Emblazon

Install pics, please? Also, do you think it would be possible to install an in-dash DVD receiver with a motorized screen in this location? Or does the unit sit too far back so that the screen wouldn't be able to straighten completely?

tru.cutru

of course if it is small enough. Measure the dimensions of the DVD player first before you buy it. But, yes some poeple have been able to fit DVD players in that compartment

Emblazon

That's not what I meant. DIN size is going to be DIN size, with perhaps variation in the depth. What I'm curious about is, when the screen slides out of the receiver, will it slide out far enough to clear the stock radio above it.

Basically, when the screen is out, will it look like "-/" or "-\" and "-|", where the "-" is the bottom ridge of the stock stereo above, and the slashes are the DVD screen. I know the DVD receivers have adjustable screen angles, but will it slide out far enough to get a proper viewing angle...

F8L

Here is a link to the actual pdf. document describing the procedure.

Emblazon, I did not take any install pics as I did this in a rush between customers at work. It is a very straight forward prodcedure though. There are many threads here on PriusChat with detailed pics on how to take apart the dashboard. From there the install is pretty easy if you are familiar with car audio at all. If not then it may be worth the $40 or so to have a shop install it. I promise if i take my dash apart in the near future I will take better pics.

As for the DVD with motorized screen. I'm not really sure if it will work. I thought seriously about doing the same mod but decided against it for reason unrelated to install difficulty. I think if you were to space the unit out (further than is allowed by the Toyota factory brackets) then it might work. This may require a bit of fabrication but is within the realm of possibility. I just don't know that it would be nearly as simple as just ISO mounting a normal DIN unit in there without the screen issues.

krkl

I have a 2002 Prius (~110K miles!) and the CD player conked out 1-2 years ago (doesn't read CDs, just spits em out). As suggested by Toyota dealer and encouraged by postings, I looked for an aftermarket deck. (didn't want to spend inflated Toyota price for so-so deck). Went to Best Buy and had a Sony MEX-BT2600 CD player (Bluetooth, detachable faceplate) installed yesterday. They replaced the basic CD player that was below the tape player, and had to remove the plastic door because the unit stuck out a bit.

BUT driving home realized that (a) I now seemingly have "infinite" mpg (the screen shows bogus data on mileage) and (b) I can't even read the Cd/tuner controls because the angle is so steep from driver side the blue LED is not visible (curiously, it's fine from passenger seat). The installer had said he would have to disable the tape player (goodbye to those pre-iPod cassette mix tapes of my youth), but I did not expect to have the readouts completely FUBARed.

I'm seeing dealer today for oil and maintenence so will ask him about the wiring. My questions:
* How to make Prius screen and aftermarket stereo happy together?
* How to fix visibility on Sony deck?
* If I can't make Sony display visible, is there another unit that would work better?
* Is there a reputable place in Sacramento/Davis CA area that can do this? (I'm an ecologist, but not a mechanic too like F8L)

I hope we can fix before our road trip to Seattle and BC end of week.

R

krkl

Update on my previous post - the dealer's Prius mechanic was able to fix the wiring done by Best Buy to allow the upper display to work properly (show accurate fuel consumption). But cassette player will have to remain out of the loop (so much for books on tape). Strangely, this mechanic had never seen an aftermarket stereo installation. That's seems odd to me, given the plethora of Priuses (Priuii?) I see in Davis.

I'm happy to have a CD player again and will play with the bluetooth phone. Just have to memorize the buttons and tuner presets, because it's still nearly impossible to read the display in sunlight with the deck placed so low.

maseace

I tried my own stealth install, except I completely removed the hinged door for easier access (not as stealthy). The opening was a little small so I had to cut the plastic to fit the cage for the head unit, but it worked out.

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kenyan

anybody have an idea if this works for 2001? i would like to install a sony too....or the next possible install