2004 Multi Function Display Died

[jjksutton]

This is a post to say thanks to hobbit and everyone else who posted info in the MFD malfunction thread started back in 2004.

My MFD died on Saturday and I jumped on here to figure out what the issue was. I knew the 04's had some MFD issues, and I guess it was my turn.

The early posts in that thread had me thinking I was about to spend $3K, then I read further and found I could get one for about $400 refurbished.

That was a big relief, but then I found a spectactular set of posts and links from hobbit explaining exactly what the problem was. After some trepidation I pulled my car apart and brought the MFD inside. I tore it down, found the pin that hobbit must have searched days for, and decided to try and fix it.

A new $10 soldering iron and about a half hour later, my MFD was resurrected. I'm not expert by any means, but with the excellent link hobbit put together, and some patience, I was able to make it work.

So hobbit, thanks much. If I ever get the chance to meet you, the drinks are on me.

For anyone else who encounters this issue, I would recommend trying the fix. At worst, you'll end up with a broken MFD...which is what you started with.

Here's the link provided previously. Prius MFD

[philmcneal]

so you just fixed those two connections eh? with what type of solder?

[jjksutton]

I didn't use any extra solder, but I had some lead free stuff I got at Radio Shack just in case. All I did was heat the joint, you could see the old solder flow a bit, and then put it back together. Still working with no issues...

[patsparks]

Life really is good.

[bruceha_2000]

Originally Posted by jjksutton

This is a post to say thanks to hobbit and everyone else who posted info in the MFD malfunction thread started back in 2004.

Here's the link provided previously. Prius MFD

OK, I read through the whole thing because I have a 2004 and ESPECIALLY since mine does occasionally have a delayed response. I looked at the detailed explanations and thought process and expanded the pictures to full size and I think Hobbit is WACKO. He must have a serious "I ain't letting this thing go" mind set. And thank the Prius deity that he does. Could be a good business for him repairing people's minor (once HE figured it out!!) problem rather than having to replace the entire unit for huge money.

Mine is one of the last 2004s to arrive in the U.S. so HOPEFULLY I have the '47081' model. But if not, and mine fails, I'm digging in using Hobbit's great descriptions and pictures.

[jjksutton]

you can pop the MFD out and look at the part number on the back if you're really curious...

[philmcneal]

so if your MFD lags once in while eventually I have to do this fix right?

[efusco]

Originally Posted by philmcneal

so if your MFD lags once in while eventually I have to do this fix right?

not necessarily just for a minor lag...but outright freezing, esp. if you get the air conditioner message...yea. If you're still under warranty (including extended warranty) however I'd go in and tell them it's been freezing so they'll replace it before the warranty expires.

[philmcneal]

flewwww*** scared me! haha its way past warrenty (190,000 km) and it was a salvage prius

but i got access to parts... :P

[tkil]

Originally Posted by jjksutton

you can pop the MFD out and look at the part number on the back if you're really curious...

I believe you can tell which MFD you have via behavior, without taking anything apart: if your display toggles between "energy" and "consumption" when you repeatedly press the INFO button on the wheel, then you have the newer MFD; if it doesn't, then you have the older MFD with the possible failure.

(But please feel free to correct me on this, I'm just going off what I've read here, and hoping like mad that my early-2005 model doesn't suffer from this fate.)