dreaded MFD failure & now steering wheel buttons failing too!

[abatchm]

I have an '04 Prius, very basic, no DICE, navigation, or anything. It's been great until it fell ill recently with the dreaded MFD failure syndrome well known to the '04's--all the classic symptoms including the "check air conditioner connection" message, etc. I have about 45,000 miles, way out of warranty. I have been living with this chronic condition for about a month now--it's been fine as usually the screen will sort of go in and out--though recently it's been more out than in. I have always been able to control most of the functions (climate, radio, etc) via the buttons on the steering wheel....until yesterday. In addition to the MFD screen working intermittently, my steering wheel buttons are also operating only intermittently. So today I could not get any heat/defrost/radio. Now radio I can live without temporarily, but I live in Boston and our winter has been brutal. I definitely cannot live without my defroster.

I am aware of the TSB around this MFD failure issue....and also aware of the absurd prices quoted by other Prius chatters (4,000+) to replace the unit....so I have been ignoring and avoiding the problem, just hoping it will go away. Unfortunately, this strategy isn't really working anymore. And now I'm thinking that maybe I don't have the classic MFD problem (as now my hard buttons are involved).

I've checked the other posts and can't really come across one that is exactly like mine, though I didn't check ALL of them. Can anyone lend any insight? Do you think that I need a new MFD unit or is something else going on? I haven't even ventured to the dealer yet. I figured I'd start here first!

[jdenenberg]

Originally Posted by abatchm

I have an '04 Prius, very basic, no DICE, navigation, or anything. It's been great until it fell ill recently with the dreaded MFD failure syndrome well known to the '04's--all the classic symptoms including the "check air conditioner connection" message, etc. I have about 45,000 miles, way out of warranty. I have been living with this chronic condition for about a month now--it's been fine as usually the screen will sort of go in and out--though recently it's been more out than in. I have always been able to control most of the functions (climate, radio, etc) via the buttons on the steering wheel....until yesterday. In addition to the MFD screen working intermittently, my steering wheel buttons are also operating only intermittently. So today I could not get any heat/defrost/radio. Now radio I can live without temporarily, but I live in Boston and our winter has been brutal. I definitely cannot live without my defroster.

I am aware of the TSB around this MFD failure issue....and also aware of the absurd prices quoted by other Prius chatters (4,000+) to replace the unit....so I have been ignoring and avoiding the problem, just hoping it will go away. Unfortunately, this strategy isn't really working anymore. And now I'm thinking that maybe I don't have the classic MFD problem (as now my hard buttons are involved).

I've checked the other posts and can't really come across one that is exactly like mine, though I didn't check ALL of them. Can anyone lend any insight? Do you think that I need a new MFD unit or is something else going on? I haven't even ventured to the dealer yet. I figured I'd start here first!

Visit
DISCOUNTED INSURANCE SALVAGE or
http://www.autobeyours.com/PriusParts.htm
(autobeyours is an experienced Prius salvage shop)
For the replacement MFD and have a good local mechanic do the work described in the first link. The total cost of repair should be less than $500.

JeffD

[hobbit]

If you're Boston-area, let's just get your unit fixed. PM me.
.
_H*

[jdenenberg]

Originally Posted by hobbit

If you're Boston-area, let's just get your unit fixed. PM me.
.
_H*

If Hobbit is willing help you, take him up on it. He is the real deal when it comes to the MFD failure in 2004 Prii.

JeffD

[qbee42]

The problem is a relatively simple solder issue, if you know how to do that sort of thing. Talk to Hobbit.

Tom

[xunkn0vvnx]

Originally Posted by qbee42

The problem is a relatively simple solder issue, if you know how to do that sort of thing. Talk to Hobbit.

Tom

I am very interested. Does anyone have any follow up news to the MFD issue in the 2004 Prius?

[susanjane]

Amazing abatchm! I could echo your post word-for-word! My '04 has 105K and this problem began 6 months ago. I bought it used 1 year ago.
It has gotten much worse lately and now, going through my first winter with the problem, well, it's getting cold, even here in Portland, OR. And my driveway moments with NPR die mid-sentence when the radio decides to go off (sometimes as often as every 20 seconds; 1 in 4 presses of the audio button might restart the audio.) I actually never know what will go on or off spontaneously, and I gave up calling up other screens.
So anyway, I don't have $several K to hand the dealer and would almonst be willing to buy Hobbit a plane ticket to come to Oregon. Please email me, Sir Hobbit! I could also pay a finder's fee to someone who has a used unit and will come to Oregon to fix this. Please?
susan jane