2010 iPod integration kits (help!)

[dbenfield86]

PriusChat accessories sell two iPod integration kits: PT233-47100 ($199) and PT545-00082 ($209). There is very little information

1) What is the difference between the two kits?
2) How easy are they to install?
3) Is there an installation pdf available?
4) Who has installed these? How did the installation go & and how did it turn out?

[Dark_matter_doesn't]

Originally Posted by dbenfield86

PriusChat accessories sell two iPod integration kits: PT233-47100 ($199) and PT545-00082 ($209). There is very little information

1) What is the difference between the two kits?
2) How easy are they to install?
3) Is there an installation pdf available?
4) Who has installed these? How did the installation go & and how did it turn out?

I can help a bit. I had the PT545-00082 kit dealer-installed and removed/replaced with an aftermarket unit. The PT545 unit interfaces an iPod to the Nav unit as a satellite radio channel. The attachment cable goes in the lower glove box. The problem with this unit is that one gets both satellite radio AND the iPod playback simultaneously, and my dealership couldn't get it sorted out. They found the aftermarket unit I have (made by USA-SPEC in City of Industry, CA) whose cable runs into the center arm rest and emulates a DVD on the Nav display.

I don't know what the PT233 unit works - I think I've heard that it also has the connection in the center arm rest. I also am curious why Toyota is offering two iPod interface kits.

I've seen the install instructions for the PT545 either here somewhere or on the Toyota (repair) Info website. I've installed something similar in my 2003 Town & Country. It's relatively straightforward but requires taking the central dash apart & removing the Nav unit.

[dbenfield86]

Originally Posted by Dark_matter_doesn't

I can help a bit. I had the PT545-00082 kit dealer-installed and removed/replaced with an aftermarket unit. The PT545 unit interfaces an iPod to the Nav unit as a satellite radio channel. The attachment cable goes in the lower glove box. The problem with this unit is that one gets both satellite radio AND the iPod playback simultaneously, and my dealership couldn't get it sorted out. They found the aftermarket unit I have (made by USA-SPEC in City of Industry, CA) whose cable runs into the center arm rest and emulates a DVD on the Nav display.

I don't know what the PT233 unit works - I think I've heard that it also has the connection in the center arm rest. I also am curious why Toyota is offering two iPod interface kits.

I've seen the install instructions for the PT545 either here somewhere or on the Toyota (repair) Info website. I've installed something similar in my 2003 Town & Country. It's relatively straightforward but requires taking the central dash apart & removing the Nav unit.

This is good info, thanks. Only, can you tell me how the iPod access works through the DVD? Can you see playlists & song titles? Does it allow manipulation from the steering wheel controls?

Am I correct that what you have now is the PA-15-TOY (USA-SPEC) and that it works through the in-dash CD changer? It sounds like the dealer installed it for you. And, are you well pleased with it?

[Dark_matter_doesn't]

Here's how the iPod (or in this case, an iPhone 3GS) looks in MY DVD display (installer took picture):

https://www.adcmobile.com/plogger/?level=picture&id=993

The steering wheel controls do work. The instructions that come with the unit are not great, a bit generic.

RE the installation, it was installed by a local guy who doesn't work for Toyota. I'd recommend this - he was very knowledgeable. You'd have to go to the USA-SPEC website & find someone in your area

[Danny]

If you have the Solar Roof/Nav package on order, then your Prius is going to come with the iPod/USB integration built-in. That is what PriusChat Shop : 2010 Toyota Prius iPod/USB Interface Kit [PT233-47100] - $199.00 is - we stock it for Navigation owners who bought their car before the early part of this month when Toyota added the iPod/USB functionality in the factory. The PT545-00082 is made for people who have a non-satellite enabled radio and want iPod integration.

[Dark_matter_doesn't]

Originally Posted by Danny

If you have the Solar Roof/Nav package on order, then your Prius is going to come with the iPod/USB integration built-in. That is what PriusChat Shop : 2010 Toyota Prius iPod/USB Interface Kit [PT233-47100] - $199.00 is - we stock it for Navigation owners who bought their car before the early part of this month when Toyota added the iPod/USB functionality in the factory. The PT545-00082 is made for people who have a non-satellite enabled radio and want iPod integration.

This is very interesting, as it helps explain why my original Toyota-sourced iPod adaptor (PT 545, installed by the dealer) was useless when connected to my Nav system. It's a shame the dealership couldn't get any information from Toyota like you have!

Does the PT233 unit emulate a DVD for the iPod controls?

[CNYBri]

Originally Posted by Danny

If you have the Solar Roof/Nav package on order, then your Prius is going to come with the iPod/USB integration built-in. That is what PriusChat Shop : 2010 Toyota Prius iPod/USB Interface Kit [PT233-47100] - $199.00 is - we stock it for Navigation owners who bought their car before the early part of this month when Toyota added the iPod/USB functionality in the factory. The PT545-00082 is made for people who have a non-satellite enabled radio and want iPod integration.

I'm having problems with Service at a dealership regarding this. I have a IV with Solar and NAV. They tried to put the PT545-00082 in with no results (said it disabled the Sat and did not work the IPod). I told them that there was the updated kit (PT233-47100) that works with the NAV but does not disable anything. They claim that an engineer in Cali said it will still disable the Sat radio? Is there different revisions of the PT233-47100? Thanks...

[xanmato]

Originally Posted by CNYBri

I'm having problems with Service at a dealership regarding this. I have a IV with Solar and NAV. They tried to put the PT545-00082 in with no results (said it disabled the Sat and did not work the IPod). I told them that there was the updated kit (PT233-47100) that works with the NAV but does not disable anything. They claim that an engineer in Cali said it will still disable the Sat radio? Is there different revisions of the PT233-47100? Thanks...

PT233-47100 does not disable sat radio.

[BruceG]

Originally Posted by xanmato

PT233-47100 does not disable sat radio.

I will confirm - I just had the updated (center console) USB/iPod kit installed today. My car was a July-build so it just missed the factory install.

I was very pleased with the dealer installation process (Fremont Toyota, Fremont CA). Total time was about 90 minutes and that included time to modify my backup camera for one beep. New adaptor replaces the "Aux" only adator that came with the car, and you would never know it was an "add-on".

Random comments:

I first plugged in a USB flash drive with .mp3s. I had previously ripped my CDs to .mp3 using the folder for the album title, and files as the tracks with 01, 02, etc. as the first part of the file name. The new USB tab recognized everything right away and correctly populated the 3 sections; File / Folder / Artist. I had put the same files on CDs and played them via the CD player; sound quality was about the same. I ripped them at 128 bit rate.

Steering wheel controls work as expected - up / down changes to the next / previous file (track). Mode moves between USB/AM/FM, etc.

No issues with Sat. radio - it still works just as before.

When I previously talked with the Toyota support team (via the link on their corporate website) I was told that any .mp3 player would work through the USB slot, including the Zune. I knew from other posts that was not the case, and I can verify that my Zune (30 gig older model) did not work via USB; it does play via the AUX, but with no control via the car audio unit.

Any questions - ask and I'll be happy to reply.

Bruce

[CNYBri]

Thank you for checking. Everybody is been a wealth of knowledge at PC. Can not wait to plug in my IPOD tomorrow! (Finally after 3 days of arguing!)