Is there an attractive "integrated looking" Navigation system for a 1st gen Prius?

[Robin McDonald]

Hi guys I understand you can't add the Prius navigation system to a Prius that doesn't have it built in. Shame because the buttons are all there. Just non functional. (Says the system isn't connected)

I have an old Roadmate Magellan. I can almost squeak it in to the ashtray. But it would be awful nice to have it look like its part of the car. For a while I was buying a Mazda RX-8 which had a cool pop up center console. My compensation was the Prius video screens. But I really need navigation because I get turned around in Los Angeles a lot and waste a lot of time being lost.

I'm interested if anyone has come up with a nice looking setup. A huge plus would be if the sound can play over the sound system and/or its hooked up without using the cigarette lighter.

By all means proud owners post pictures.

[prioki]

Sorry I can't help. My trusty Garmin Nuvi plugs into the cigarette lighter and happily sits on the dash. I'm interested to see what others are doing, but this setup really doesn't bother me either. :-)

[mlibanio]

I don't know who told you that, absolutely you can. You just need to get the parts scrapped together. Easily done. I can provide instructions on how this is done too. I have helped 5 prius owners do it, and they LOVE IT! I upgraded my nav unit to the same ones used in the second generation Prius, without even changing the screen, its plug and play. I can post pics of it, if anyone is interested. I have posted the instructions on Prius chat, just look for "2002 Prius Nav install." Hey I even have voice activated nav too, after getting this kit from Carson Toyota, plug and play, you can see the black button on the third picture that shows it. I put the microphone on the steering column. It is so awesome, you can use features that are disabled in motion, and use them via voice. You can't even get this on the second generation prius!

[LeviSmith]

Originally Posted by mlibanio

I don't know who told you that, absolutely you can. You just need to get the parts scrapped together. Easily done. I can provide instructions on how this is done too. I have helped 5 prius owners do it, and they LOVE IT! I upgraded my nav unit to the same ones used in the second generation Prius, without even changing the screen, its plug and play. I can post pics of it, if anyone is interested. I have posted the instructions on Prius chat, just look for "2002 Prius Nav install." Hey I even have voice activated nav too, after getting this kit from Carson Toyota, plug and play, you can see the black button on the third picture that shows it. I put the microphone on the steering column. It is so awesome, you can use features that are disabled in motion, and use them via voice. You can't even get this on the second generation prius!

Hmm... I have a 2003 that came with NAV... Are you saying I could find a newer Toyota with a newer nav system and simply swap out the box under the passenger seat and gain new functionality? (like maybe the voice recognition?) If so, do you have any reference as to what options there are?

Thanks!
Levi

[mlibanio]

I have the nav connector from a 2005 Prius, and the harness is completely identical to our generation of Prius. Incredible really, most likely some cost saving is the cause. No splicing is required. I had the original nav too, and when my friend Shafiq from Erin Park Lexus here in Canada told me it was simple swap, I did it a heartbeat. Look on ebay for any toyota nav from 2002-2005, from any car, even Lexus too as it will work. Further, it will be more reliable than the older generation that I had too. However, the voice navigation requires a seperate part (microphone and button kit) that plugs into the back of the nav. You must call Carson Toyota in California to order it, its only $59.00, and the voice recognition is exceptional.

[LeviSmith]

Originally Posted by mlibanio

I have the nav connector from a 2005 Prius, and the harness is completely identical to our generation of Prius. Incredible really, most likely some cost saving is the cause. At any rate, the only splices required would be to hook up to the MFD, which is similar too, except that Toyota loves swapping wire colours from year to year. However, I have full instructions on how to add the nav to your car if you wish. Look on ebay for any toyota nav from 2002-2005, from any car, even Lexus too as it will work. Further, it will be more reliable than the older generation that I had too. However, the voice navigation requires a seperate part (microphone and button kit) that plugs into the back of the nav. You must call Carson Toyota in California to order it, its only $59.00, and the voice recognition is exceptional.

Now that's cool... So you're saying the only modification needed is some pin swapping on the connector that plugs into the nav unit?
Is that easily achieved with a bit of prying with a tiny screwdriver to pop a wire out, then just put it back in a new location?
Thanks!
Levi

[mlibanio]

For your reference, I found the 86841-0E010, which is the nav unit with Bluetooth. Unfortunately I have not been able to get the bluetooth option to work, however, my phone does pick it up on the list of Bluetooth devices, but since I cannot access the option at this time through the nav screen, I cannot get it to work. I am still trying though.

[mlibanio]

Sorry, reading is a dying art I am afraid, I missed the part where you said your car has NAV already. My earlier response was my silly assumption that you did not have Nav in your car already. In your case, its simply plug and play, just like me!!! : ) No modifications required at all. I am so sorry for the confusion, but I hope you will do this excellent upgrade too.

[LeviSmith]

Originally Posted by mlibanio

For your reference, I found the 86841-0E010, which is the nav unit with Bluetooth. Unfortunately I have not been able to get the bluetooth option to work, however, my phone does pick it up on the list of Bluetooth devices, but since I cannot access the option at this time through the nav screen, I cannot get it to work. I am still trying though.

Now you're bringing up even more options than I had considered! (:

Why wouldn't you be able to access the option through the nav screen? I'm not familiar with the newer nav setup, but I would have thought that if you had the new nav unit functioning in there, that it would be identical on the screens?

Are some of the options just not showing up?

[mlibanio]

Oh and I have a complete list of all voice commands as well. Have a look. I love my Prius so much since doing it! I love when people get in and are shocked that my car not only talks, but I can talk back to it! HAHAHA! It really does enhance the car alot! Oh and if you like you can get the microphone kit for your Generation 3 nav unit as well. Its also plug and play and the same part as well. The speech recognition I found is not as good as the newer units, but still acceptable.