Just Bought Used 2005 Prius... Having Some Issues

[nicolivolkov]

Hi All,

I've never used a forum for cars, but I've found them to be VERY helpful for other stuff. I just bought a used 2005 Prius. It has 55,000 K miles. It runs great and feels almost brand new. I'm having a few issues however. The main thing is that my headlights don't work. The interior display shows that they're on, but nothing outside. THe high beams work fine but nothing for the low beams. I checked the "type A" fuses correlating to the headlights and they are fine. Is there anything else I can do to trouble shoot this issue on my own? I'm having the 60k service done soon, but would rather not wait.

I'm also trying to figure out how to get my ipod connected. I don't really like the FM modulators. I've done some research and it's seems my only option is to buy a specialty item at a very high price. Is there anything I can do to get a direct connection with high quality sound? THe Prius is 05, with the base model. It only has a CD player. Would it be wise to have a tape deck installed and then use a tape adapter?

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for these two topics. This is my first car purchase and I'm very excited and want to make sure that I keep the car in good shape. Is there anything else I should consider other than the 60 K service? The carfax is clean and the owner was pretty good about the services but he definitely missed a few according to the records. Do I need to do a transmission tuneup (flush)??

Thanks guys...

[tballx]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Green Goat @ Aug 12 2007, 04:09 PM) [snapback]494411[/snapback]</div>

Hi All,

I've never used a forum for cars, but I've found them to be VERY helpful for other stuff. I just bought a used 2005 Prius. It has 55,000 K miles. It runs great and feels almost brand new. I'm having a few issues however. The main thing is that my headlights don't work. The interior display shows that they're on, but nothing outside. THe high beams work fine but nothing for the low beams.

Thanks guys...
[/b]

The only other time that happened to me was fixed by replacing the bulbs. This was not on a Prius however. Having owned both and FM modulator for an Ipod and a cassette adapter, I think you would be making a big mistake to purchase a cassette deck just to use a cassette adapter for your Ipod. They both sound about the same. Does the 2005 CD player read Mp3s? If so, you could just burn your music to a CD in mp3 format to get the sound quality you're looking for. It certainly isn't Ipod capacity but it might do for commuting.

[auricchio]

If you go to toyotaownersonline.com, you can register and then see the maintenance requirements. But they should be in your owner's manual.

[edselpdx]

Headlights... dunno... bulbs? as others have suggested.

The ipod issue is easier. There a a few aftermarket adaptors. I have a DICE system in my 2005... check out PriusChat's store. I installed it myself and ran the cord into the little storage box under the stereo. That way I can leave the iPod in the car if I want to and it and its cord are out of sight. It plugs into the factory stereo and there's some limited ability to see the tracks on the MFD and also use the track up and down steering wheel controls. There are other similar systems. All have their own problems, but in general, Ive been happy with mine. Search "DICE" on Priuschat as well.

Good luck! and welcome to PriusChat.

[nicolivolkov]

Hey,

Thanks... How hard is it to install??? I found something called "Isimple" that looks very similar to DICE. Has anybody used it?

Also some people have said that those adapters only work with a CD changer, which I don't have. Do you have any knowedge on that matter? Did your 05 have a changer or single CD???

[TonyPSchaefer]

Let's be clear whether we're talking about the HID (High Intensity Discharge) beams or not.

It's my understanding that the HID bulbs don't do "low" and "high" settings but rather it blocks some of the beam to simulate "low" and exposes the whole bulb for "high."

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Green Goat @ Aug 12 2007, 04:09 PM) [snapback]494411[/snapback]</div>

Hi All,

I've never used a forum for cars, but I've found them to be VERY helpful for other stuff. I just bought a used 2005 Prius. It has 55,000 K miles. It runs great and feels almost brand new. I'm having a few issues however. The main thing is that my headlights don't work. The interior display shows that they're on, but nothing outside. THe high beams work fine but nothing for the low beams. I checked the "type A" fuses correlating to the headlights and they are fine. Is there anything else I can do to trouble shoot this issue on my own? I'm having the 60k service done soon, but would rather not wait.

I'm also trying to figure out how to get my ipod connected. I don't really like the FM modulators. I've done some research and it's seems my only option is to buy a specialty item at a very high price. Is there anything I can do to get a direct connection with high quality sound? THe Prius is 05, with the base model. It only has a CD player. Would it be wise to have a tape deck installed and then use a tape adapter?

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for these two topics. This is my first car purchase and I'm very excited and want to make sure that I keep the car in good shape. Is there anything else I should consider other than the 60 K service? The carfax is clean and the owner was pretty good about the services but he definitely missed a few according to the records. Do I need to do a transmission tuneup (flush)??

Thanks guys...
[/b]

Check the bulb.. it's possible that the low-beam filaments have blown. The headlight system uses one bulb for both high beam and low beam (hence you don't see the usual two sets of headlights on each side). This means the bulb has two filaments - one for low and one for high, and they work independently of each other. This means that if the low beam blows out, it doesn't affect the high beam and the high beam will still work.


I have a 2005 with a DICE kit. It sounds pretty good and you can control the iPod via the steering wheel or the radio. There's also CD-TEXT so it'll show artist, album and title.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Aug 12 2007, 06:38 PM) [snapback]494449[/snapback]</div>

Let's be clear whether we're talking about the HID (High Intensity Discharge) beams or not.

It's my understanding that the HID bulbs don't do "low" and "high" settings but rather it blocks some of the beam to simulate "low" and exposes the whole bulb for "high."
[/b]

Tony... (and I quote) "THe Prius is 05, with the base model. "

[Bill Merchant]

Tony, based on your correct assertion about HID headlights and Green Goat's statement:<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Green Goat @ Aug 12 2007, 04:09 PM) [snapback]494411[/snapback]</div>

THe high beams work fine but nothing for the low beams.[/b]

and <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Green Goat @ Aug 12 2007, 04:09 PM) [snapback]494411[/snapback]</div>

THe Prius is 05, with the base model. [/b]

I think it is safe to assume GG has halogen headlamps.

You're on the right track, GG, checking fuses first. It seems unlikely that the original owner would have driven without headlights. I'm guessing you got a manual since you seem to know where the fuses are located. If it's not the fuses (one for each side) it may be the lamp. You could buy two, from a place that will let you return them if it doesn't fix the problem, pull one lamp and plug in the new bulb and see if it lights. If it does, install the lamp and replace the other. If not, take them back and ask here again, maybe someone will have a better answer. How could the car be sold if it didn't have headlights? That seems like a safety issue.

As for the iPod adapter, the DICE unit plugs into the back of the radio and looks like a second CD changer to the head end. It's not too hard to install, there are instructions here on PC. My 2005 has the JBL sound system, but I think the wiring is the same. Vagabond is our local DICE expert.

Galaxee posted a great list of needed (and unneeded) services. The "transmission" on a Prius is not like one on any other car, so flushing is not quite so simple. Search here or with Google for discussion on pros and cons.

And welcome to PriusChat!

[nicolivolkov]

Hey guy THANKS ALOT!!!

The DICE is what I'm gonna do. It seems like the most complete/reliable option. As for the headlights... I'll give it a shot today.

Quick question about the 60K sevice: They claim to do a transmission drain and refill as part of the service. Should I trust that they know what they're doing, or should I tell them to hold off? It is a certified toyota dealer, with a good rep...

[aaf709]

You can go to http://priuschat.com/index.php?act=Attach&...ost&id=5354 to see what I used for installing my DICE. It's for installing a VAIS, but the procedure is the same.