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Adding Built-in GPS to 2nd Gen Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Michael H, Apr 29, 2015.

  1. Michael H

    Michael H Junior Member

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    Brand new to the prius world and have been loving my '08 in and out. Anyhow, my Prius did not include the OEM navigation, and I am looking to add a built-in GPS. I already know that it will be a lot cheaper and easier to add a 3rd party GPS (i.e, tomtom) but I would prefer not to.

    --Edit-- Deleted old question and updated to a simpler question.

    Can I replace the CD drive (not sure if that is the actual radio, but I assume it is) with just an aftermarket double din radio/nav? I assume if I just buy it from Crutchfield and buy the extra accessories, I would be able to keep all of my features (i.e, steering wheel controls), correct? And not loose something major/minor like air conditioning, right?

    Thanks
     
    #1 Michael H, Apr 29, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome and congrats!(y)
     
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    absolutely. easy upgrade. there is a special adapter harness you'll need with a 68 ohm resistor in it to keep the climate control working. and of course, the oe speakers are garbage so you'll want to replace them too.
     
  4. Michael H

    Michael H Junior Member

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    Do you have a link for the harness needed with the resister? And/or a thread about installing it?

    I did end up buying the Kenwood DNX891HD (RMS 22W). And had a few questions:

    1) I bought the Kicker 40CSS654 component speaker system and the 40CS654 to replace my main speakers. I was also recommended to buy the Alpine MRV-F300 amp (RMS 50w) for those, so I have it on order too. BUT I saw you mention in another post, you do not think the amp is necessary which I am starting to think I wouldn't get much use from it, it would just cause more of a headache when installing everything, and cost extra $. I am not really into dubstep anymore, I am more into Led Zeppelin/Pink Floyd/Beatles/etc.. so I am more interested in clear audio then majorly loud audio/bass. Do you think I should just return it?

    2) I am looking to add a single 10" sub (as I have seen other build the box to fit snugly into the hatchback corner) and is a good mix between stock and 2* 12" (like my friend has in his Prius). I happen to already have a JL 500/1v2 amp (and fuse) and was wondering if that would be overkill (i.e, I should sell that and buy a different amp, etc)? Any recommendation on particular subs or any specs to pay particular attention to?

    3) Is it easy to hide all of the wiring and such? Would I be able to put the amp under a car seat or would that not be recommended (I have the non-nav & non-jbl package)? Any links and tutorials would be appreciated, as I have never worked on a prius nor done audio to this extent on a vehicle.. but given I am working on a double major in engineering, I am sure I can figure this out :p

    Thanks for any and all help in advance!

    PS: I am working on buying all of the aftermarket accessories this weekend, so I can have them arrive after finals week. That way I can spend less time removing the dash 100x.. so I am sure you'll see me post quite a bit more! Will try to post photos too!
     
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    the adapter harness is on ebay or crutchfield.com. I think its made by scosche, also you need the metra axxess steering wheel button interface. you'll have to search for threads on the install-- I can't remember where they all were, but i know there are a few. F8L did a thread on his stealth install which is helpful

    1) amp isn't needed for normal listening volume, but if you do add a sub you will need an amp, or if you just want to hear "when the levee breaks" good n loud it wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

    2) a 10" sub should be about perfect for a prius. JL is tops in my book, and you don't have to run the amp full blast.

    3) plenty of room for amps under the seats. the JBL amp fits under the RF seat and it is easy to hide the wiring under the door sill trim. the prius is just like any other car when it comes to sound system installs, and its nice the battery is in the trunk area so you don't need to wire through the firewall.

    get a soldering iron, solder, wire strippers, small needle nose pliers, shrink tubing, 10mm socket and wrench, Phillips head screw drivers, and a set of trim wedges and you'll be ready.
     
    Michael H likes this.
  6. Michael H

    Michael H Junior Member

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    Yea I already got a harness and adapter(s), thanks to crutchfield's site. I just know you mentioned the 68 ohm resister to keep the climate control, do I just need to solder that in somewhere or?

    1) I know I will need an amp for the sub, but was wondering if you think I need a dedicated 4 channel amp for the door speakers.. Maybe just install the door speakers and see from there?

    2) I think I know what to listen first when I get this installed :)

    3) Sounds good, thanks for the tips.

    And I do work on electronics for my business, so already got myself a good soldering iron, tools, tubing, wrench set, and recently bought the trim wedge.
     
  7. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    the harness adapter I bought had the resistor already in it; there are threads about where it goes if your harness doesn't have it. I think installing the speakers first to see if you need more power is a good plan.
    when I had my '04 w/out JBL, I just had a kenwood head unit and it made enough power to vibrate the mirror on bass notes. it wouldn't have been enough when I was 25, but it was plenty for me now.
    definitely insulate the doors with some sort of dynamat stuff. but I'd look for something lighter. I used duct insulation from home depot. it worked good and its much cheaper and lighter than dynamat.