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Some general questions about installing a car stereo

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by cwl7, Feb 12, 2016.

  1. cwl7

    cwl7 New Member

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    Hi! I'm new to the site and to Prius modifications in general. I would like to install a car stereo system, with possible future upgrades consisting of speaker replacement and a backup camera. Before I start spending any money, I was wondering if the installation of a car stereo system (I have the Alpine iLX-007 in mind, from the Crutchfield website, sorry Priuschat won't let me send links as I am a new member) would mean that I lose access to the typical vehicle setup controls in the touch screen that comes with the Prius. If that is the case, is there anyway to retain that functionality? Secondly, what about steering wheel functionality (as well as the media buttons next to the Prius' touchscreen? Could those be used on a newly installed touchscreen?
     
  2. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Welcome to PC.

    If u change out the OEM head unit u will lose the vehicle settings screen. That's only acceptable though the OEM radio.

    As for the steering wheel buttons, there are ways of utilizing them


    iPhone ?
     
  3. cwl7

    cwl7 New Member

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    Yes I'd like to use an iPhone for most of the function on the Prius screen (thus looking for CarPlay stereo). If I lose the vehicle settings screen, are those vehicle settings accessible somehow through the newly installed stereo? This is the part that I'm a bit confused/unfamiliar with... For example, if I want to change day-time running lights from default on to default off, can I do that with a new car stereo that replaces the screen on the Prius?
     
  4. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Which vehicle setting are you referring to? I don't recall any vehicles setting done from the headunit. Or are you referring to installed applications like Entunes?
     
  5. Sfcyclist

    Sfcyclist Senior Member

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    Oh wait, now I rememeber.. it's been a while. Auto lock settings and a few others.. I'm sure you will.
     
  6. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Negative but u can change them with tech stream.


    iPhone ?
     
  7. cwl7

    cwl7 New Member

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    Oh I see. Thanks for the response. Would you say that buying a tech stream is a necessity for the general person who modified their car with a car stereo? I don't own a Windows OS device to pair with it and it may possibly be more trouble than its worth.
     
  8. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    How often do u plan on going in to change those settings? Most set them & forget them


    iPhone ?
     
  9. cwl7

    cwl7 New Member

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    Hmm true, I rarely ever change them. Anyway, thanks again for all the feedback!
     
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