1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Any way to mod the PRNDB panel by the gear shift?

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by Deleted member 111882, Dec 26, 2014.

  1. So I'm getting bored with the panel thingy that has the little letters PRNDB, and I'd like to install something cooler like a laser-engraved thingy. But I have no idea what I'm doing (like I barely use a screwdriver) and I really don't want to scratch up my car. Clear steps and recommendations for cool panels would be great.
     
    robertmaria likes this.
  2. kingnba6

    kingnba6 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    1,018
    242
    0
    Location:
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    i havent done anything like laser engraving. i did change the original bulb into a led.
    [​IMG]

    its pretty easy to remove everything in that area. you dont even need a screwdriver. you can just pry back each panel and pull it off. they are all clips
     
  3. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    764
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    They make a lot of nice TRD shift knobs. The ones made for the automatic shifter mimic the same shape as the OEM one, maybe covered in leather.

    The best ones are, however, made for manual shifters. Unfortunately, they use a M12x1.25 metric thread, while automatics use a M8x1.25 metric thread.

    Because I've searched everywhere and have found no adapters, I've made my own in my machine shop. IMHO, the manual TRD shift knobs are much nicer looking than the automatic ones.

    You can get special "no damage" plastic trim removal tools at Harbor Freight an local auto parts stores for removing panels. I have several sets.

    Look to Japan for JDM shift panels. Theirs may or may not fit, because their cars are right hand drive.

    You can look to a custom shop that does carbon fiber effect overlays. I've seen them on Cable TV shows.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,987
    49,523
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    take it to a speed shoppe and have them do a nice custom for ya.(y)
     
  5. irrational

    irrational Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2014
    102
    38
    0
    Location:
    Tulsa, OK
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Shouldn't be a problem, the gate pattern is the same I believe.
     
    mertechperformance likes this.
  6. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    764
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Didn't know on the Prius"c." It's different on nearly all Gen II, Gen III and the Prius"v" models.
     
  7. irrational

    irrational Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2014
    102
    38
    0
    Location:
    Tulsa, OK
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I just double checked, and you're correct. It's 180 backwards... so much for that, lol. :)
     
  8. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    764
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Wish I was wrong, but that's life.
     
    irrational likes this.
  9. robertmaria

    robertmaria Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2014
    202
    41
    0
    Location:
    please DELETE this account
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    on my very much loved Prius c i realize the whole PRNDB thingy is FAKE. they are computer swithches along with fake gear shifters. i would like to yank the whole thing and instead put in some real cup holders for decent sized cups of coffee. it really wastes a lot of space right now.
     
  10. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    764
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    That is probably true with the Gen II and Gen III shifters other than the one on the "c."

    I dissected both the Gen II and Gen III shifters and found X-Y components with magnets and Hall Effect sensors with 5 volts readouts.

    The "gate" on the "c," as with nearly ALL Toyota automatic shifters is much simpler, with only one Hall Effect sensor connected to a cable. The horizontal movements in the shifter do nothing except act as "detents" like the manual push button lock shifter found on cars for years.

    Toyota, for reasons of cost, did not include the more expensive X-Y Hall Effect sensor shifter on the "c."

    IMHO, the Chrysler RAM and 200 shifter with the rotary knob is simpler than ant mechanical stick found on any Gen II or Gen III Prius.
     
    robertmaria likes this.
  11. I tried, I was afraid to break or scratch something. (I know, whimpy...) Do you have step-by-step, or a video?

    Yeah all the panels I saw were the Aquas.
     
  12. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    764
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Got this set at Pep Boys,

    Non Marring Pry Bar Tool Set 24240 | eBay

    Unlike the fiberglass filled plastic ones, these are made of soft and harder polyethylene, which is softer than the ABS used by Toyota on their trim panels.

    The orange ones are softer and more flexible; the black ones are more rigid.

    I've used others, but these make it hard to damage the panels, if you apply steady and continuous force. Stuff breaks with rapid and highly applied pressure.
     
    robertmaria likes this.
  13. OldNo7

    OldNo7 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
    72
    26
    0
    Location:
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    I'm going to paint the grey panel black.
     

    Attached Files: