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Replacing Head UNIT/GPS With Aftermarket?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by lordofthereef, Jan 12, 2015.

  1. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    Hello!

    This is my first post, so let me do a super quick intro.

    Mom retired and effectively gifted us her 2005 Prius with 65k on the clock last year. Considering me just had a son and our two cars are a mini cooper and a ford fiesta, it is also a welcomed way to get the kid around comfortably! We've put about 20k on the clock as, wherever we go as a family, we take it. My wife also has been driving it to work about 35 miles each way 5-6 days a week.

    So one of my biggest gripes about the car is how dark the cabin is. I could never get used to controlling the stereo, not that there is much to control... Nothing really lights up and even the sterering wheel buttons are dim. What I would LIKE to do is replace the head unit/screen with one of those new ios and android enabled devices that is effectively a steroe as well as a gps (linked to your phone, of course). This would also give us bluetooth for calls, etc.

    Obviously the concern is the fact that even the A/C is controller by (what I consider to be) a useless informational screen. Clearly we don't want to lose the ability to control the AC, so I was wondering if there are any real options here?

    Of course, I can just throw in a single DIN stereo, which would cover 90% of my gripes, but would really truly like something with gps. We are new to Boston and enjoy traveling around, so it would be very useful to have a nice large screen map right there in front of us.

    I appreciate the help in advance. Right now I am off to remove that annoying backup beep as I have found instructions on this site. :)
     
    #1 lordofthereef, Jan 12, 2015
  2. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    The actual headunit is below the MFD, so the only functionality you lose is controlling the radio with the steering wheel (though you can get adapters that will make it work) and the MFD. Here's the thread about my install, it has pictures of the final product and the parts used. Installed Pioneer AVH-P1400 and Bazooka Tube | PriusChat
     
    #2 vskid3, Jan 12, 2015
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    easy to replace the head unit with aftermarket, unless you got the jbl system. even then its not that difficult, because you can buy any adapters you need from crutchfield.com or on ebay. get a metra axxess to keep your steering wheel buttons functional with the new head unit. biggest problem is the cost of a 2DIN head unit with gps. there is a good tutorial for dash r&r here somewhere and on youtube.
     
    #3 69shovlhed, Jan 12, 2015
  4. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    Thanks for the post.

    I want to be clear e are thinking the same thing. I am wanting to remove MFD - the screen that shows you on the fly consumption, radio channels, heat/cold, etc. with a 2DIN head unit.

    I still want to be able to control the AC and see my average fuel consumption. Possible?

    JUST replacing the headunit with something GPS capable is useless to me due to the location.
     
    #4 lordofthereef, Jan 12, 2015
  5. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    Another option, if the MFD is absolutely necessary, would be possibley swapping the MFD location with a double din unit. Doable?
     
    #5 lordofthereef, Jan 12, 2015
  6. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    Get a radio without GPS and a $100 Garmin with map updates for life to use as your GPS? Would be cheaper and probably work better. Radio can only go where it is in the pictures I posted unless you want to pay a lot for some custom dash work.
     
    #6 vskid3, Jan 13, 2015
  7. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    your stuck with the mfd, unless you have gobs of cash and know a genius that can build you a 1 off custom display.
     
    #7 69shovlhed, Jan 13, 2015
  8. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    EH. Hate the dedicated GPS units. Inputting where I want to go is annoying enough lol. As much as I use the thing I want to be able to just input on my phone and go.

    Looking into my options just putting in a carplay type of device. I really wanted it mounted up where the MFD is, since that is an ideal position for maps, but I guess just below it isn't bad either. Not looking to drop tons into it lol. Was basically going to have my wife buy the unit and mounting parts at a discount and then DIY. I don't imagine it should be too much harder than a single DIN unit, which I have done a couple of, one in my Tacoma (sold) and another in the mini.
     
    #8 lordofthereef, Jan 14, 2015
  9. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    Would something like this be plug an play? If so, $40 and I don't have to even swap the head unit or anything
     
    #9 lordofthereef, Jan 14, 2015
  10. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    #10 lordofthereef, Jan 14, 2015
  11. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    2 din is easy install. you will have no problems if you've done single din before. if you want your gps mounted up high, consider the Proclip. I have one for my Samsung mounted just above the vent and I use Waze to navigate. easy to reach, easy to see.
     
    #11 69shovlhed, Jan 14, 2015
  12. wa-chiss

    wa-chiss Member

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    I changed my stereo with an aftermarket double din. Super simple. I already had the radio from the previous car I sold and it doesn't have GPS. However, luckily I am grandfathered in on unlimited data, I use my phone for any GPS needs. Also, I have a Galaxy Note 4 with a case. If I open the cubby hole under the radio, the phone fits snug between the door of the cubby hole and the bottom edge of the radio. The radio has a USB port on the front if I need to charge in-use and is Bluetooth with a wired microphone I put on the driver's A-Pillar. I have everything I need at my fingertips. Climate control, audio control, and then whatever I so please from the phone. Hell, I could watch a movie with audio through the car's speakers if I wanted to (I only do parked or in the passengers seat).
     
    #12 wa-chiss, Jan 22, 2015
  13. lordofthereef

    lordofthereef Junior Member

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    #13 lordofthereef, Feb 4, 2015
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