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2006 - MFD Screen Too Dark

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Artric, Oct 24, 2017.

  1. Artric

    Artric Junior Member

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    My MFD display is very dark. It’s usable, but you can tell it is supposed to be much brighter. The settings have been fiddled with to no avail. It seems from some other indications that the car sat in the sun a lot for a long time before I got it.

    Is this an issue that has come up with others? I couldn’t find any threads about it in my search.

    What all do I need to know to make sure I get the right replacement unit? I’m assuming eBay is the best source.

    Can a unit with nav be swapped in? Would more than the MFD need to be changed?
     
    #1 Artric, Oct 24, 2017
  2. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Do you have the headlight dimmer knob adjusted too low? There is a full setting (there is a detent click) for day time and a full dimmer for night.
     
    #2 kenoarto, Oct 25, 2017
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I may be wrong for an '06, but I believe the MFD has it's own brightness adjustment screen. If this doesn't work and you end up needing a replacement your best bet would be to get the exact model number off the back of the MFD and buy an exact match. You're right, ebay has plenty. Even I have a couple on the shelf.

    No, a 4 button model can't simply be replaced by a 7 (nav) button model. The nav function utilizes a lot more than just the MFD. There's an antenna buried deep under the dash and a nav computer under the driver seat, which also means a different wiring harness. Not sure if there's more than that, but that alone is enough to scare even brave men.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Oct 25, 2017
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Don't for the forget the steering wheel controllers. Major mod if you ask me for little to almost no benefit (nav is ancient).
     
    #4 fotomoto, Oct 25, 2017
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    +1,000,000 on this. Even when I drive a car with navigation, I prefer just using Google Maps on the mobile phone. It blows away everything else I've seen. Totally blows away the Gen2 system.
     
    #5 TMR-JWAP, Oct 25, 2017
  6. Artric

    Artric Junior Member

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    I hear you. I wouldn’t bother with outdated nav unless it was just an MFD swap with no cost or effort over $20 and 15 mins. ;)

    I did turn up the brightness on the unit and also the dial on the left of the dash for the gauges.

    This thing got some serious sun. The rear view mirror is loose because the area the ball goes into is plastic and cracked. Luckily the car has tint to the seats are good.

    I’m pretty sure if anyone saw how dim it is, they’d say “holy crap”. I just mounted my phone next to it and in contrast you could hardly tell the MFD is even on. I’ll maybe get a pic using my iPad for reference.
     
    #6 Artric, Oct 25, 2017
  7. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    No need really, we believe you. They go out, many loose the touch sensitivity, etc. Just find a similar used one and check out some how-to vids on replacing.
     
    #7 fotomoto, Oct 25, 2017
  8. Artric

    Artric Junior Member

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    E8057DA5-0BD9-458A-A9F5-568B9D99AB13.jpeg
     
    #8 Artric, Oct 26, 2017
  9. Artric

    Artric Junior Member

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    That is a pretty good representation in full sunlight.
     
    #9 Artric, Oct 26, 2017
  10. Fredsimm

    Fredsimm Active Member

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    I replaced my daughter's mfd last month. You should stick with the same part number if possible. A member here gave me 2 part numbers for her mfd that would work for a 2009 touring model. Luckily I found a mint unit for $200. Installation is simple. Prius dash is held together with mostly tension clips and a few screws.
     
    #10 Fredsimm, Oct 27, 2017
  11. Artric

    Artric Junior Member

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    Silly question - how can I tell what “model” or package I have?

    I have leather, no nav, tweeters in the top part of the doors... anything else that would be indicative of a certain trim level or package?
     
    #11 Artric, Oct 28, 2017
  12. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Here's a chart I found helpful.
     

    Attached Files:

    #12 jerrymildred, Oct 28, 2017
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  13. uart

    uart Senior Member

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    The display should dim when the headlights are on (even just parkers) and brighten when they are off. Even so, mine is a little hard to see if it gets the glare of the sun on it, but otherwise ok.

    Have you confirmed that it dims/brightens when you turn the headlights on/off?
     
    #13 uart, Oct 29, 2017
  14. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Go to the Toyota owner site and register your VIN. They will show the official details on your car.

    Toyota Owners Official Web Site
     
    #14 Prodigyplace, Oct 29, 2017
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  15. Fredsimm

    Fredsimm Active Member

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    The best way to get your mfd # is to remove the mfd and look at the number. A guy on youtube can remove the mfd in 2 minutes. It took me about 10 being careful. You have the 4 button I'm assuming. They are usually cheaper in price. A member here Todd @TampaPrius.com gave me assistance with compatible units for my 09.

    Here's a link ,
     
    #15 Fredsimm, Oct 29, 2017
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2017
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  16. Artric

    Artric Junior Member

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    Nice, thanks guys. I had the rear of my car apart early this AM messing with the battery. It was more pressing, but seems to actually be a problem with the speedo display. Too much heat on this dash!
     
    #16 Artric, Nov 2, 2017
  17. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    The combo meter goes out to that's the speedo. Hundreds of posts on that one too. Leave the battery alone. Nothing good comes from that lol...

    A Prius in the sun without a heatshield sunshade is a pizza oven. Huge windshield for a little car. No sun shade the cabin will get so hot it will cook the hybrid battery. You'll know its cooking becasue you will all of a sudden hear a fan screaming in the backseat. That's the hybrid battery cooling fan. Buy a heat shield shade asap. Custom form fitted to the car. Best thing you can buy for this car. Sold here at the Prius Shop.
    Button on the top of the page in the blue bar. Says SHOP.
     
    #17 edthefox5, Nov 2, 2017
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