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Multi function display problem

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Paul Rekow, Jun 12, 2020.

  1. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    Hi All, the multi function display in my 2013 PIP is no longer working properly. It use to be fuzzy (not-clear) for several minutes and then would return to normal. Now it stays fuzzy all the time. It is especially frustrating when backing up as you get a combination of the last screen plus the backup camera merged as one. I took it in to the dealer and they said it would be about $1000 to get it fixed. I'm hoping to find a cheaper option for getting it fixed.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks,
    Paul

    p.s. my 2012 PIP got hit by a deer, haven't been able to change info in my profile as my e-mail changed also
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    look around for a salvage unit? have you tried disonnecting 12v neg to reset it?
     
  3. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Check the 12volt for loose connection if not your hybrid may be getting a bad module. I say this because I know of the fuzzy screen you are talking about.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    So were you able to fix it by tightening the connection? I will try that, I was hoping not to have to loosen the 12v connection because I loose the data in the MID when I disconnect the 12v

    Thanks both for the ideas
     
  5. Potorap

    Potorap Active Member

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    FYI, if a 12v charger is applied to the connection in the fuse box under the hood, you may disconnect the 12v battery without losing data. I did this when I replaced my 12v battery.
     
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  6. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    I just recently repaired my hybrid battery so I have not driven it at night to notice but it is a low battery issue, hybrid or 12volt but I know when my hybrid battery was having issues I saw the fuzzy screen.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  7. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    So I tried disconnecting the 12V negative this morning both with a charger on and off. There was no change in the MFD either time. I figured that if the goal was to do a 12V system reset having a charger on might defeat that purpose. Is there a set amount of time that the negative needs to be left off in order to get a reset? After disconnecting the negative with the charger off, my stats from the MID did not reset.

    I'm guessing that I am going to need to get a different display. I was hoping to get one from a salvage year, but the local salvage did not have any 2012-2015 Prius's. Is this same display in other model years besides 2012-2015?

    Thanks,
     
  8. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    That display is part of your head unit, which differs depending on trim level and options. You could just replace it with an aftermarket head unit, there are wiring harnesses available so you will still have functional steering wheel controls and reverse camera. Otherwise check eBay for the same model.
     
  9. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    I was able to get a used MFD from a salvage yard for $120 shipped to me. I ended up getting two quotes for having this done at a Toyota dealer and one said 4 hours labor the other said 1 hour. I saw a youtube video on how to replace an older model display. I haven't been able to find a youtube of replacing this particular display. Has anyone else done this?

    Thanks,
    Paul
     
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  10. j12piprius

    j12piprius Junior Member

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    That's good to know. Thank you for sharing the helpful information.
     
  11. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    I received the used MFD last week and was able to get it installed today. It was fairly simple to replace once I figured out what I needed to do. You start by popping loose the trim around the shift lever and includes the first cup holder (it works best to start at the cupholder end). Next take off the trim around the display and heating/cooling controls. That exposes 3 of the 4 bolts that hold the MFD in place, to get to the 4th bolt you need to remove the trim that includes the "start" button. Once all 4 bolts are removed, you can pull the MFD out enough to start removing the wire connections.

    Next I tested to see if the MFD worked and it does not yet. It sounds like from the dealer that it needs to be programmed. If anyone has any ideas on how to program the 2012-2015 MFD I would greatly appreciate it.

    Thanks,
    Paul
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if no one knows, it should be detailed in the service manual. 'techinfo.toyota.com'
     
  13. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    This is the head unit, not what would be commonly referred to as the MFD (what the manual describes as the "multi-information display" is in the instrument cluster). It probably needs recoding as it came from a different car. There are third parties who provide such a service, not sure about locally in your case.
     
  14. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    In the Toyota repair manual it is either named the "Radio and Display Receiver Assembly" or "Navigation ECU Sub-Assembly", it does not mention Head unit
     
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  15. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    Hi Bisco, I subscribed to the standard service manual. I found the section for replacing the "Radio and Display Receiver Assembly". The only part that I did not follow when I replaced it was that I did not disconnect the 12v negative before removing and replacing the assembly. I have since disconnected and reconnected the 12v negative and the display still does not work. Is it possible that I damaged the unit, because I did not have the 12v disconnected?

    I have not found anything about needing to reprogram after replacing the assembly.

    Thanks
     
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i suppose connectng live wires could affect the p/c board. i'm no expert, but perhaps they want a solid on, and no possibility of voltage changes as you connect, but i can't say for sure.

    you can probably find other replacement threads here, sometimes the 'disconnect 12v' is just a boilerplate warning to do almost anything.
     
  17. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    "Head unit" is a generic term, traditionally the stereo system but usually also including navigation in modern cars. My point is it's not just a display, and not the primary MFD of the car which is in the instrument cluster.
     
  18. Paul Rekow

    Paul Rekow Junior Member

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    Does anyone know where to look in the service manual regarding reprogramming the display unit? I have not been able to find anything about it.

    I spoke with the local service department today and they said that it needs to be reprogrammed after replacement, but wouldn't say how.

    Thanks