Hard wiring a ground loop isolator in '08 Touring

thanks for the TSB. i have to call toyota now and fixed the problem..
PAC gave a little bit of loss on music quality..

 

You can keep your PAC. But how'bout selling that $1500 radio??

 

I would suggest that you check before installing a ground loop isolator. I have a two week old 08 Prius. I connected a SKI FI 3 via the aux port and the sound is clear. I do not need an Isolator.

Plerhaps Toyota is now making a modiification in production.

 

definitely my 08 bought last november has this whining noise when iphone is conneted.. that is why i bought PAC

 

How do you have your SkiFi powered?

 

Since I have the Cleansweep DSP unit under the passenger seat and it has its own Aux input, I normally plug my MP3 player into its RCA plugs instead of into the console's 3.5mm Aux port.

After some testing, I've discovered that the Prius Aux port induces an audible loss in the music, especially in the lower frequencies.

I tested both input methods using three different noise isolators: PAC, Radio Shack, and Scosche. All three performed well, with the PAC slightly worse than the other two, but not by much. In the end, the biggest sound killer is the Aux input port itself!

Now I wonder if getting the TSB fix would have any positive impact, or would make this situation even worse.

BTW, I just got a letter from the dealer informing me that the parts they ordered have arrived and that I could come to pick them up anytime. They also said that if I needed to have them install it then set up an appointment. I'm debating whether I should try to do it myself or let them do it...

 

I installed a ski Fi 3 today. In a previous posted I said that an Isolator was not needed. After the install I founld that I needed the isolator when the engine was running.

I used the radio shack model. Antenna on the roof.

 

Update: I stopped by the dealership to pick up the parts today (I've decided to do the fix myself). The service guy told me that since this is under Toyota warranty, he couldn't just let me have the parts and that I'd have to let them install it.

Does that sound right to y'all?

 

Doesn't surprise me, liability issues perhaps? Issues may arise when you sell the car to someone else.

 

Finally got the TSB fix yesterday. A marked improvement in sound quality.

Before the fix, I tested by alternately playing the same song over and over, first in the CD then through my Sansa View MP3 connected to the Aux with an inline PAC isolator. There was a noticeable drop off in the low end (about two notches in the Bass setting), and the sound was not as crisp and clean.

After the fix, the two now sound very close, although the CD is still a bit better (possibly because the MP3 itself has some loss). Nevertheless, this is a big improvement and I highly recommend getting this done if your car is still under warranty (presumably so since this TSB is for 06-07 models).

My next tests will involve comparing the upgraded Aux port against the Cleansweep's.

BTW, the invoice states that the parts cost over $150. Amazing...

 

I'm not sure I understand why the CD player would sound better than an iPod assuming you have high bit rate mp3s. Should be about the same, no? Close enough for me anyway. Plus, you don't have to futz around with CDs and cases, and scratches on CDs etc. Not to mention you have have a huge amount of music. Seems like a much better solution - which is why I did not spring for the 6 disc changer when I bought my Prius. Put the money into a good 80gig iPod. Actually about 20 % of the cost of the package that includes the 6 disc changer.

 

As for placement of the ground loop isolator. I just put in the Radioshack model this evening and noticed a marked improvement in sound quality with no hum, hiss, or acceleration noise.

I lifted the front cupholder and was able to fit it under the front cupholders. To remove that piece of the center console, remove the drawer below the front cupholder, and then just lift straight up on the cupholders with a moderate amount of steady force. It'll pop loose and there's plenty of room under there to put whatever excess cord you might have. To run them out of and back into the console, you can run the cord topside, where it will be hidden by the junction of the armrest and cupholder, or you can drill a hole and push cords through to that space.

If you plan to drill, be careful that you aren't drilling through the AUX jack wiring or the 12V power outlet wiring. Once you've removed the drawer you can feel the wires and see where they run to guage where you should drill. I kept it off to the side to avoid any issues.

As a note, I wrapped the GLI in foam tape to prevent any vibration, as it sits on hard plastic.

 

I had my '08 in for its 5k mile service this weekend, I brought it the 06/07 TSB from earlier in this topic. The service guy checked it out and told me the TSB has been update for the '08 model to : TSB 0067-08.
Unfortunately he needed to order the parts, so I'll have to take it back in to get it taken care of.

 

I had the TSB work completed on my '08 Prius. The port was very noisy before the work, and now the noise is gone. A very nice fix. I do not notice a lot of loss in fidelity, but I am not very picky given the other noises in the car to contend with. I did turn up the bass by one or two bars.

I called ahead with the part numbers from the TSB. At first, the service department didn't want to just order the parts without their diagnosing the problem first, but they sent me to the parts department. I had them order the parts. When the parts came in, I scheduled a service appointment and took the car in. Unfortunately, they didn't order ALL of the parts, so they were not able to do the work. They did however confirm the problem at that time. Another trip later, and the work was completed.