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Installing Crutchfield Radio

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by jangell2, Jan 5, 2014.

  1. jangell2

    jangell2 Junior Member

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    Later this week I will be installing a Kenwood DPX-500BT and an Axxess ASWC-1 steering wheel interface. I am replacing only the receiver and will be keeping the existing speakers. This is a 2010 Prius 4Door Hatchback with the standard radio (has xm) and not the jbl setup. I thought I would ask a few questions that have come to mind already, just from reading the documentation.

    1) I presume I would instal the ASWC-1 after doing the receiver install?

    2) The crutch field instructions say to disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent a short. However, the Prius manual says "Do not disconnect the negative terminal on the body side as shown. The disconnected negative terminal may touch the positive terminal, which may cause a short and result in death or serious injury."

    Seems like I've got to disconnect the negative terminal. If I take precautions so that the two terminals don't touch, is this ok?

    3) Per the manual, after reconnecting the negative battery terminal, start the hybrid system in Power in accessory mode. I presume this means depressing the power switch without depressing the brakes, since the Prius won't start without depressing the brakes. Is this correct?

    4) When I first unpacked the box, I thought I saw a warning sheet relating to the airbag system, but now I can't find that. Any thoughts on this? I may have been in connection with the ASWC-1.

    If anyone has any tips and tricks they'd like to contribute, I'd appreciate them very much.

    Thanks.

    johnny
     
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Moved to the Gen III audio sub forum from the Prius v audio sub forum
     
  3. jangell2

    jangell2 Junior Member

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    No answers at all? Sure would appreciate some info. Thanks.
     
  4. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    I'm just your weekend DIY but since you haven't received any replies, I'll put in my 2 cents.

    Yes install the receiver first. Always install one thing at a time to confirm it works before you add on. You may have a difficult time troubleshooting later if you do it all at once.

    I've never heard of disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery. The only time I've ever done that is when I replace the battery. I disconnect the positive. To be honest, unless, I'm tapping the battery directly for power, I don't even do that. If you have a harness for the receiver, it's plug and play. But I'm not a professional, don't take my word for it. I only disconnect the positive terminal to install an amp.

    Update: just did a quick bing search and all recommendations say disconnect the negative terminal. Guess I'm wrong.

    Turn off signatures in Tapatalk Tapatalk
     
  5. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    The logic in removing the negative terminal is that once the wrench touches the battery terminal- it's live- if it slips and hits a body part- it won't short out as the body is negative too.
     
  6. Skunkworks

    Skunkworks Member

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    Crutchfield Customer service is top notch, don't hesitate to call them
     
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  7. jangell2

    jangell2 Junior Member

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    Ok, thanks for the advice. Guess I'll be disconnecting the negative terminal.
     
  8. VicVinegar

    VicVinegar Member

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    Concur. If you are conditioned to think all customer service lines are worthless, Crutchfield is a different animal. When I had to call a few years ago during an install the guy actually knew what I was referring to.
     
  9. JGI

    JGI Member

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    If you're careful with your tools, there's no need to disconnect the negative terminal.
     
  10. jangell2

    jangell2 Junior Member

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    What exactly do I have to avoid touching if I don't disconnect the battery?

    I do agree that Crutchfield CS is great. I've already called with a question or two, while waiting for the weather to warm up. It has taken less than a minute from the time I start punching in the number, to getting a life person to talk too.
     
  11. Skunkworks

    Skunkworks Member

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    Just disconnect it, it's really not worth the risk for 30 seconds of work
     
  12. jangell2

    jangell2 Junior Member

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    It is installed. My next door neighbor helped me with it couldn't have done it without him. But now I've got a prius question. I noticed a warning light flashing on the instrument panel. It is a symbol of a lock in front of a car. The manual calls it a security indicator. Refers me to another page which says it is part of the immobilizer system.

    The manual says it will flash after the power switch has been turned off. Yeah, it's flashing, but it never stops. I've never noticed that before. Does this warning light flash forever, until the car is turned on again?

    And yes, I did disconnect the negative battery terminal before we did the install. I was wondering if this is causing the light to flash. I've driven the car, no problem. Radio works and so the the radio steering feel controls.
     
  13. jangell2

    jangell2 Junior Member

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    I called my dealer and a technician said there is a light that always flashes, though he couldn't name which one. So I figure it's ok. If anyone knows about this, let me know.
     
  14. mungpat

    mungpat Junior Member

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    how is the sound with the new Head unit? Is it improved a lot?
    Is the interface working as anticipated?

    I'm asking because I'm interested in the same project.

    Thank you.
     
  15. tach18k

    tach18k Member

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    the thing with the battery is , while your are wiring and you mistakely cross a power wire to ground it wont short out.