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LCD Display and Control Issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Meis, Jan 4, 2009.

  1. Meis

    Meis New Member

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    2004 Prius
    We have intermittent failure of the LCD display which also takes out much of the systems control: Radio, Nav, climate, etc. Often the radio/tape will continue to work, then cut in and out. Sometimes the dash controls for the radio/tape will still function, sometimes not. The controls on the steering wheel also seem to go in and out, with the exception of the defroster buttons and the AC Auto button. The problem began after our last dealer service which makes me almost suspect that they may have either messed it up or not properly re-connected it. We just kicked over 100K and have been really pleased with the car.
     
    #1 Meis, Jan 4, 2009
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    An TSB was issued regarding the MFD and is attached below. You may be able to purchase a refurb unit from your dealer's parts dept for $500-600.

    I've heard other posters complain about the radio/tape panel controls, sometimes hitting the face plate may help temporarily.

    Not sure why your steering wheel controls are being weird, but the fix may require replacing them.

    If normal service was performed at 100K miles, that work should have had no effect on the MFD, steering wheel, or stereo.
     

    Attached Files:

    #2 Patrick Wong, Jan 4, 2009
  3. Meis

    Meis New Member

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    Thanks for your quick reply. All the symptoms seem to be related and come and go, more or less at the same time. How difficult is it to check the wiring harness connections that they talk about checking in the TSB. Dealer claims to have checked same, but this is the same dealer who wanted to sell me an entirely new rear cargo cover (the window shade thing) because two of the screws holding the little latch clip had rattled out. I fixed that with a couple #6 screws and some LockTight. So they may see $$$ rather than actually trouble shooting an issue.
     
    #3 Meis, Jan 4, 2009
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It's not difficult to check the wiring harness connections - just need to gain access to the back of the MFD. If you haven't had the MFD replaced yet it is likely you need a refurb unit to be installed. If the MFD is replaced maybe the other symptoms will go away.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Jan 4, 2009
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    What type of service was done? I can't think of any routine service that would mess up the MFD.

    Tom
     
    #5 qbee42, Jan 4, 2009
  6. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Go look at this thread, it can be fixed for very little outlay. If you can do very fine soldering and dismantle the dash yourself it can be fixed for the cost of a drop of solder. If you can't do the work yourself take the instructions to a car radio shop, I bet they can fix it for very little.
     
    #6 patsparks, Jan 5, 2009
  7. butchbs1985

    butchbs1985 Taking things apart is fun!

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    I had the MFD on my '05 replaced under warranty and that TSB. I never got all of the symptoms described in that article though. After having it replaced, I still get intermittent issues where I can not control things using the steering wheel buttons (not all of them quit working). I also find that I am unable to control audio volume using the volume nob.

    I only encounter this issue when first starting the car as well. All I have to do to correct it is turn off, then back on. I think it's curious but neither the dealer or myself can find anything wrong. I also have issues where my XM drops off intermittently and I have to restart the car. Not sure what causes that but several PC users have the issue with the Terk satelite kit.
     
    #7 butchbs1985, Jan 5, 2009
  8. Raghuanh

    Raghuanh Junior Member

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    I have 2011 Prius 3 model .I it has covered 75K miles. Today I had problem since the MFD doesn't appear when I turn my Headlight on. When I switch off the headlight the MFD appears. This is strange problem since I cant drive in the night without display. Can anybody suggest fix if anybody has same issue. Is the MFD still under warranty? Thank you in advance
     
    #8 Raghuanh, Aug 6, 2016
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