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Experience on malfunction MFD on my 04

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by fchung76, Jul 30, 2006.

  1. fchung76

    fchung76 New Member

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    The MFD started acting up on my 04 last week - delayed response, non-responsive, check AC connection, etc... (there is plenty of postings) My car has 47K+ miles... out of warranty :(

    I called Toyota customer experience, in contrast to some other posts, they refused to honor the repair even though I am out of warranty. They suggested me to contact my dealer. So I spoke to Melody and Fremont Toyota. Since I'm a DIYer, and don't generate much service revenue for them, both dealers didn't entertain me either. So I am stuck with a potential out of pocket of whopping $4000 if I choose to replace a new display.

    I also read on some posts where dealers have refurbished units which cost $400 (10 times less!). I asked the dealers, but to no avail. Could somebody shed some light? I'm located in the SF Bay Area.

    With almost nothing to lose, I decided to take apart the MFD and try my luck. I googled instructions for taking the dash apart. The MFD unit turns out to be a Fujitsu OEM. I disconnected the 3 sets of wire, metal casing but found nothing of unusual as far as I can tell. Put the parts back... turn on the car and drove for about 30 minutes. SURPRISINGLY, the issue did not pop up again! :eek: The issue usually shows up within 10 minutes of driving and is intermittent. Guess I'll observe for some more time to claim victory for sure. Keep my fingers crossed.. ;)

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 fchung76, Jul 30, 2006
  2. mcbrunnhilde

    mcbrunnhilde Opera singin' Prius nut!

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    I believe when they do the MFD replacement under warranty, it's a refurbished model and costs MUCH less. I would try Toyota corporate again, and have the recent thread handy where someone got a courtesy replacement out of warranty (or even PM that person and see who they talked to). Squeaky wheel gets the grease, and Toyota will most likely (eventually) pay for it if you act professional but firm about wanting the replacement. They might comp the parts but make you pay for the labor, but I'm sure you could get SOME satisfaction if you persevere.

    Good luck!!!
     
    #2 mcbrunnhilde, Jul 30, 2006
  3. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    the refurbished models are for the out of warranty exchange program... which was designed specifically for folks like you who are out of warranty... find another dealer and tell them you KNOW about the exchange program and will not pay for a new mfd because there is a program designed for people in your situation that costs 10x less.
     
    #3 galaxee, Jul 30, 2006
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fchung76 @ Jul 30 2006, 09:01 AM) [snapback]294614[/snapback]</div>

    Ehh.. I have the EXACT same problem as you do. Delayed response, no beeps when pressing the buttons and "Check Connection of Air Conditioner" when I press CLIMATE. :blink:
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jul 30, 2006
  5. EricGo

    EricGo New Member

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    This may be completely off base ..
    Fujitsu if I remember correctly was plagued with hard drive failures a couple of years ago due to a faulty Cirrus Logic controller chip (CL-SH8671-450E-A3).

    I wonder if there is a connection. The markedly cheaper refurbished MFD also suggests that repair of the dysfunctional units is a straightforward matter.
     
    #5 EricGo, Jul 30, 2006
  6. fchung76

    fchung76 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Jul 30 2006, 01:19 PM) [snapback]294676[/snapback]</div>
    Not sure whether the MFD malfunction is related to the harddrive problem you pointed out, but I agree with you that the issue could easily be fixed... It could be due to an oxidized connector. For me, simply taking the screen cables out and putting them back in seems to solve the problem (at least for now.. it has only been 2 days since I mingled with it)
     
    #6 fchung76, Jul 30, 2006
  7. mr2-prius

    mr2-prius New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fchung76 @ Jul 30 2006, 05:47 PM) [snapback]294758[/snapback]</div>
    How do you get to those connectors/cables? Does it require lots of work removing the dashboard, etc? I have display problem and the dealer, without even looking at it, said about $1500. I don't trust them. :angry:
     
    #7 mr2-prius, Jan 9, 2007
  8. ScottY

    ScottY New Member

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    #8 ScottY, Jan 9, 2007
  9. jamarimutt

    jamarimutt New Member

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    I have the same problem too. I read recently that a class action suit has been brougnt against Apple claiming that the motherboard of G4 iBook computers fails too frequently. Maybe the same thing could be done with Toyota regarding the MFD. Or at least, we could write a group letter signed by many Priuschat members facing this problem.
     
    #9 jamarimutt, Jan 9, 2007
  10. p626808

    p626808 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Jan 9 2007, 06:29 PM) [snapback]373311[/snapback]</div>
    Sounds good to me..
    Mine just died today.. 115K miles.. :angry:
     
    #10 p626808, Aug 22, 2007
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