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APPS2CAR Bluetooth and USB adaptor installed on 2005 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by JG., Aug 26, 2016.

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  1. JG.

    JG. New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2016
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    Location:
    UK
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I noticed a number of people here have (like me) considered options to play MP3 files and for Bluetooth handsfree kits, so I though I would share my experience in installing one of the "CD changer simulators".

    I have a 2005 Prius which has a radio and cassette deck with an integrated 6 CD changer, together with a JBL speaker system but not the Toyota navigation system. I have been considering options to play MP3 files from an external source and for a Bluetooth handsfree kit. I decided to go for combined USB and Bluetooth adaptor called APPS2PC BTI. This device is available on Amazon for £59 in the UK and about 65 in the USA. This is one of the adaptors that simulates a CD changer, to allow connection with the AVC-LAN of the Prius and integration with the OEM sound system. I chose the variant that has a 6+6 plug, to allow the adaptor to attach via the CD changer socket on the back of the Toyota radio/CD unit.

    It appears that all of these "CD changer simulators" attach in the same way, so I suspect that installation would not be significantly different for any of them.

    Installation took about 20 minutes and the only tool required was a long Phillips screwdriver.

    The first step was to remove the glove box (as when changing the cabin pollen filter).

    1.jpg

    The second step was to pull out the air vent cover between the radio and the glove box. I was able to do this simply by pulling on the unit at the top and bottom and then in the middle.

    2.jpg

    The third step was to remove a screw, to allow a large connector block to be moved (without disconnecting any cables). 3.jpg
    Once the screw was removed, the large connector block could be eased into the glove box cavity. Once the connector block was hanging here, the 6+6 cable from the APPS2PC unit could be fed behind the radio and connected to the empty CD changer socket. As I understand it, this socket will be occupied in vehicles equipped with a Toyota navigation system but a 6+6 Y-cable (bought separately) can be used to allow the Radio/CD unit to be connected with both the navigation unit and a "CD changer simulator".
    4.jpg


    Once the 6+6 cable is connected, the cables for the microphone and remote control were plugged in and the whole thing was then tested.

    After successful testing, reassembly was the reverse sequence of disassembly, starting by moving the large connector block carefully back into place. The base of the connector block had to be clicked onto a tab, before it was secured with the screw removed earlier.
    5.jpg
    Once the connector block was secured, the air vent cover was be pushed back into place, followed by the glove box.

    I left the APPS2PC unit dangling in the glove box for now, as I am still experimenting to find the best location for the microphone. It would have been useful if the microphone cable (about 1 metre/3 feet) was considerably longer (perhaps about 3 metres/ 9 feet), to allow the microphone to be installed between the rearview mirror and the interior light switches.

    6.JPG
    Anyway, everything worked without problems. The APP2PC unit is "seen" as CD Changer 2 and the normal controls can be used to move between tracks, on USB or Bluetooth. The "Title" facility does not show the track/artist names though.

    The supplied remote control unit can be used to switch between USB and Bluetooth and to pick up or terminate telephone calls.

    All in all, I am happy with it.
     
    #1 JG., Aug 26, 2016
    Tomek310 likes this.
  2. TheJoshu

    TheJoshu Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2005
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    Thanks so much for this, it was really timely and helpful for my 2005 Prius.

    For what it's worth, I wasn't able to remove that screw (and really busted up my hand trying!) - but was ultimately able to install the cable by feel, after googling a photo of the back of the stereo.

    Not an easy feat, but it got the job done!
     
    #2 TheJoshu, Jan 13, 2017
  3. atlsud

    atlsud Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2018
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    Location:
    Marietta GA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I tried a search on Amazon for APPS2PC BTI and did not get a match. Can someone provide a link for this adapter?

    Thanks!
     
    #3 atlsud, May 8, 2018
  4. ITBland

    ITBland Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2017
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    Location:
    New Orleans, La area, US
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Try searching "A2DP Toyota" at Amazon and eBay. There are usually many different sellers and prices vary.
     
    #4 ITBland, May 12, 2018
  5. DangNabbit

    DangNabbit Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2018
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    Location:
    Where the wild things are
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Does anyone have personal experience updates with the cheaper Bluetooth kit that goes for (30-60 on Amazon)? I’m deciding between this and the USA spec bt45-toy which is almost double/triple the cost.
     
    #5 DangNabbit, May 13, 2018
  6. First_Time_prius_owner

    First_Time_prius_owner Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2018
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    Location:
    toronto
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    well not in the prius but i did install one of those apps2car bluetooth things in my lexus es330. similar toyota harness. My advice - don't do it. there is a humming sound in the back, the sound processors on these are bad, i paid $60 but did not get anything in value back. i think a usa spec bt45, while i have not tried it, sounds like it will be better. also when you do a bluetooth call, the other person hears an echo. its not usable for calls. I gave it a 1/5 on amazon.

     
    #6 First_Time_prius_owner, Jun 4, 2018
  7. ITBland

    ITBland Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2017
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    Location:
    New Orleans, La area, US
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I got this one at Amazon that is plug-n-play in the back of the OEM radio in my base 2004 (not available now, but there are many just like it.) Works just fine, and all steering wheel buttons function properly. I was disappointed that no track info shows :( on the MFD and I have to set volume control at about 90% on my phone or I will get some distortion. So not the best design, but functions perfectly, and connects every time, so no complaints and I would buy again to save the $$.
    I also bought this cheaper model that uses the AUX in (headphone-type jack) on a Ford. It works, but doesn't always connect on the first try, and I don't like powering it from the power plug (lighter) in the dash (if I had kept the car, I would have wired it in directly.) I would try a different one next time, if I needed one. Sound quality was good, so I would still be tempted by the super-cheap price.
     
    #7 ITBland, Jun 6, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 6, 2018
  8. First_Time_prius_owner

    First_Time_prius_owner Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2018
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    Location:
    toronto
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    This is the same one i bought for my lexus es330 - does not work well in that car model. maybe i'll move it to my prius and try it..i think how it works really depends on the audio system it is connected to... right now i have an ipod connector with an aux attached to it in my prius - which surprisingly works really well
     
    #8 First_Time_prius_owner, Jun 9, 2018
  9. Gorek

    Gorek Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2019
    3
    1
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    Location:
    Poland
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello,

    Since the beginning of the August I am the happy user of 2007 Prius II.
    I like to listen to music in my car, the audio in my Prius is standard (not JBL) but it works quite well, I think that the sound quality is decent.

    I want to be able to listen the music also from USB stick.

    I am considering to buy this USB "CD changer" from ALIEXPRESS (sorry, but I cannot post a link because I am the new user).
    The number of the offer is: 32695490560
    Name of the product: "DOXINGYE Car AUX USB Bluetooth Radio Digital CD Changer Adapter Music Bluetooth Handsfree Kit For Toyota Lexus Series 6 + 6 PIN"​

    Did you have any experience with this? To be honest I am afraid that this will not support ID3 tag.
     
    #9 Gorek, Aug 22, 2019
  10. alfa164b

    alfa164b Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2020
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    Location:
    Sonoma County California
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hey so in 2020. Best option for a 2005 (w/JBL) with Nav and Bluetooth / casette / 6 cd changer but no bluetooth audio. I have an Iphone.

    I also have a stereo from a 2008 prius that did not have casette but did have an aux in (I don't know if there is someway I could solder into the aux in with a bluetooth receiver)

    Thanks!
     
    #10 alfa164b, May 15, 2020
  11. Umerpk

    Umerpk Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Pakistan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I am using it. You have to make 6 folders and each folder can contain maximum of 99 audio files. Sound quality is just fine. All steering wheel controls work fine. Mine has an issue that it stops after 15-20minutes and then complete audio system starts misbehaving. No input works even the source can't be changed until I completely switch off the vehicle and turn it back ON. Supplier says it is a fault which would not be there in all devices (hopefully). Other then that, the device is good.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #11 Umerpk, Apr 18, 2021
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