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Apple CarPlay and new head unit in 16’ Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Mr.Electric, May 3, 2021.

  1. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    I installed the new Seicanne Headunit made specifically for gen 4 Prius in my 16’ Prius

    OEM 9 inch Android 10.0 for 2016 Toyota Prius Radio with Bluetooth HD Touchscreen GPS Navigation System support Carplay DAB+

    I am happy with the results and made this video about it. Long story short is was completely plug n play. I did not crimp or solder even one wire. The factory back up camera and steering wheel controls work too.
    The only modification needed was a minor trim on a plastic tab on the Seicanne stereo mounting ear.
    During purchase check out I bought the version with integrated apple CarPlay. The head unit and shipping was still under $400. This is a really significant upgrade to my driving experience.


     
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Congrats & welcome to the dark side! I converted ours a few days after we brought it home from the dealer.

    I can't even imagine putting up with a factory system in a new car; they're all so far behind the curve.
     
  3. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    I put an android head unit in my 14’ sienna and not one of the plugs fit. It was a long journey to wire everything. This time the same manufacturer got it right, every single plug fit.
     
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Nice! I did a generic Sony for ours, so I had the usual amount of wirework to do. Didn't put me off in the least but I know it would give others pause.

    I'm glad to hear that there is a true plug-n-play alternative, and most importantly I'm always happy to see more people take the plunge and discover how much new value you can add to a car with some years on it!
     
  5. roadwarrior28

    roadwarrior28 Member

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    2016 Prius
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    Three Touring
    Thank you for the video, it was very informative. I'm seriously considering this. Some questions:

    -Do you miss the volume knob? I know there's steering wheel volume controls, but also know it's nice to have a knob you can reach from muscle memory to quickly turn down the volume

    -Was the CAN adapter included or did you buy that separately? And do you still have access to door locks/lighting settings?

    -Do any of the audio/navigation displays on the small MFD to the right of the speedo still work?

    -What was the adapter needed to get the USB by the armrest to work?
     
  6. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    The can adapter was included. I am not sure if lighting and lock settings may be controlled now but steering wheel buttons work.
    I do miss the volume nob a bit but the large apple map and usable text dictation features are very helpful.
    The mfd screen for audio and nav are blank. I dont miss these as i always have this set to power flow bars anyways (because it looks cool I dont actually watch the power flow and learn something important)
    steering wheel adaptive cruise and lane departure buttons work as normal.
    USB adapter plug
     
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  7. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    I was surprised to discover CarPlay works over Bluetooth, I thought it was wired only.
    Also installed the USB adapter and the center console USB port now works. I used it to plug in a thumb drive with music files.
     

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  8. roadwarrior28

    roadwarrior28 Member

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    Just ordered one! Excited for the added functionality and features
     
  9. Mr.Electric

    Mr.Electric Member

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    Noice!
    It took a while for mine to arrive I think 2 weeks or so. Im really enjoying it. Ive had a Seicanne head unit in my 14’ Sienna for 2 years and it has survived heat , cold, altitude and now car rental through a shared car app. At least that Seicanne android head unit is durable. The one in my 16’ Prius is only a week old so I can’t speak to durability but it is fun to nerd out on all the features of a tablet that connects to your car’s nervous system.
     
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  10. csabex

    csabex New Member

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    Hi guys,
    Maybe it's not the correct thread for my question, but I'll give it a try :)
    Similar android unit wants my friend to install in his Prius PHV. His car is a Toyota Prius Plug-in RC19 LB 1,8 VVT-i E-CVT A4 Executive VIP manufactured in 2020 and came with the and the JBL version from the factory. Some of you knows if somebody ever tried to install an android unit in a pretty new Prius? He has active safety system and 360 degree cameras, but i think these won't be supported by the android version, but that is not a problem, he can live without them.
    If i'm not in the apropiate thread, please can you guide me? :) Thank you.

    I insert a picture from his actual unit, here it is:
    SmartSelect_20210519-225659_Gallery (1).jpg
     
  11. jmbourne

    jmbourne New Member

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    Awesome video and great looking head unit! I’m thinking of trying this out. Just bought my Prius yesterday and honestly hate the factory unit. The only thing I’m curious about is if the information in the car tab on the factory unit also can be seen on this aftermarket unit or any aftermarket unit for that matter? Obviously if I’m using CarPlay I’m not going to be seeing that info anyway but it’s just a curious question I had. Thank you!
     
  12. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    There are a few out there which support something called iDatalink Maestro.

    That is specifically to enable a 2-way pass-through for other-than-entertainment readouts and controls on the touchscreen.

    I don't have that kind- after looking into it we decided it wasn't important enough. But it's out there if you want it.

    (Link goes to Crutchfield catalog of carplay receivers with iDatalink support)
     
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  13. jmbourne

    jmbourne New Member

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    Awesome! Thank you so much for the info! It just seems like something I’d like to keep, especially because there are settings one can get to as well through the radio. For unlocking the doors (drivers only or all four) just as an example.
     
  14. beef jiggles

    beef jiggles Member

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    Had a Seicane I bought for my Tundra. It was garbage. So bad I did not install it.
     
  15. beef jiggles

    beef jiggles Member

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    Had a Seicane I bought for my Tundra. It was garbage. So bad I did not install it.