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Upgrading base Prius to GPS & Bluetooth from wrecker...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by PNorth, May 16, 2011.

  1. PNorth

    PNorth Junior Member

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    I have a 2008 Gen II Prius that is a base model, but with some of the touring package (longer spoiler, 16" alloys, touring suspension), and I'm wondering if it's possible to buy the parts for the GPS system, and the bluetooth system from a wrecker, and "upgrade" my Prius?

    Has anyone ever done this?

    I'm not overly concerned with the JBL stereo & speaker system, but I'd like to have the GPS and Bluetooth. I know that I'd need to buy a steering wheel and a Multi-Function Display Unit...

    Is the wiring/infrastructure built in to my Prius, but no utilized by my model, or is it pretty much impossible to do this using used Toyota parts?
     
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I'm curious why you don't want to install and aftermarket system instead? It would be much better with regards to updating your GPS maps and the bluetooth would work better. You'll end up with many more useful features.
     
  3. stefano5777

    stefano5777 Member

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    It should be a simple plug and play as to my understanding all the wiring is already installed.However as F8L pointed out there are many after market stereo's out there that are much better than the factory system and would cost you less money as well.
     
  4. PNorth

    PNorth Junior Member

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    With an aftermarket system, is it as good? What I mean by that is, does the aftermarket bluetooth automatically recognize an iPhone upon entry of the vehicle or do you have to manually turn it on? Do the aftermarket systems integrate with the stereo, or does it have it's own speaker and microphone system? I have no idea about the aftermarket options, so please forgive my ignorance.
     
  5. PNorth

    PNorth Junior Member

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    Since writing my original post, I went to the local Toyota parts counter, and they told me there that the wiring harness is different for each trim level, and that I would have to completely replace the wiring harness, before attempting to replace other components.

    Does anyone have any experience to the contrary? Is this just the pre-packaged Toyota answer? I'm curious if anyone's tried this before. If perhaps the wiring harness is the same, but specific connections simply aren't used on lower trim packages.

    I'll have to also look into the aftermarket possibilities as well.
     
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  6. opnsrcaddict

    opnsrcaddict New Member

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    I would say that as long as you go with a reputable brand and installer after market options can easily match the capabilities of the stock system. Most bluetooth compatible aftermarket head units will automatically recognize the device every time the car is turned on after you pair it. Now and then mine will fail to automatically connect (about once per every 20 connections), but I've had this sort of experience with every bluetooth device. They will also play the sound over your speaker system, unless you just go for one of those separate "bluetooth speaker phone" products. The microphone will come either built into the head unit or as a separate mic that you can run where closer to where you will be speaking toward. The other thing you may want to think about is integrating the steering wheel controls with the aftermarket head unit.

    You may also want to consider that you won't have the steering wheel controls that the stock bluetooth system gives you. To me it's not a big deal because I can answer or dial calls from either the device itself or the head unit.
     
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  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    In my experiences the aftermarket systems work MUCH better than the factory system and you can get NAV map upgrades. Good luck doing that with the factory system. The bluetooth works excellent with my Kenwood eXcelon head unit. usbseawolf2000 did the full double DIN NAV DVD system and it came out great. Many others have followed his instructions and performed the same modification. See here for more detailed info: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...pgrade-head-unit-kenwood-excelon-dnx6960.html
     
  8. jelloslug

    jelloslug It buffed right out!

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    I did it in our '08.
     
  9. nene212

    nene212 Junior Member

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    what wiring and double din kit did everyone use?
     
  10. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    Sorry to comment on such an old post, was gonna make my own but this came up. I plan to do this, I can't find anything that definitively says the wiring harnesses are different. I just want oem hands free calls, my wife hates it when I take my hands off the wheel while driving. I've looked up that the microphone is in the GPS head unit screen. I don't mind putting in a new harness or screen or computer, I just want to know what all I need, I intend to put a new stereo control unit in from crutchfield, they have a pac to retain hands free functions to be used in line. I intend to do this all at once since my combo meter is on the fritz anyway and I wanna swap it with a working unit and send off for repair. I already ordered the steering wheel controls off of eBay.
     
  11. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    If your main objective is to add hands free calling, there are many cheap alternatives to use. Also does your 2009 have an aux audio port?
     
  12. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    Yes my 09 has an aux port, I'd really like the oem steering wheel controls, cheap is not the issue, it's a passion project, parts I'll get off of car-part.com, stereo I'll get from crutchfield. I want to make the loudest gen 2 in the state! Just found out about Prius cubby sub boxes were made briefly by a member of the server but all links are gone and member is gone. I want oem hands free, I'll get the screen and harness if need be and whatever else. This Prius is my hobby, it keeps me entertained.
     
  13. Another

    Another Senior Member

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    There was a recent PC thread about massive amplifier options.
     
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  14. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    I'll have to find that, I have been reading a thread about custom cubby enclosure for subwoofers and an old thread on amplifier issues. Gonna make my Prius a bad Mamba Jamba!
     
  15. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The place you find that is in the wiring diagram:

    Toyota Service Information and Where To Find It | PriusChat

    When you're looking at the audio/nav diagrams, look for wires with asterisk-number next to them, like *6, *7, and so on.

    Somewhere on the page, you'll also find a legend that identifies, say, *6 as cars with audio non-nav, and *7 as cars with nav. Those markings in the diagram tell you which wires are and aren't present in your harness.

    I've just made up the *6, *7 here, but when you look in the diagrams, you'll see that's the way it works.
     
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  16. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    Thanks, cheers, just ordered a 2009 Prius electrical wiring diagram manual off eBay for 32$ after tax. Gonna follow your advice. I seen another thread on near identical topic for the same year prius that another senior member recommended buying the manual off eBay. You lot are great love this forum!
     
  17. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

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    My wife has the base model 08 Prius and I installed an aftermarket double din radio in her prius.. with blue tooth and it sounds wayyy better then the stock OEM bluetooth in my 08 prius with 6 disc changer, HID headlights,fog lights, but no Navigation. My voice quality is barely acceptable. I plan on changing mine out to an aftermarket unit with Carplay when I get some time off this fall. I know I will also have to replace the rear camera but already have an upgraded one that I installed in my wifes car that is 720 lines of resolution and wayyyyy better than my stock camera. It is a lot of work but her sound system is much better than mine even with the JBL 6 speaker system. If it is a project I understand. My old Range Rover is like that with me. However if overall quality is desired I would go with an aftermarket unit.
     
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  18. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    I want the hands free oem steering wheel, I want to install and retain function with an aftermarket android Auto/ Apple carplay touchscreen stereo. That's my end pursuit. Glad to know it worked out so well for your wife! Does the rear camera record footage or display only?
     
  19. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

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    Rear camera is for display only. Look at crutchfield. They make kits prewired so it is plug and play for you. Then can recommend the Metra steering wheel control kit as well as the dash panel fascia kit. Maybe videos on you toobe. watch several and it will give you a scope of the project.
     
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  20. NORMAL POPS

    NORMAL POPS New Member

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    Well it wasn't worth the money, sure enough the recommendations to do the aftermarket Soundsystem and not bother trying oem hodge podge is the most fruitful option. I just made a headache for myself and couldn't retain the hands free stock oem. Base Prius is the easiest to replace sound system, I was just at crutchfield, forgot about the metra recommendation.