Mysterious button

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by space@netc. net.au, Mar 13, 2026 at 6:33 AM.

  1. space@netc. net.au

    space@netc. net.au New Member

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    We just bought a second hand Prius 2023 which was imported from Japan. It has a mysterious button with a wire/cord and is stuck to the left side of the steering wheel. Please see photo. Does anyone know what it is? Can I remove it?
     

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    #1 space@netc. net.au, Mar 13, 2026 at 6:33 AM
  2. Jim Call

    Jim Call Active Member

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    That is something the previous owner added and is not from the Prius factory. Who knows what it might have originally controlled. Have you pressed it to see what happens??? ‍
     
    #2 Jim Call, Mar 16, 2026 at 4:36 PM
  3. LRO

    LRO Junior Member

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    In Japanese market the Prius can receive live TV on the multimedia display. Of course, not while the vehicle is moving. However, adding a switch like that and a special wire harness to the back of the multimedia display folks can override that restriction and watch TV any time.
     
    #3 LRO, Mar 16, 2026 at 5:21 PM
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Have you tried following the wires to see where they lead???
    GREAT, more distracted drivers.:(:mad:

    Don't tell those "car campers" here in the forum.:cool::LOL::ROFLMAO::sleep:
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Mar 16, 2026 at 6:03 PM
  5. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    Can you follow the wires?

    edit: Or, nitrous? Train horn? Ejection seat?
     
    #5 VelvetFoot, Mar 16, 2026 at 6:04 PM
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2026 at 6:11 PM
    Templeton likes this.
  6. LRO

    LRO Junior Member

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    The mystery switch looks to be this product to me ...



    Definitely a common thing in the Japanese Domestic Market for Toyota to sell factory vehicles with Live TV tuners. Even playing DVDs and getting an HDMI port added to the Multimedia is all available in that market.

    Video available at that link which shows installation. Follow in reverse to do you know what.
     
    #6 LRO, Mar 16, 2026 at 11:29 PM
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2026 at 11:58 PM
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