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Hard wiring a ground loop isolator in '08 Touring

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by david81, Apr 16, 2008.

  1. david81

    david81 New Member

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    Hello all,

    See as how I am putting off buying some sort of IPOD integration kit for a while. I'd like to eliminate the hiss from the IPOD while charging. I know that I need a ground loop isolator and have seen quite a few to choose from.

    What I'd like to do though, it just integrate the ground loop isolator into the AUX jack to eliminate the clutter in the center console. Too many wires in there already from phone, bluetooth earpiece, gps and ipod.

    Does anyone know of an easy way to get at the back side of the AUX plug so that I can wire in the isolator?

    Any particular recommendations for an isolator that gives the best sound quality? I obviously would only want to do this once.

    Such a shame that Toyota didn't include one in the system already.


    David
     
  2. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Hey, that's a great idea! I hate keeping the isolator in my console too. Such needless clutter.

    It's pretty easy to remove the center console. There are two 10mm hex screws inside the console (toward the rear) and a few on both front sides (you need to first pop out the front piece to reveal the front screws).

    If you do it, let me know how it goes. I'd like to do the same.
     
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    When you do pull the center console, watch out for the wires. They connect to the Aux jack, the power jack, and the SKS antenna. There is a fair amount of play, so you can move the console around a bit, but don't get rammy and yank it out wires and all.

    Tom
     
  4. david81

    david81 New Member

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    Sounds like it should be easy to get to the back of the jack. Was hoping I could just pop out the panel that the jack sits it, but it didn't seem to want to budge when I tried on lunch.

    Now to just figure out which isolator to use. The PAC version that is sold by Crutchfield seems to get decent reviews. Any other suggestions?

    David
     
  5. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    The PAC looks good. I probably will get one myself.

    I currently have the Radio Shack model, which has dual RCA jacks. Although the unit works well, the cabling is a mess because it requires a 3.5mm-to-RCA Y-adapter on both ends. (I was traveling at the time and didn't have much choice).

    Assuming you're using a device that has a 3.5mm jack with this, you could test it out as is before actually splicing the Aux input in your car. If it works then take the next step. Based on all the positive reviews, this should be a good buy.
     
  6. david81

    david81 New Member

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    From a picture I found it appears that there is a nice quick connect within the center console. Would be nice if I could get my hands on the appropriate connectors to just splice onto the isolator and not alter the existing wiring.

    Anyone happen to have access to the TIS that would be willing to look up the appropriate part numbers needed?
     
  7. jtrain73

    jtrain73 New Member

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    I use the PAC one from Crutchfield, works great. Had one from Radio Shack that didn't eliminate the hum.
     
  8. SgtTurtle

    SgtTurtle Junior Member

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    I also have the PAC one from Crutchfield and I am happy with it.
     
  9. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Thanks! I will order mine today to replace the rat's nest in my console. Even without a hard-wiring mod, the 3.5mm connections on the PAC alone will be worth it. Can't believe I hadn't found this solution sooner...
     
  10. GeoGeek

    GeoGeek Member

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    Scosche used to make a really effective one..might want to look into it.
     
  11. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    The only Scosche one I could find has RCA connectors, so that won't help.

    But I did find this Seidio model that, interestingly, has a 3.5mm jack on one end and a 2.5mm jack on the other. So if you have a device that has a 2.5mm plug for audio out, this should save you a lot of space.

    Seidio Ground Loop Isolator @ store.msmobiles.com
     
  12. david81

    david81 New Member

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    Seeing as how it was a beautiful day today, I was able to get out and pull the console up to get a look at what I'm dealing with under there. Snapped a couple of photos of the connector that I'll need to do what I want. If anyone has an idea of where I might come by the needed parts, please let me know.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Also, if anyone has a clue as to which wire is which, that would be great as well.


    Thanks in advance,

    David
     
  13. SparrowHawk60

    SparrowHawk60 Happy to be green!

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    How about one from Radio Shack, and mount it right on top of the "Little" battery if it will fit. (That's where mine is in my Honda, works fine there.

    Maybe one would fit under the passenger side seat next to the amp (if so equipped)?
     
  14. david81

    david81 New Member

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    Seems as though there is actually a TSB (2810) out there on this issue for the 04-07 model years. Toyota has a nice little filter designed to fit right in the path.

    What are the chances of the dealer honoring that on an 08 model with the same problem?
     
  15. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    Thanks for the heads up on the TSB. After searching the GreenHybrid site I finally found the pdf. Looks like it applies to 2006-2007 model years only. No mention if this issue was fixed in the 08 (I assume not), as this TSB was issued in late August 2007.

    Anyhow, the file is attached for anyone who's interested. And here's the link to US TSB-AU004-07 from GreenHybrid.
     

    Attached Files:

  16. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    I bought the one from radio shack. It fixed the hiss I got from my car pc. I wish I knew about this TSB before I bought the ground loop isolatior. :( Looks like I might have to make an appointment at my local dealer. I wonder if they will give me the part to install myself.
     
  17. mrblaise

    mrblaise Go Lakers!!

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    I just called my dealer and spoke with the service department about this TSB. I told them about the noise I experience when using my IPOD wit the auxialary port. He said he'd honor the TSB under my warranty and install the parts on my new 2008. I'll go in and have it done next weekend as my dealer's service department is open on weekends. Thanks for the heads-up guys!!!
     
  18. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    I took my car in yesterday for an oil change and asked them to look into the Aux problem. I mentioned the TSB to them but they didn't act like they'd ever heard about it. So I left the car there and went back to the office.

    About an hour later they called me back and said that indeed there was a TSB on it, that they had ordered the needed parts and would call me to bring the car back in another time to have it installed.

    The moral of the story: if you'd like to have this fixed in your car, call your dealership, explain the problem, the TSB number and the required parts so they could order it ahead of time, instead of wasting your time going there only to find out they don't have the parts in stock.
     
  19. ad78

    ad78 New Member

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    the PAC is your answer! i dont know if this setup will match your criteria.
    i think the PAC is 3ft long with the cord and plus 3ft long on the aux cable. enough to hide the cord on passenger side and hide down to all weather mats going to 12V socket. from there, i removed the vent just to hide the auto-pilot and goes outside to the air vent.

    PAC is amazing product. no whinning sound even your volume goes up to 50!

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  20. zenMachine

    zenMachine Just another Onionhead

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    I already have a PAC and I agree that it works as advertised. But I'd still like to have a permanent fix since this is a Toyota defect.