Stealth install an aftermarket stereo in Prius

Can you post this procedure for all of us, please.

 

Install pics, please? Also, do you think it would be possible to install an in-dash DVD receiver with a motorized screen in this location? Or does the unit sit too far back so that the screen wouldn't be able to straighten completely?

 

of course if it is small enough. Measure the dimensions of the DVD player first before you buy it. But, yes some poeple have been able to fit DVD players in that compartment

 

That's not what I meant. DIN size is going to be DIN size, with perhaps variation in the depth. What I'm curious about is, when the screen slides out of the receiver, will it slide out far enough to clear the stock radio above it.

Basically, when the screen is out, will it look like "-/" or "-\" and "-|", where the "-" is the bottom ridge of the stock stereo above, and the slashes are the DVD screen. I know the DVD receivers have adjustable screen angles, but will it slide out far enough to get a proper viewing angle...

 

I have a 2002 Prius (~110K miles!) and the CD player conked out 1-2 years ago (doesn't read CDs, just spits em out). As suggested by Toyota dealer and encouraged by postings, I looked for an aftermarket deck. (didn't want to spend inflated Toyota price for so-so deck). Went to Best Buy and had a Sony MEX-BT2600 CD player (Bluetooth, detachable faceplate) installed yesterday. They replaced the basic CD player that was below the tape player, and had to remove the plastic door because the unit stuck out a bit.

BUT driving home realized that (a) I now seemingly have "infinite" mpg (the screen shows bogus data on mileage) and (b) I can't even read the Cd/tuner controls because the angle is so steep from driver side the blue LED is not visible (curiously, it's fine from passenger seat). The installer had said he would have to disable the tape player (goodbye to those pre-iPod cassette mix tapes of my youth), but I did not expect to have the readouts completely FUBARed.

I'm seeing dealer today for oil and maintenence so will ask him about the wiring. My questions:
* How to make Prius screen and aftermarket stereo happy together?
* How to fix visibility on Sony deck?
* If I can't make Sony display visible, is there another unit that would work better?
* Is there a reputable place in Sacramento/Davis CA area that can do this? (I'm an ecologist, but not a mechanic too like F8L)

I hope we can fix before our road trip to Seattle and BC end of week.

R

 

Update on my previous post - the dealer's Prius mechanic was able to fix the wiring done by Best Buy to allow the upper display to work properly (show accurate fuel consumption). But cassette player will have to remain out of the loop (so much for books on tape). Strangely, this mechanic had never seen an aftermarket stereo installation. That's seems odd to me, given the plethora of Priuses (Priuii?) I see in Davis.

I'm happy to have a CD player again and will play with the bluetooth phone. Just have to memorize the buttons and tuner presets, because it's still nearly impossible to read the display in sunlight with the deck placed so low.

 

I tried my own stealth install, except I completely removed the hinged door for easier access (not as stealthy). The opening was a little small so I had to cut the plastic to fit the cage for the head unit, but it worked out.

 

anybody have an idea if this works for 2001? i would like to install a sony too....or the next possible install

 

How do I wire the jvc KD-AVX2 into my Prius with the display and still be able to see the factiry display?

 

I have a JVC deck as well and I'm wondering what I need to do to my 2007 Prius to install it in that empty spot below the factory radio. If someone could provide a simple step-by-step tutorial with some info about what tools are needed, it'd be greatly appreciated.

 

I had to do some cutting and grinding on the factory radio bracket to fit a standard size Sony CD player, so it's not exactly simple, but doable if you have patience. You mostly just need a Philips screwdriver, 10mm socket/ratchet, Dremel tool for cutting metal bracket and shaving plastic trim on the new stereo, and wire cutting/crimping tools. An aftermarket stereo adapter is recommended, so you don't have to cut into the factory wires. Leave the other factory stereo plug plugged into the factory stereo so your AC controls and MPG display will still work (extra resistor not needed if you do this).

I'm sure you can find instructions for removing the stereo somewhere on this site. Mainly you just work your way from left to right removing the vents and dash trim, then the radio can be easily removed with a 10mm socket, and the lower tray has philips screws I think. Once you try it you'll see disassambling and reassembling the dash is easy.

 

I'm trying to this install into my 04 JBL equip Prius. Does anyone have any wiring diagrams for the factory head unit at all? Or any helpful pics of the wiring of the back of the factory head unit?

Thanks

 

See attached wiring diagram of the JBL stereo.

 

F8L: Way awesome install. If you could give a step by step, I would totally do this to my 2007 Base Prius. If email works for you, it's my handle rxmxsh at yahoo dot com. That same stereo is on Amazon for $129 now, lol. I am a fan of Kenwood.

 

I'm VERY interested in doing this. I would say once I have a little more in-depth instructions, I'll do this in a heartbeat.

 

I too am interested in any kind of help specific to the actual stereo install. I read through the metra pdf so taking the dash apart is no biggie. But if you could provide even a pic or two of how you mounted the stereo onto the factory bracket, that would be a tremendous help.