Can I install a new cd player myself?

Having replaced quite a few factory head units (though none on the prius), it really isn't that difficult. There are two key points: first, getting the wires correct (a plug cable would be part of the install kit), and getting it mounted correctly (once again, a mounting bracket would be part of the install kit). If you are looking to do it yourself, go to www.crutchfield.com and search around. if you go to the car adio and select the "find what fits my car" link, you can put in the specifics of your car (you don't have those posted anywhere, so i used my '06 w/ nav) and see the options that fit the car. For me, most of those options have a little exclamation mark saying it requires modification to the car, and recomends you call them for support prior to buying.

When it comes to speedy shipping, low prices, and technical support, i can't speak highly enough about crutchfield. In addition to having equal or cheeper prices than what you can typically find at best buy or the like, they include (free) the harness and wiring stuff you need, plus a printed guide showing all the steps needed to install it.

Calling their tech line is great, the people there are extremely helpful and really know their stuff. when i was installing my sub, i needed to know which wires off the factory amp to tap, and rather than try to describe it to me over the phone (with the possible problems in understanding), they e-mailed me the pinouts and the wire colors, no questions asked. you can't ask for more than that.

So if people here can't answer your question with sufficient knowledge, give them a call and see what they say.

Disclaimer: I do not currently, nor have i ever, worked for crutchfield, nor do i receive any sort of commision or free stuff for hyping them. They are simply the best resource for car audio i've ever encountered.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Apr 19 2006, 09:36 PM) [snapback]242407[/snapback]</div>

I 2nd this posting!!! crutfield is the only place I buy car audio from..

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(falcinator @ Apr 19 2006, 11:28 AM) [snapback]242148[/snapback]</div>

Well, if you happen to live in Colorado and have an 06, I'll trade labor for the install for your old stereo. YES, there is a dash kit available:

http://www.installer-data.com/item/display....php?it=99-8213

I would go this route because you will have two pockets when you are done, and can see the display without opening the door.

Nate

I just found a better price on the kit:

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/998213.html

Nate

 

I would be careful with that, though... not all aftermarket systems are the same size, do unfortunately mounting kits usually aren't a one-size fits all kinda thing...

 

I added a VGA monitor by removing the storage compartment. The only problem I ran into was that you have no mounting brackets to secure the new device. I also had to loose the front cover to allow the screen to extend, but that should not be a problem.

As far as taking the dash apart, the directions on this site are excellent. When removing the right air vent, you want to try pulling it out without removing the other panels that are suggested. They are interlocked so don't do it, remove all the panels in the order that the guides suggest and the dash comes apart easily and if you ever have a problem you will know how to fix it yourself without having to go back to BestBuy.

Have fun,
---Kent

 

The VGA Touchscreen unit I used does not have any facility to use a mounting bracket. Fortunately, the unit fit so tight that I do not have any rattles at this point. I did place a small piece of foam between the normal radio and the VGA screen.

As far as the wiring goes, I used one of the stereo tubes to bring the VGA cable and the USB cable for the touch screen. The tube comes out of the left side of the passenger seat and goes to the bottom near the accessory plug.

All this is for wireless Internet.. I can play phone messages through the car audio system without using a phone. I can also delete messages once I call them back. I do technical support for a living. Believe it or not, I'm taking my eyes off the road less, since I don't have to dial a phone.

---Kent

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(falcinator @ Apr 20 2006, 01:53 PM) [snapback]242791[/snapback]</div>

The 6-cd changer is integrated with the JBL head unit so it won't be an issue of having to remove it if you are installing the new stereo in the storage bin right below the stock stereo should work. The screens I have installed in my Prius and my cousins' are supposedly 1 DIN in size. My cousin's screen was a tighter fit than mine. If holes don't line up when you install the headunit, just drill some new ones into the bracket, and you'll be good to go.

Power for my computer is supplied from the 12V battery in the trunk. The computer doens't need too much cooling. It just sits under the drivers seat. The big hassle is running all the cables and cutting various chunks of the car

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(falcinator @ Apr 20 2006, 03:06 PM) [snapback]242832[/snapback]</div>

haha.. don't worry about those crazy wires.. i just got a picture of it because i haven't seen that many wires in a car before.

installing a new head unit is far less trouble than installing a computer in the car. i'm still not done yet, either... so many more things to install and perfect. the only connection my system has to the stock stereo is the output from the jbl amp going into the line-in on the computer so i can still listen to the hockey game on the AM band of the stereo. I havent used the JBL in a few months now.

 

Falcinator asked me to jump in here. I would have some questions before I would proceed to answer.

1. Do you have JBL, JBL & NAV? If so, do you want to keep the JBL? What year is the car? It sounds like you have JBL since you mention the 6 CD changer, but you can have that without NAV, especially with 2006. I am not sure about 2006, but 2004/2005 you can remove the head unit (and thus might as well remove the amp), though you'll lose the beeps from the MFD. If you do remove the JBL head unit, you have to place a 160 ohm resistor across the Tx+ and TX-, as these are the communications network lines for the audio/visual system, and need to be terminated. This is much like Ethernet.

If you keep the JBL setup, how are you planning to switch over the speakers from the JBL to the 2nd head unit? For JBL, the front tweeter and fullrange are driven separately, so keep that in mind if you are putting the 2 systems in tandem.

Does anyone know if that aftermarket dash kit is for the upper DIN (where the radio currently exists) or for the drawer area under the radio?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32 @ Apr 20 2006, 04:26 PM) [snapback]242871[/snapback]</div>

It must be the upper as it provides a extra pocket for the space below the HU. I'm looking for a kit for the lower space myself for a indash pc monitor.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(falcinator @ Apr 22 2006, 06:15 AM) [snapback]243576[/snapback]</div>

The Aux-Box emulates a CD Changer. The radio in the 04/05 Prius cannot understand two changers, so the built-in changer and Aux Box conflict. I had the iPod2Car and it conflicted with the Factory XM Radio. I don’t think these are well designed devices.
You will need an Aux-in that can emulate a MD changer that the radio understands.
The only one I know of is the Vais Tech SLU.
http://www.vaistech.com/slu.html