Distorted dash display

Hey, folks. During one of our warmer days (mid 80s) last week my 2005 Prius was parked in the employee lot, as usual, in the sun. I used a sunshade -- a generic, accordion-fold model sold in auto parts stores. When I got in the car after work, there was a noticeable distortion in the dash display, where the speedometer is. Though the outer surface (what I could touch) was smooth, it looked like a bubble had formed somewhere inside, as though something had gotten warped. When the sunshade was in place, the bottom rested on the dash in front of the display, so the display itself and the section of dash above it were between the sunshade and the windshield. My thought is that the heat buildup between the sunshade and the windshield might have caused something to warp.

I've tried to attach two pictures so you can see it. (Rookie poster here... hope I did it right.) The undistorted pic was taken level with the display. You should be able to see the distortion in the other one, taken at an angle that approximates my normal viewing angle. (Pardon what looks like dust on the display... it's pollen season here!)

I am taking it to the dealer tomorrow. Meanwhile, anyone ever heard of this happening... with or (worse) without a sunshade?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ May 10 2006, 05:30 PM) [snapback]253087[/snapback]</div>

I looked at the Prius-specific sunshade first, but decided to go the cheap route (probable first mistake). The windows were closed (probable second mistake).

 

An update: The dealer will be replacing what they think is the damaged/defective part, which they have to order. Because it's inside the display, they can't say for sure without getting inside of it, which requires taking the dash apart. They understandably don't want to do that until they have the part.

I talked to the technician, first asking if he had ever seen it before. He said no. I asked what could have caused it. He speculated a defective part. I then told him about my theory of the sunshade as a contributor. Though he agreed that was possible, he again said he'd never seen it before, even with cars where sunshades were used.

It will be about 3 weeks before it's fixed, not because of the part delivery time, but because that's how long it will be before they can have a loaner car available (I need to leave it all day). I'll provide an update after that. Meanwhile, thanks aaf709 for your responses.

JK

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tmorrowus @ May 14 2006, 02:32 PM) [snapback]255266[/snapback]</div>

I'd like to agree. I certainly believe Toyota's commitment to quality suggests something other than a design flaw. But it's quite a coincidence that the problem showed up when and how it did.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ May 14 2006, 04:21 PM) [snapback]255332[/snapback]</div>

Impatience, I guess. I think it's tall enough. I had to buy a large model (probably sized to fit a large pickup or SUV) to fit the long Prius windshield, and therefore it was wider than needed. That made it it somewhat clumsy to use, with the extra folds hanging down at both ends. I was content just to get it to cover most of the windshield.

I doubt I'll take another chance with it. Though I can't prove a cause-and-effect relationship, I can't rule it out either. I'll probably toss it in the trash and buy a custom-fit model. Lesson learned.

Thanks for the comments.

JK

 

The repair was completed this past week under warranty. The part they thought was the culprit, and that they ordered the replacement for, was indeed the culprit. They replaced it and my dash display is clear again.

Thanks again to all here who responded.

Jim

 

Galaxee and darelldd: Sorry for the delay in responding; I missed your posts earlier.

I don't know exactly which part it was, other than what they originally thought was bad. I didn't care too much, as long as the problem was fixed.

I will check the paperwork to see if it has an understandable description and get back with you. If all it has is a cryptic description or part number, would you like that? Galaxee, I know your hubby is a Toyota (Prius?) tech, so I'd guess either would help you.

It may be a day or two. It's filed away, I'm working late the next couple of evenings, and I doubt I'll take time to dig it out when I get home. I know you'll understand!

Jim

 

Rest assured, that sunshade won't be arranged that way again... or in any way in my car. Last week I ordered the Canvas Works sunshade via PriusChat. Looking forward to it arriving any time! And looking forward to that tight fit.

Jim

 

Richard and Jack: thanks for the suggestions.

Richard, I am going to wait and see how the Canvas Works shade works for me. Neither local dealer I've been to in my town has anything but the same basic accordion-fold style like auto parts stores sell, at least not on display. I didn't think to ask if they had anything else, but you'd think if they did and wanted to sell them, they would be on display.

Jack, I'll keep your suggestion in mind, and thanks for the link. I struggled enough with spending $30 for a sunshade; I'm not sure I could bring myself to spend $50. I'm a bit of a tightwad!

Thanks again.

Jim