I've got 2004 and 2005 Priuses, and I really need an AUX input in each. An iPod input would also work. I do not want to add a new head unit. I'd like to spend less than $100. I just want to plug an interface into the back of the existing system, and let it pretend to be a CD Changer, MD player, whatever. I ordered one from Ebay, and it wasn't recognized; the Metra Axxess TYIP-01 is mislabeled and doesn't actually work with the 04/05 Prius. Is there a solution that WORKS? Please do not reply "Replace the head unit with aftermarket." That's not what I'm looking for. I like the simplicity of the Prius interface, and don't want to re-do the wiring in the dash. Thanks!
I know there's something available you can put on. I have a 2005 that's in my possession at the moment and it has an ipod connection added to it. It has the stock radio. It's not my car so I'm not sure how it was done, but it's certainly possible.
I've heard good things about the GROM aux-in box, I'm probably going to go that route for my 2008 Base.
I am happy to report that the GROM Audio IPD3 does work with the Prius. It pretends to be a CD changer. All is well. On ebay it is "or best offer" and was accepted at $70.01 including shipping.
I have a 2004. Are there any other options other than the grom? The reviews for the grom are very poor.
I don't have this, so I can't vouch for it — but I found it when I was looking for Bluetooth audio solutions.
You can buy a brand new single-DIN aftermarket radio with CD/MP3, AUX input and USB for ~$100 (less if you look around). $70 only to get AUX input functionality is less bang for the buck IMO. But to each their own... if an AUX port is all you need, perhaps there's no reason to spend the extra cash.
I uncovered one of those old things and tried it in my stock radio - didn't work. Every few seconds, I could hear the motor trying to reverse direction on the "tape", and I never heard any sound.
I need an AUX port too, so that disappoints me... and those FM transmitters are garbage... they sound like a ham radio.
$25 on Amazon gets you an aftermarket radio with AUX input, USB & SD card slots. A $50 radio adds on CD/CD-R playing capacity. The necessary harness and connectors will cost no more than $15. I think the OP would be best served by just picking up a new radio & enjoying the vastly enhanced functionality.
I have a grom audio adapter. 100 shipped. Works perfect. No issues USB and Android Car Kits | iPod, iPhone, AUX Car Adapters | Bluetooth Hands Free Car Adapters | Bluetooth Car Kits Standard aux in- 100. Bluetooth 149 Plugs in as cd changer
Except the OP stated they specifically don't want to remove the radio. Aftermarket radios look like crap IMHO unless you get an integrated double din for 700.00
Actually, I was talking about doing a stealth install, which does not involve removing the stock head unit. I apologize, as I should have been more clear in this regard. Does this refer to putting a single DIN radio in place of the stock radio, thereby only taking up 1/2 of the stock radio's space, or doing a stealth installation in the pocket underneath the stock radio? Or do you think they both look like crap? I did the latter, and think it looks pretty nice (see photos)
You need to open up the cassette and remove the gears inside that the auto reverse uses. Then you'll have no problem with it henceforth. How to cure car cassette adapter "auto-reverse flip-flop"
Thanks for the tip. Perhaps those that are simply looking to add an AUX port will benefit from this modification. As for me, I was more interested in getting mp3/USB functionality without having to deal with external devices and cords. I already had a single DIN radio from my previous car, so I just moved it to my Prius. It was a bit surprising to me that head unit in my 2005 Prius with JBL (which is not a cheap option from what I've read) had no mp3 functionality - just radio, cassette and standard audio CD. Mp3 was a very accepted standard by 2005. But I digress... I wish the OP the best of luck with his audio system, and hope that he is able to find a satisfactory and economical solution.
I too have the "top of the line" JBL sound system for 2005. In 2006, the aux input was added. I, for one, want to keep my Prius all original equipment. Who knows, it might be a collectible car 20 years from now. It's amazing how rapidly tech is changing. Except for hard disk drives on my core i7 PC, everything else I'm using today is flash memory. I don't ever play the music CDs that I bought from 1984 to 2002. I still have a Sansui direct drive turntable that I bought in 1980. I haven't used it in a couple of years but it's ready to spin any time I'm ready. I haven't converted all of my LPs to mp3 that I want to yet. A chore for my retirement years, perhaps.
Immensely helpful, thank you. I just bought one of these on eBay as a quick solution for my 2004 ($7)... Looks like it's time to do some tinkering!
The single din in place of the stock stereo-bad Double- good, but easily seen and stolen. Stealth- awesome! I just researched this and it looks great! Wow!