Question about after market upgrades/wiring

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Elliander, May 3, 2017.

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  1. Elliander

    Elliander New Member

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    We bought a 2013 Prius used. All the ones with plug in options or had any additional options were roughly twice as expensive in our area. I was hoping someone could answer some questions we have been having about adding options?

    1.) We'd like to have plug in options though, and eventually want a 10 kw battery, but for right now our budget is strained and wanted to at least have a plug in and be ready to add a battery later. We were wondering if doing so would have any benefit? Aside from being exempt from emissions testing, that is, which we are not worried about. I mean, the Prius' own battery isn't lithium ion, right? So can it even be charged directly if a plug is added while we wait for the funds to add the battery? and are there any instructional videos on doing this I can watch before trying it myself?

    2.) I read about after market solar panels. I realize that would not have a huge benefit, but if it's at all possible I'd want to plan for it eventually. Is it?

    3.) We want to install a GPS tracker that plugs into the OBD2 socket, but are concerned about a potential thief just yanking it out. One idea I had was to use a Y splitter, run one end back into the wiring where the GPS can sit, and the other end facing out, but the socket looks pretty secure. Is there any good way to access that area and if I can is there enough slack to do something similar? Or else some other way to split the signal? Or even some other location we can draw power from even with the car is turned off?

    4.) We found an interesting product that replaces the rear view mirror with a dash cam that looks identical, but mentions something about an ACC power draw so we don't have to wire anything to it. Can someone elaborate on what that is? Why would there be wires going to that area?

    5.) Where are all the different places that have some form of power draw options hidden?

    6.) A dealership is willing to add heated seats for a few hundred dollars, but do they actually replace the seats or add a wire? Similar question for other options. We see the place for the buttons, so don't know what it entails for them to add options after market. I mean, are they actually going to physically replace the entire seats? or are they just going to add a cheap wire that I could do myself?

    7.) Our prius doesn't have buttons for automatic lane correction on the steering wheel as indicated in the manual. We are actually totally fine with not having these options and consider the feature to be more of a danger than an assist, but are we really missing the feature? Or just a way to turn it off? Note that aside from a short test drive, we haven't driven it yet since we are waiting on paperwork with the state and insurance to be in the clear, but it's something we are concerned about.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Elliander, May 3, 2017
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    SMH, you're buying a used car, so you should be getting a discount due to depreciation. Sounds like you should be getting a different/higher trim level with the bells and whistles you want, or a plug in vehicle with all the bells and whistles.
     
    #2 xliderider, May 3, 2017
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Enough power to move your car is enough power to kill you. Be extremely paranoid about installing and using that kind of power. (Also this is why most companies that try go out of business, insurance to cover liability exceeds assets)

    Toyota's Gen 3 solar panels did not make enough power to recharge either the Big battery or the 12 volt battery. All it was able to power was a ventilation fan to blow outside air into the cabin when off.
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, May 3, 2017
  4. Elliander

    Elliander New Member

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    As I said, all the other cars available in our region was twice as expensive. Also had far more mileage. For what was available, we bought what we could. Doesn't really answer our questions though.



    I am aware of that. Doesn't really help. If I wasn't cautious I wouldn't ask and gather information.

    While that is useful information, that is likely to do with the limitations of solar panels of that time. I was more curious about after market in that case to charge an after market extra battery.
     
    #4 Elliander, May 3, 2017
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Doing it right costs too much (according to you) so you want a half assed answer. While trying not to get you killed, I point out that all the guys who tried to provide a half assed answer were sued out of existence, leaving orphaned owners with no way to get support. You feel this is not helpful. It is your money to waste, it is your life to risk.

    Plug In Supply | Plug-In Upgrades for the Toyota Prius
    Enginer | Solar Powered Prius Plug-in PHEV Conversion Kit with Lithium-Ion | Hybrid
     
    #5 JimboPalmer, May 3, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome, and congrats on your new prius!

    i would start by getting to know it inside and out. after you are comfortable with the features it does have, then you can start thinking about modifications. and btw, there is a separate forum for mods, with lots of great threads, ideas and advice.

    to answer your questions specifically:

    1) unfortunately, you cannot convert your prius into a plug in. the best thing to do is save up until you can afford one. toyota has a new model out now that only costs $20,000. if you want to fly out here and buy one and drive it home. or, their previous model is available used for around $12-13,000.

    2) the only worthwhile solar panels are the ones you put on your roof.

    3) can't help with 3, 4 or 5, sorry.

    6) aftermarket heated seats are seat covers i believe.

    7) your car does not have auto lane correction. the manuals are printed to cover all the optional features on a model.

    8) get to know your new prius and enjoy it, all the best!(y)
     
    #6 bisco, May 3, 2017
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  7. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    I would rate the level of difficulty for this mod as being extremely high. Youtube does have this Hymotion video:



    Is this somewhat like what you have in mind? I should mention that (to my understanding) working with high-voltage DC is a specialty in itself, that even a normal electrician is not qualified. (YMMV) I have a mostly fearless attitude about customizing cars, but I won't monkey with the traction battery, because I just don't believe I'm good enough.
    .

    What do you want to do with these panels?

    Why do you want the OBD port involved?

    Find something that just runs by itself without getting the CANBUS involved. Hook it up directly to the battery. Run an antenna up inside the trim of one of the roof pillars. Problem solved.

    Some Toyotas have powered mirrors. My 2012 has power up near the rear view mirror.
     
    #7 kenmce, May 14, 2017
  8. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    I would not interfere in Prius Electric system, or would keep it to minimum. I have heard horror stories about frying an inverter just because a guy has connected lit up taxi sign incorrectly to power supply
     
    #8 Terror404, May 17, 2017
  9. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    Concerning rear view mirror cam.I have installed it myself on my previous 2010 prius. pretty straightforward installation process, just make sure you feed the camera and the mirror from your rear marker light in the taillight. That means when you select rear gear, the light will feed both camera and the display.
     
    #9 Terror404, May 17, 2017
  10. Terror404

    Terror404 Junior Member

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    And one more thing, I would suggest using wired transmitter rather than wireless, it is more fuss to install it but worth it as it fails not as often as wireless and it is easy to diagnose as well
     
    #10 Terror404, May 17, 2017
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I just want to mention that Hymotion is one of those companies that is out of business. That segment of the market mainly got satisfied by the Plugin Prius and now the Prius Prime.
     
    #11 Prodigyplace, May 17, 2017
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