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Installing CarPlay / Android Auto stereo in Prius Prime Plus

Discussion in 'Prime Audio, Electronics, and Infotainment' started by dcantat, May 24, 2019.

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  1. dcantat

    dcantat Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Let me start off by saying this went easier than I expected. I do have experience in soldering and minor electric work but that was the only technical aspect, and this was straight forward and easy. I have completed this process and can assure you this works. Oh and if you need to check if parts are compatible with your Prius Prime Plus, just leave off the prime part and calls it a regular Toyota Prius.

    Parts list:
    Pioneer w4400nex stereo
    Metra Mounting Kit (kit to adapt opening to standard double din)
    Maestro RR main unit (this makes your steering wheel and other features work with the new radio)
    Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adaptor (if you ever want to listen to the radio again)
    USB Port Retention Cable ( makes the port in the center console keep working)
    Maestro HRN-RR-TO2 Plug and Play T-Harness for TO2 Toyota Vehicles ( connects everything together)

    Optional
    Parking Brake Bypass Video in Motion Interface Module ( this only matters if you want the same features to work when parked as when driving, technically not legal)

    I'll continue in the reply with steps and photos, have to get dinner now and there is no way to save in progress.


    Teaser pic:
     
    #1 dcantat, May 24, 2019
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  2. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    I am guessing the swap only works for Plus model with the small head unit. Do you know if there is any option for the large 11.6 inch display swap?
     
    #2 Salamander_King, May 25, 2019
  3. dcantat

    dcantat Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I know nothing of that car, Plus only here.
     
    #3 dcantat, May 27, 2019
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  4. dcantat

    dcantat Junior Member

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    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Step 1.

    Remove the black plastic trim. This can by done with strong hands or careful usage of panel removal tools. I began on the bottom corner near the start button and worked carefully along the bottom edge then pulled up. See photos for further reference of pressure based clips. No screws or twists of any kind hold this on.


    Where the passenger side separates.
    IMG_2688.JPG

    Where the top separates
    IMG_2682.JPG


    Backside once removed.

    IMG_2689.JPG


    After the trim is unclipped there are three electrical connectors to remove and one twist mount that just holds wires in place.


    This is one of the steps that had me the most concerned because I knew if this went poorly the project would be stalled until I could replace the trim. Also I didn't know what wires were connected to the trim.
     
    #4 dcantat, May 27, 2019
  5. kellyj

    kellyj Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    XLE

    Thanks for this! I just bought a 2019 Prius xle and plan on doing something similar asap, How well does the head unit work with wireless android auto? Would you recommend it? Thanks!
     
    #5 kellyj, Jun 22, 2019
  6. kellyj

    kellyj Junior Member

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    Also hows the head unit amp and factory speakers sound or did you do any speaker or amp upgrades? Thanks!
     
    #6 kellyj, Jun 22, 2019
  7. will the engineer

    will the engineer Active Member

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    wth is a prius xle?
     
    #7 will the engineer, Jun 27, 2019
  8. will the engineer

    will the engineer Active Member

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    following this thread because I want to do this
     
    #8 will the engineer, Jun 27, 2019
  9. Prius from Dad

    Prius from Dad Senior Member

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    Model:
    Prime Premium
    XLE is the new designation for Premium. LE is Plus and Limited is Advanced.
     
    #9 Prius from Dad, Jun 27, 2019
  10. kellyj

    kellyj Junior Member

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    to my knowledge and without looking it up - toyota has renamed the prius trim levels for 2019 to match the remainder of its fleet - thus prius, prius le, prius xle, prius limited. instead of I,II,III,IV
     
    #10 kellyj, Jun 27, 2019
  11. will the engineer

    will the engineer Active Member

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    baby steps! standrized their trim level names...now if toyota could only make their hybirds more "normal" looking
     
    #11 will the engineer, Jun 28, 2019
  12. TDIPWR

    TDIPWR Junior Member

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    Prime Plus
    Thanks for sharing, would you mind sharing the rest of the install guide? Or is it just that straight forward? Do you lose any stock features that we might miss? I am very interested in doing this.
     
    #12 TDIPWR, Aug 1, 2019
  13. kellyj

    kellyj Junior Member

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    I just had this kenwood dmx905s installed - liked it because it had the features I wanted (android auto - wireless coming soon hopefully), capacitive touch screen and felt it matched the piano black dash as it has large glass front and glossy buttons. Start up fast a d so far I am very happy with the sound improvement and overall functionality.
     

    Attached Files:

    #13 kellyj, Aug 7, 2019
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  14. kellyj

    kellyj Junior Member

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    Btw I paid $150 for the install not including parts.
     
    #14 kellyj, Aug 7, 2019
  15. Jamesb93612

    Jamesb93612 Member

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    #15 Jamesb93612, Aug 8, 2019
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2019
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  16. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
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    Looks like it's a new product that hasn't been released to the public yet.
     
    #16 evpv, Aug 8, 2019
  17. TDIPWR

    TDIPWR Junior Member

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    Prime Plus
    Have you missed any of the functionality of the stock unit? Looks like it fits in well overall.
     
    #17 TDIPWR, Aug 21, 2019
  18. kellyj

    kellyj Junior Member

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    XLE
    Haven't missed anything, seems like everything is available on other screen. I am extremely happy with the install and functionality...
    It is a huge improvement to say the least!
     
    #18 kellyj, Sep 3, 2019
    mathewjg, TDIPWR, Leadfoot J. McCoalroller and 1 other person like this.
  19. etdweasel

    etdweasel Junior Member

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    Curious how you access the touchscreen-based settings that were only accessible from the OEM head unit?
     
    #19 etdweasel, Sep 28, 2019
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