This has happened to me 5-10 times, but today is the worst. Upon starting up the car, FM is on. I hit the power button, CD/Aux, AM buttons, none works. I can adjust the volume knob and frequency tuning knob, and they work. Usually if I turn off the car, and turn it back on, the problem will be gone. But not today. In my 30 minutes commuting back, I turned off the car a few times at red light, but it is the same. When playing, I found that I can turn off radio by holding steering wheel MODE button. But the instrument panel POWER button is still not working. Finally, the buttons on instrument panel start to function all of a sudden, but not by any action from my side. I have thought of talking with dealer, but since I cannot reliably reproduce the problem, plus it is not a life/death issue like played by the Sikes dude, I am afraid that they will tell me go fly a kite. Did this every happen to anybody here? (2009 Prius)
Do take it to the dealer while it is under warranty, even if they cannnot reproduce it, it will be documented that you are reporting this problem.
Hit the stereo faceplate with the palm of your hand (not too hard). The connections appear to be loose. That should give you at least temporary relief.
Thanks folks, haven't thought of bad connection. Just called the dealer, saying that you have to wait until the problem is consistent (radio instrument panel stay failed) - "What if it happens after the warranty expires? - "Then it will be fixed out of warranty." - "Can you log the problem right now so we have a record?" - "Can't now". Good grief.
Simple. Give it a couple days and call back saying that it is now consistent. Have them look at it and write up an inspection report. Keep that paper for later reference.
Search the gen II audio and electronics forum and you will find this is a common problem. It will get worse. If its under warranty the dealer should replace it. Out of warranty? You can remove the radio and reseat the faceplate which is connected to the radio body by a pin type connector. If that doesn't work, salvage radios are available on eBay for under $100. I've had the radio out of my 07 Prius several times. First time took about 30 mintues. Now I can do it in 5. There are instructions somewhere on this site and there is even a video of someone doing it. Good Luck.
