Wonder if anyone can help? I recently got my hands on a 04 Prius which is a Japanese import. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to convert the touch screen display and voice over to the English language? I tried a Toyota dealer, but he was not to sure, so i thought i would ask on the forum. This is my first Prius ,and my Japanese is improving but any info on this would be appreciated to make life easier
Well, I have to wonder how you got a Prius that speaks Japanese, and dispays Kanji in Ireland???? But then, me being a Sullivan and all, I should just have another round, and not worry about it!!! I would think that if you figured out where the memory RAM chip that has the "Voice Data" in it is, you could order a "English" chip.. As far as the MFD, there again, the RAM chip with "English" display data should be swapable. The trouble is, Toyota does not seem to be big on selling individual components , but rather "assemblys" that cost Hundreds, if not Thousands of bucks to replace!!! Interesting problem........... let us know how you make out!!!
Thanks for that, I must be the only Scotsman in ireland with a Japanese speaking Prius!!only in Ireland id end up with a Prius thats laughing at me in Japanese Ill look into what you said, I wonder if i found a Prius that was breaking, it would be ok to transfer chips?? or would you think that would have complications??
You could try swapping in a used MFD from a salvage yard to see if that works. However don't be surprised if it doesn't. I am wondering if you have trouble with the FM radio band.
Well Laddie, if you are going to go to a parts yard, you need to figure what part of the electonics contol the voice. I woud then look at the boards in my car, well you car, and take some pics. When you go to the car yard, look for the boards in question, compare the boards to the pics, if the connectors seem to be the same, and the board looks the same, and it's in the same model series, buy the boards and swap them out. I would think at that point you hearing and seeing english. Usualy manufacturers make a piece that fits a majority of the auto line, with subtle differences like , having a Voice Ram Chip for English, Japanese etc. Maybe your local dealer can do some research to find part numbers, which are always on the boards. If you get the part number for the english version that makes the search easier.
I believe they use flash memory for voice data these days instead of a replaceable chip. TechOnline | Prius' navigation unit bridges automotive, CE Ken@Japan
The FM Radio works but have to tune in to a different Frequency to get my local station.Have problems with the TV as well, can just make out one local station? dont know if there is a link?
If you have a look up of Prius Easter Eggs, there's a Diagnostic menu you can get into by turning the headlights on and off while holding down the info button, and from there, there's another menu which includes a Destintation - I wonder if changing that would change any of the settings? Picture is here under "Model Info" - andrew.daviel.org/prius/egg.html - but again, I haven't tried since my Prius's current home matches its destination.
