Howdy! I have a new shiny silver 2010 base model II Prius, no bluetooth or anything special. I have used the aux port with my iPhone and it does a fine job (the cable has a magnetic shield so the quality is good), however, I would like to control the iPhone with the steering wheel arrow buttons. Has anyone done this? Is there a special cable that works with the aux jack? Thanks!
I like the idea but I have never heard of such an implementation for the base radio. Here is something that might work if you don't find anything. Scosche Wireless RF Remote for Ipod and Iphone. Fits on the wheel and it's does not need an IR receiver to operate. theistore.com/scosche-wireless-rf-remote-for-ipod-and-iphone My account does not allow links yet but you get the idea.
The Gen II Prius had a dealer option for iPod control. There was also a couple of after-market options. I was under the impression that the Gen III had iPod control, but only with the better audio package. I'll have to let one of the Gen III owners confirm that. Tom
With the NAV and USB Port you have some sort of iPhone control. But the extent to which you can control the iPod Functions differs from continent to continent. The US Version should be OK, European is inferior.
This is not the case in the U.S. I have a Prius V with Navigation, and while I can play the iPhone via either bluetooth, or a cable in the AUX port, niether of these options allows for me to 'control' anything other than my system volume. Additionally, if using the Wireless Bluetooth Audi streaming, I can get a 'Play' or 'Pause' my screen, but that is the extent of my ability to 'control' the iPhone/iPod Touch. I am not aware of any bluetooth options on an iPod by itself.
There's not a cable to do what you want to do. I have the Model III (non-nav), and I use this: LiquidAUXâ„¢ Deluxe for iPhone and iPod - K33430US - Kensington It has its own little remote that attaches to the steering wheel, and works great...
Somewhat off topic, but I just found out the Gen III base audio package will not allow you to select AUX unless something is plugged into the AUX port. I had accidentally pulled the iPod cable out of the AUX port and last Saturday tried to select it without success. At first I was angry because I thought it was a glitch with the audio controls. I eventually figured it out and plugged the cable back in. The description of the optional Prius iPod interface did not sound so wonderful so I did not pay for the upgrade. I've yet to see the controls on any car present an adequate interface. So far I just place the iPod in the cup holder to directly access the controls. It's not very elegant as the cable leads back into the center arm rest storage, but it gets the job done.
This is the case with all the factory installed radios on this generation of Prius. I have the Gen III Prius V, with Navi, and I also cannot select AUX unless something is plugged into this port. This is a feature, not a bug. To fix this, simply have something lugged into the AUX input in your car.
There is a cable called liquid aux. It plugs into power, aux, and your ipod. It includes a wireless remote that you can velcro to your steering wheel. I used this for awhile and it works well, but some ipods will discharge when the car is off if you don't manually turn them off. To get full integrated control, you need to replace the head unit. Its less expensive than you think, and fairly easy to DIY. You will need to pay for a steering adapter cable, and cable ends to your existing plugs, and a dash adapter kit approximately $100, plus the cost of a head unit. There are lots of options for ipod control, bluetooth, cameras, nav, etc.
Unless...you pair your audio input via Bluetooth. Then you can access your iPod wirelesly by selecting the AUX button or by selecting Bluetooth on the nav. audio screen.