Stereo dead

discipline! hehe.. just kidding..

sound like a problem... insurance? time to go aftermarket?

you could always find a used one on ebay... there are a few people on here who fix and sell them too.

 

Have you decided on a stereo, Jeff?

 

With the popping, I suspect it's dead. However, check the fuse: if it blew, it might well have saved the radio, though before replacing the fuse, you'll almost certainly have to remove the radio and physically open it up in order to remove the penny (though you just might be able to shake it out).

If you can't/don't want to fix it and don't want to go with an aftermarket stereo, and this is the non-JBL version, let me know--I just removed one from my car to replace it with a Pioneer, and I'd be happy to sell it to you cheap.

 

Yes. Too bad you didn't live closer or I' d helps you installed it. It's pretty easy once you have done it before. Feel free to call me if you run into problems. I'll pm you my number.

 

The stock stereo does suck. The PAC you're going to need is probably SWI-JACK (the "K" in there is for Kenwood), but the Axxess ASWC is universal and people seem to like it better, though I seem to recall that there are some special instructions (posted on the Axxess website) for Kenwood stereos. The problem is the documentation for the '04-'09 Prius is more or less wrong, but I just installed one, and I'll post a report with instructions within the next day or two (there's already a thread with instructions for it, but the wiring given there didn't work for me). Either of those things only handles the steering wheel remote controls; you'll also need a harness adapter for for the normal radio things, and yet another adapter (which comes with the Sosche mounting kit) to make the ASWC or SWI-JACK work with the radio (assuming, in both cases, you don't want to cut the wires off the factory harnesses). Check the thread "How To: Upgrade Head Unit (Kenwood eXcelon DNX6960)" for details.

Finally, unless you do the "stealth" install (might want to check that thread as well) under the current unit, where the storage pocket is now, you'll need the above-mentioned Sosche adapter kit, which fills in the gaps in the dash with two plastic side pieces and, with a single-DIN HU like the X995, a second storage pocket above the first one, as well as giving you the aforementioned adapter (which, in addition to allowing you to plug in the the new steering wheel remote unit, adds the resistor that keeps the climate controls working after the old radio is disconnected).

 

OK, let me post that right now.