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Isthis space open behind the dash?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by PixelRogue, Jul 17, 2016.

  1. PixelRogue

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    Need a way to hide the majority of the smartphone cable...smartphone mounted to a magentic vent mount. Love the setup, but hate the dangling cable.

    Thinking about drilling a hole just large enough as an exit port for the cable. Dash is pretty open and empty - curious about one specific spot left of the first vent located above the radio. Is this space open? If I drill a hole will the cable easily run through? Do not mind a partially visible cable sown by the cigarette lighter port.

    Related question. Any professional tips on drilling, or ways to make the finished product look professional? Tiny rubber grommet to polish the modification older example?
     

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    #1 PixelRogue, Jul 17, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2016
  2. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

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    When I want to hide as much cable as possible, I run it from under the driver's side footwell, up the A-pillar, and connect it to the device that is tucked as far into the corner of the windshield as possible. I have an Ultragauge connected this way in a different vehicle.

    I would guess that location is open, but don't take my word for it.

    I just don't think it's necessary to drill another hole considering the options to run a wire up the A-pillar or through a vent or other seam
     
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  3. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    I'd have to agree with @Redpoint5. Lots of ways to run a cable without drilling holes. My favorite is along the steering column and use black cables for those devices that need to be within reach. For those devices that are just for monitoring or passive control (AKA Bluetooth) then follow @Redpoint5's advise.


    Unsupervised!
     
  4. PixelRogue

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    Preference is to NOT drill. The phone is mounted to a vent mount above the radio - ideal location. The only other spot I can imagine for the cable would be through the vent itself. Expect the vent, though, would be a closed system. No way to run a cable without disturbing that system or delivery of the temperature system; temperatures may impact the cable itself.

    Windshield is too far from mount location. Cable easily runs up through steering wheel space, yet still quite a distance for a dangling cable. Preference would be through the vent and everything could be easily hidden and no real disturbance to the vehicle.

    The phone mount is shown in the photo with the MPOW logo.
     
  5. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

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    I wonder if there is a way to sneak a cable from where the vent ducting meets the vent without drilling? I'm not seeing any images in a quick google search of the dash removed, but there should be a way to route the cable between the duct and where the vent face connects. A small hole should remain hidden and not impact the cooling system if one was needed.

    I'm running a micro-USB cable from the cigarette outlet from the passenger side all of the way to the top of my windshield to power a dash cam. It's not pretty, and I'll have to think about how to better route the cable, but it works for now.
     
  6. PixelRogue

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    The usb cable is round, and the few seams are pretty tight. Think passing a cable through a dashboard seam would create a permanent gap and make the dash appear damaged or weaked over time.

    Yes, would like to run the cable somehow through the vent - your idea of where the vent and air system meet. Have looked at dahsboard diagrams but not recognizing any information to help resolve the puzzle. Hoping someone who has removed the dash before might chime know.
     
  7. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

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    It might help to get a flat cable.

    [​IMG]
     
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  8. PixelRogue

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    Nice find. Thank you.

    Yes, think there is a viable seam where the vent meets the dash (and slightly pliable enough for a cable.) Looks like I'd need to remove a cover panel that surrounds the head unit to access. In theory it does not look that hard. I am apprehensive of removing panels incase a clip snaps or some other type of damage.

    Any novices remove the dash panels without issue? Have a bunch of turorials and such - any special gotcha's or tips?
     
  9. prifahrer

    prifahrer Junior Member

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    I have the same vent mounted magnet. I routed the cable through an existing hole in the bottom of the flying bridge (or how that thing separating my spouse and me is called). removed the panel surrounding head unit etc, the cable pops out from under this frame, just below the vent opening. No drilling involved and i see just the 3-5 cm of cable needed to connect the phone.

    That frame can easily be taken off, just carefully lift it. I started near the shifter.
     
  10. PixelRogue

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    That is exactly what I have been contemplating. Able to attach a photo or two if convenient?
    I have instructions on how to remove but haven't yet tried - was it easy?
     
  11. prifahrer

    prifahrer Junior Member

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    Very easy, have had it removed 3 times now, no damage. Will post some photos once we have daylight in Croatia.
     
  12. prifahrer

    prifahrer Junior Member

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  13. PixelRogue

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  14. PixelRogue

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    Redpoint5 likes this.
  15. Jorge Aguirre

    Jorge Aguirre New Member

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    I use the same setup but I put it on the left side vent, I run the cable from the plug in the center over the steering wheel and fit it on the phone, it's fairly unseen.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.