Disabling the Reverse Sound Effect

Using the OBDII port to maintain "memory" means you are applying 12V to whatever terminal on that port has that function. It's there to "measure the system voltage" and to supply some small current to whatever OBDII device is being used. You are putting current into that pin in the reverse direction. IF that current path goes through something expensive, AND you manage to drop the positive battery terminal on the chassis, higher current than intended could flow through that something expensive, such as the computer. Maybe there's a diode. One can only hope.

If you are using the "boost point", you have connected a small battery to it, perhaps (I use an "alarm system" gel cell one). If you drop the positive battery terminal on the chassis all you do is short the gel cell battery (there is only wire between the battery terminal and the "boost point". Probably no damage.

With either way, you are applying 12V to the positive system cable. Via OBDII it could go through the computer. Via the "boost point" it just goes from the "boost point" to the battery positive connector.

Bottom line, be very careful when "saving the memory" to NOT short the battery positive terminal to the chassis (I've dropped mine once but it hit the sound insulation and saved my silly butt!).

Great that the dealer fixed it for you. Hope they didn't charge you!

 

Good point, never really though about that.

 

I plan on not taking delivery of the vehicle unless the reverse beeping is minimized.

 

If you're going to bother with doing it this way I would also look through the other list of available "options" that can be tweaked. And be prepared to have them tweaked again should you ever lose connection with the battery.

 

@ssdesigner

Where is that list?

 

In the back of the owner's manual.

 

Also see post #10 here:

Any carista users on gen 4? | PriusChat

 

I took delivery today of my new Prime Advanced. I specifically asked them to turn off the reverse beep prior to delivery, but they did not. Ugh. Next visit I guess, when I go to pick up the license plates.

 

As ssdesigner mentioned at #28 post above, Jerbear949 also stated in his post on "Got a couple gadgets for the Prime for Xmas!" that Carista effectively dealt with the issue. I also received an email response today from Borislava Kaneva of Carista Support conforming that "it (Carista) supports 2017 Prius Prime for customizations" even though caristaapp.com does not include Prime on their list.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Quick reply for any future forum searchers interested in another option to alter the backup beep themselves. I posted a free software fix (still need OBDII adapter) here: Suggested OBDII Tool to Customize Options?

 

My dealer would not change the setting as a courtesy and wanted to charge a full hour of labor!! I bought a cheap OBDII WiFi adapter on Amazon and used the free Carista app on my iPhone with the $9.99 1 week advanced option. Easy Peasy and only about $30 rather than the $125 the dealer wanted. It was interesting to see all the options that can be customized! I just turned off the darn beep.

I uploaded a video on YouTube showing the process (bare URL below). It took all of 8 minutes including (not shown in video) downloading the app and making the $10 in-app purchase. . I hope this saves someone a little money and the chance to learn all the options that can be customized.

(bare URL)

-Stephanie