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Bluetooth, apps, steering wheel mode button stopped working

Discussion in 'Prius v Audio and Electronics' started by ppatel, Jan 24, 2018.

  1. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2018
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    Location:
    orange, california
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Hi Everyone,

    I am a new member and hoping someone here can help me. I have a 2013 prius parsona series, and it came with the navigation option. Have not had any issues with the car, until about few days ago I noticed that when I press the "source" button it is not responding, the APP button is also not doing anything, and the Bluetooth and Phone options are not responding either.

    I took the car to dealership, and they are telling me the Bluetooth Extension module needs to be replaced and they want about $800 plus to fix it. It seems odd to me that the entire module would just fail. I am hoping someone here has had the same issue and may be there is a simpler solution.

    Thank You!!
     
  2. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

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    Location:
    orange, california
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Ohh and the Mode option on the steering wheel only allows me to switch from AM to FM, but nothing else, the volume and scrolling from one station to other is working fine.
     
  3. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    This forum is actually for the Prius V (station wagon), and I believe the Persona is a regular Prius, or a Prius C. The stereo units for Prius V's are not interchangeable with the other Prius models. That said, you have an Entune / Gracenote unit if you have an "apps" button.

    I assume you see "System not installed" when you hit the apps button. I also assume that Bluetooth phone calls work, but Bluetooth music does not. And no XM radio either.

    If so, you have the symptoms a malfunctioning "extension box". The dealer's philosophy is to just replace the box. There are cables that connect the two boxes. If they get loose could cause these symptoms. The cables cost $30 on amazon with Prime.

    If that does not work, get the part number for the box, and look on eBay. I searched for "PRIUS EXTENSION BOX". Depending on the part number, prices range from $69 to $249 with free ship, mostly from sellers with 99%+ rating. Removing the stereo and swapping the extension box is really easy to do. You don't need to pay for Dealership prices on parts and labor. Anybody that is comfortable installing a car stereo can do it. There are YouTube videos on how to get the plastic panels off, and remove the whole stereo.

    Here is a picture of my unit pulled out of the dash my 2013 Prius V. The extension box is about 1.25 inches thick, and bolted to the bottom. It is facing the camera in the photo : 20180116_Extension_box.jpg
     
  4. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

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    Location:
    orange, california
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona

    Thank you soo much for ur help. So yes I basically have the regular prius 2013, and the problem is that the Bluetooth does not work for phone or music, the source button does nothing when pressed, and the apps button does nothing when pressed, no error message or anything. And yes I did open the unit once so I can change the unit or cable myself, I really want to try the cable suggestion that u made but I can not seem to find one on Amazon or e bay, any chance you can drop a link if u are able to. Again I am super thankful for ur help and that detailed response.
     
  5. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    If you are not seeing this when you hit the APPS button, it probably isn't the cable. 20180116_SystemNotInstalled.jpg

    The part number for the cable on my unit (salvaged from a 2014 Prius V 3) is GPT296-47120-AB. This part number might not fit your unit, so find out before you buy. Most places won't let you return "Electrical Parts" for any reason.



    Since I was upgrading with a Salvage unit, the cable was not included. The photo above shows what happens if you press the "APPS" button, and no cable is installed. With no cable installed, I was able to pair my phone for making phone calls without using the apps button. Also, all functions that don't require the apps button worked.

    As a short term work-around, you might pull the cable, and lose everything under the apps button. You should then be able to use the unit as CD / HD radio / Hands-free phone unit (I.E the functionality of a trim level two unit). Doing this would help you determine that the main unit is still working, and that the problem is in the Extension box.

    If that doesn't work, bu a salvage unit on eBay. Since you have the much more common regular Prius, a salvage unit would cost less that half what your dealer wants to charge. Just make sure you get a unit that has the extension box, as some eBay sellers remove them, and sell them separately.

    BTW: what is the faceplate number on your unit? Is it 57031?
     
  6. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

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    Location:
    orange, california
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Sounds good, thank you. I really didn't use the navigation anyways so if I can get Bluetooth back, I 'll be more than happy. My unit number is 57032. Just so I am clear, am I disconnecting the head unit from the extension??
     
  7. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    I went ahead and disconnected the module from the main unit...it seems I can not get Bluetooth back but got aux back which is more than enough for now. I may replace the unit like u said but now I don't need to rush it, AND I can hear calls via speakers and people can hear me via my phone Mic. Thank you!! You are a life saver.
     
  8. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    orange, california
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    You said you are able to connect with Bluetooth after disconnecting the module, in my case I am getting the Bluetooth option using the source button but it doesn't do anything when I am there. Any ideas?? After disconnecting the phone button is not doing anything either, but again the aux option, usb, hd radio, and CD is working. Before, I was not able to get to the aux option either....
     

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  9. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
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    Two
    With the cable between the main box, and the extension box not in place, I was able to pair my cell phone to the main unit. This gave me "hands-free" phone operation. I could not play music over Bluetooth. I did not try the USB or the Aux ports, so they might have worked.
     
  10. ppatel

    ppatel Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    orange, california
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona

    Just wanted to update you and let u know that I pleaded my case with Toyota, wrote them a nice letter, and between Toyota and the dealership they decided to waive the cost of replacing the faulty module, but I appreciate all the help you provided, now if this happens in the future I know I can get by with aux. Thx again.