Gen3 Touchscreen Weirdness (advice requested)

So a couple of months ago, my radio started changing stations / radio bands (am/fm) and changing presets all by itself. I can be sitting still in a parking lot with the engine / AC on and it will do it without the screen or the steering wheel being touched. Also, it can appear that the touchscreen thinks it is being touched when it is not. Pretty much all the steering wheel controls don't work either. Now the touchscreen will not recognize any touches.

The radio loves to randomly switch between AM and FM. I was simply tolerating this when I discovered the steering wheel controls would only work if I adjusted the sound volume first. Cool! Now when it switches from FM to AM I can switch it back!

I installed my own backup camera a year or two ago. The wiring all looked solid behind the radio when I had it apart. Backup camera still works perfectly.

So, I'm asking, should I replace the entire unit or try for a replacement touchscreen? Has anyone else had symptoms such as these?

If I replace, I'm ready to upgrade. Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

 

This seems like a logic problem to me in the main unit. Maybe I should replace? The behavior is very consistent.

 

Hi @Mendel Leisk and thanks for the reply. I have not been to the dealer with this car - not even once as I bought it used. It is about due for the 96K service so I was thinking of taking it in for that. This radio issue is just annoying to me now that I've found a way around it. It is tolerable for me at the moment even though none of the touch functions are working. As soon as my youngest gets his driver's license, this car is going to him. I'll probably just get another head unit from ebay and install it myself. If I get lucky, that will solve the issue.

Take care.

 

We definitely have heat here in central CA - in the summer we get 110 F and higher at times, over 100 F for a week at a time. Maybe I'll try replacing it then. Thanks!

 

So here's an update: I took the car in today (6/18/21) for the J0V recall update to software and asked them to check out the head unit while it was there. When I dropped it off at the dealer, there was no mention of any diagnostic charge. The service rep had me sign a couple of papers which all said zero charge (recall repair, right?). Later in the day when I went to pick it up, there was a $165 diagnostic charge added/changed on the paper by hand - and not computer printed, for the head unit. I pulled out the papers he gave me when I dropped it off, and those all had zero charge. So, I asked him to show me where the charge for diagnostics appear on the papers he gave me. Wow, he promptly grabbed those papers from my hand and said "I'll take care of it." I told him, "OK, so there was a charge I was not aware of, so I'll pay it anyway." and he declined. I offered money and he said no! Amazing.

I did not pay the fee. So, I figure I have $165 now to throw at a new head unit. LOL

He then told me the replacement head unit would be something like $850, plus a $165 installation charge. I politely declined.

Which propels me on my quest. I need recommendations for a capable but inexpensive head unit that will work with my backup camera and preferably with apple car play. It is not for me, recall, but for my youngest son who is getting his license soon. I have a new Prius Prime as my daily drive.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

Prius Gen 3, Prius Two. I'm completely open to suggestions.

 

I have not, but I can. I will do that and see what happens. It might be a few days tho, as it is very hot here ATM and I don't cherish being outside for a long period of time LOL.

 

Other interesting things from my dealer visit today:

Recommended service:

Replace Cabin Air Filter, price $165.20
I can do this myself in 10 minutes for about $20.

Replace Spark Plugs, price $248.74. I bought new high-end Iridium plugs a while ago for about $50 for a set of four. Now I suppose I should install them. (yeah, I bought them early in my ownership)

Replace Battery, price 402.49. I know the 12V battery on this car is more expensive than most, but I will research these forums before I buy a replacement. Thanks, PriusChat!

 

I agree about the labor on the plugs - today I watched a video on how to do it - Ugh. I could do it, but maybe it is worth paying for. The battery and filter are jobs I can own. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Oh yeah, before I forget - the head unit replacement by dealer was something like $850 for the part plus $150+ for installation. I think I will just replace it on my own with a cheap bare bones unit.

So, any suggestions for a cheap bare bones head unit? I would seriously consider a step up to have bluetooth and carplay. Those could probably come in around $200 or less?

Thanks.