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PriusXM installed + *GREAT* tip for removing vents!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by riskable, Apr 7, 2004.

  1. riskable

    riskable Junior Member

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    I ordered PriusXM from Jon on Sunday, it was shipped on Monday, and I received it Tuesday (not because I paid for overnight, but because Jon doesn't live very far away from me).

    I installed the XM kit in the afternoon on Tuesday and it took me about an hour. I've done an XM radio installation (and other car stereo stuff) before, so it didn't seem very daunting. However, I noticed that those vents are a PAIN IN THE nice person to remove. Some are easier than others, but I discovered a sure-fire super-easy way to pop them off: a plastic pot scraper.

    The $1.50 plastic pot scraper can be purchased from any kitchen store and it consists of a single piece of plastic in a wedge shape that is the perfect shape for wedging between the top of the vent and the dash.

    The reason I say use the pot scraper is because it's made out of plastic (like the dash) so it's unlikely to scratch anything. Also, it's just wide enough to distribute pressure very evenly along the edge of the vent making it pop right off in a few quick wiggles.

    So far, I'm loving the PriusXM kit. The DVD was priceless (love the hat Jon!) and the integration into the Prius is beautiful. I could've saved a lot of money and installed a cheaper kit, but I think the extra $200 is worth it for the DVD and the MFD integration.
     
    #1 riskable, Apr 7, 2004
  2. riskable

    riskable Junior Member

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    I almost forgot to mention that when I called the XM people to switch my subscription to the new radio ID, I convinced them it was a new car with "integrated XM" so they gave me 3 months free.

    Some of you existing customers might want to give it a try (tell them that you accidentally threw out the XM packet that came with the car).
     
    #2 riskable, Apr 7, 2004
  3. jed

    jed Junior Member

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    appreciate the tip. is there a specific order
    to removing the vents and panels, as i have
    read in some places, or does it really matter?

    jed
     
    #3 jed, Apr 7, 2004
  4. riskable

    riskable Junior Member

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    Yes, there's a specific order. Also note that in order to remove some vents, you need to remove other panels and screws. It's best to watch Jon's video =)
     
    #4 riskable, Apr 7, 2004
  5. DaveG

    DaveG Member

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    If you look at the PDF for installing the EV mode button that Evan authored, it has details on how to detach the side vents - should be fairly straightforward to work your way into the dash from there.

    Dave
     
    #5 DaveG, Apr 7, 2004
  6. jed

    jed Junior Member

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    thanks guys.

    jed
     
    #6 jed, Apr 8, 2004
  7. Jon

    Jon Junior Member

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    Thanks Riskable. That's my favorite hat. :D

    -Jon

    ---
    PriusXM
    www.priusxm.com
     
    #7 Jon, Apr 14, 2004
  8. Wildzeke

    Wildzeke New Member

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    #8 Wildzeke, Sep 23, 2004
  9. riskable

    riskable Junior Member

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    #9 riskable, Sep 23, 2004
  10. Wildzeke

    Wildzeke New Member

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    #10 Wildzeke, Sep 23, 2004
  11. vintagebob

    vintagebob Junior Member

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    Another successful installation here!

    Thanks Jon :mrgreen:
     
    #11 vintagebob, Dec 19, 2004
  12. Eisenson

    Eisenson New Member

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    Just curious whether you installed that unit in the trunk (antenna on the roof) or in the glove box (antenna up forward on the dash).

    I've gotten a lot of inquiry as to how far north one can be and still have the dashtop antenna work satisfactorily with my 10-minute installation. Seems to me that San Jose would be at an iffy latitude unless there are terrestrial repeaters.
     
    #12 Eisenson, Dec 19, 2004
  13. vintagebob

    vintagebob Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eisenson\";p=\"58592)</div>
    I put it in the trunk with the antenna on the roof.
     
    #13 vintagebob, Dec 19, 2004
  14. Brian

    Brian Member

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    Here is how I pull off those vents, just grab hold and pull like there is no tomorrow. Works every time. ;)
     
    #14 Brian, Dec 20, 2004
  15. JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr

    JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr New Member

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    Can someone post a link to john's video for removing the panels. I've searched his site and cant seem to find it...
     
    #15 JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr, Mar 20, 2008
  16. JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr

    JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr New Member

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    Beuler...Beuler...Beuler...?
     
    #16 JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr, Mar 28, 2008
  17. Stocktrader

    Stocktrader New Member

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    Heya Joey,

    Just making sure you know that was a thread from 2004.
    Not sure if it's the same for a 2008.

    Best of luck.
     
    #17 Stocktrader, Mar 28, 2008
  18. JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr

    JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr New Member

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    ahhh, good observation...

    Well does anyone have any tips for taking these vents off, ive tried a taped up scredriver, a plastic spatula, ive tried pulling and squeezing... i finally went to an audio installer and he said hed help me run the sgII wire for $50, but id much rather do it myself.
     
    #18 JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr, Mar 29, 2008
  19. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    It may only apply to right hand drive cars but when removing any dash panels on the drivers side of the MFD start by removing the vent panel near the drivers door, then 2 screws under the dash, door side of steering column then remove the bottom then top dash panel and then the vent panel beside the MFD.

    Remember there are release tabs to press to remove electric connections.

    Be very careful when installing the drivers door side vent panel, there is a fragile square "hoop" that a peg goes into, it is very easy to break if you don't line up the peg properly.
     
    #19 patsparks, Mar 29, 2008
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