does anyone know if it is possible to change the speedometer readings from miles to kilometers? I am thinking about buying a used prius in the US and to register it in Canada, it would need to be in metric. any help appreciated
That button works fine when you're just visiting, but there are more extensive modifications required to import the vehicle. I recall a couple of relatively recent threads about this - maybe someone could provide a link?
You can import a 2007 or earlier model year with few modifications required. You have to put a sticker on to indicate miles vs kilometres. You have to install DRL operation (a module is the quickest/easiest method). You DO NOT have to convert the vehicle to read in kilometres. You DO have to affix French language stickers to the fuel door and a few other places. You will also need to follow the import procedure, posted on this forum and other places on the web. There is no way to switch the odometer from miles to kilometres. Even dealers can't do this. I suspect Toyota could, but I'm sure they won't. They don't want you to import. The 2008 can't be imported because Toyota moved the immobilizer module to the "wrong side" of the firewall for Canadian regulations, from what I've read. So the 2008 is not on the list of approved vehicles for importation.
You might also want to check and see if your warranty is still valid if you import a Prius (or any other car). I once bought a stereo in Mexico which the retail chain had imported from the U.S. without authorization from the manufacturer. When I had to take it in for repair, I found that the manufacturer would not honor the warranty, because the unit was intended to be sold only in the U.S. Toyota does not want you to import your car. They want you to buy it from a domestic dealership. So they may have added a no-importation clause to the warranty. I am only speculating here. But you should make sure before you try.
it seems like a pretty straight forward procedure. I check the official sites (RIV, ICBC, Customs), and it seems like your pretty much running in circles. As for the warranty, I believe importing will void your warranty but you can always purchase a warranty from a private company if you wish. I will search more about it on other posts.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(volumedude @ Nov 26 2007, 12:39 AM) [snapback]544142[/snapback]</div> Just to clarify, Toyota at the moment does honour the US warranty in Canada (assuming you can get the car in in the first place). That could change, of course. Note that many other manufacturers do not honour the warranty when a car (or snowmobile) is imported. http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=253#TOYOTA
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Nov 25 2007, 11:23 AM) [snapback]543941[/snapback]</div> I just finished the process of importing a used 2007 Prius; the only change I was required to make was to add a DRL module ($130 at Canadian Tire). The fact that (at least on the 2007 model) the speedometer reads in kms at the push of a button, and the odometer clearly indicates it is in miles, was enough. I wasn't required to add any French labels. Toyota Canada honours the warranty. I suspect we have Toyota Japan to blame for moving the immobilizer to the wrong side of the firewall on the 2008 models -- after all, they make the Prius, and they are the ones who benefit the most from selling it at a higher price in Canada than in the U.S. The "A Question for our Canadian members..." thread (http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=39971&hl=) pretty much covers all of this.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 24 2007, 07:12 PM) [snapback]543734[/snapback]</div> And it's a lot of fun when you have an unsuspecting passenger. "Can you believe this traffic? We're doing nearly 100 and getting passed like we're standing still!"
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Nov 26 2007, 12:13 PM) [snapback]544309[/snapback]</div> Since you are from Chicago, this must be in mph :lol:
I just had an 08 Prius package 6 imported, but still need the miles converted to KM's. all other details seem to be met as it was registered and insured. Love the Bue-tooth, I hear you can't get it up here...pity
Yes but..... this only changes the Speed, not the milage or consumtion settings. This should be a simple programming change, I've had the options in rental minivans, but not the Prius, still looking,