I gather that MFD failure (i.e. "check airconditioner connection") is a known problem in 04 models. The dealer just quoted me $4500 to replace the unit. Any suggestions for where/how to snag a used unit? Love the care - had 80K miles on it when the unit failed.
I would look on eBay. I've seen many used ones for a fraction of that price (like this one). Just make sure it's for an 04-05 and that is has the nav buttons for your pkg #8.
If you are good with a soldering iron, it may be possible to fix the one you have - check out this writeup by Hobbit: Prius MFD
I used hobbiit's info to repair mine. It takes 30 minutes and costs $10 for a soldering iron (unless you have one and then it would be free). Try it first...at a minimum take out the MFD and take it, along with hobbit's guide to a PC repair shop. They'll probably charge you $25 or so.
About how much might a dealer charge to remove and re-install the unit? Maye a better question is, how long do those jobs take according to the shop manual. I can do the soldering myself but I hate the thought of tearing apart the dash.
My service manual does not give repair times. I am sure the dealer does have flat rate times for warranty work, etc. It probably is not as bad as you think it is. Most of the dash pieces are held by "snap in" fasteners; there are only a few screws. Take a look on Hobbit's link page - I think there is a link to Chris Dragon's guide to taking the dash apart with good explanations and photos.
My MFD failed (AC message) the first night I had it.. is it common on 08's? Thankfully I haven't seen it since.
It's not common in '08s, it's possible you had/have a loose connection be sure to take it in to have it checked if you ever see it again...before your warranty period is up. I second the recommendation to try a self/local repair. Getting the MFD out of the dash is not difficult at all. There are instructions posted at Hobbit's (I think) and many other places on the 'net'. I admit I'd be a tad anxious about the soldering, but what the heck, the worst case scenario is that you mess it up...it's already not working, you won't make it worse. Best case is you fixed it for free and saved up to $4500 (which is a rip off...the MFD shouldn't cost more than $3000 and install takes a matter of minutes for an experienced installer and less than an hour for a first timer.) My next choice, failing the self-fix, would be to buy a salvage MFD from an '05 or '06 on Ebay or elsewhere. Should be under $500 and you can have the dealer or any decent radio shop install it for you if you don't want to do it yourself for free.
According to Hobbit's investigation, there was a design change sometime in 2004 to fix this problem. It should not affect the newer models.
It is unbelievably easy to get it out. It will take no more than 5 minutes. The dash is like a snap together model.
