2010 Toyota Prius model II Head Unit Upgrade

i ignored the directions. just start prying away at the dash panel pieces. sounds crude but if you have a tool, it'll be easier. There's no specific order you have to follow. Just remove the pieces highlighted in the picture until you get to the radio. then unscrew it.

 

OK, that is helpful. I also fouund an alternate set of instructions in teh Metra 99-8226B Dash Kit. I posted the URL but found that I am unable to post URLs since this is my third post. In fact I would prbbably be at aboyt 6 posts by now but my last three posts had URL references. Oh, well.

 

I mostly followed these instructions to install a Pioneer AVIC-U310BT. Thanks to the OP. I wouldn't have had the confidence to tackle this otherwise. My experience:

Don't try to grind down the dimples in the mounting bracket. Just drill them out from the backside. The mounting bracket was the biggest problem since the head unit was too high with the provided mounting holes. I ended up using just one of the 4 mounting screws per side and this allowed me to rotate the head unit to provide the tightest fit. Not the greatest mounting! I ended up just glueing the 2 Metra adapter pieces to the Toyota trim piece.

To connect to the steering wheel controls I used some #18 doorbell wire to insert into the 20 pin connector and soldered to the doorbell wire to connect to the SWI-PS.

 

very interesting post! Does doing this void warranty on anything?

 

I've been reading and reading all these various posts on replacing the head unit but I must admit I'm on information overload right now. Most of the information about replacing the Head Unit is for Prius model II and I have a model III. I think I've collected all the proper bits and pieces that I'm going to need and would appreciate it if someone could review this list for me. I've never done a stereo install before so I'd like to make sure I have all the bits and pieces I need before I order everything and attempt the install. I've also got a few questions I haven't been able to find answers for.
Head Unit:

• Kenwood Excelon DNX6960
• Kenwood KNA-NT100 Navteq Traffice Tuner
• Kenwood KCA-IP301V iPod Video Direct Cable
• Kenwood KTC-HR300 HD Radio Tuner Box

[ Answer: That list is correct for a Kenwood. ]
[ Edit: A Y-Antenna adapter may be needed for the HD Radio Tuner. I needed one for the Sony Unit I eventually installed ]

Install Parts:

• Metra ASWC.
• Metra 70-8114 - SWC Harness w/RCA
  
• Metra TYTO-01 - 03-UP TOYOTA AMP Interface
• Metra 95-8226B Toyota Prius Dash kit
• Trim removal Kit

[Edit: Corrected Install Parts List]

Outstanding Questions:

1. I also want to eventually install a back-up camera. I know I want to get a Toyota 09 Camry camera off of Ebay that has guide lines. What kind of cable will I want to run from the Head Unit to the back-up camera? [ Answer: A 20' video cable comes with the back-up camera. An extension will probably be necessary since it's too short ]
2. Since the Prius Model III has a microphone already installed in it, can I use this instead of install one that comes with the head unit. [ Answer: No. A new microphone that connects to the new HU will need to be installed. ]
3. Are there other connector pieces I want to connect to the PAC TATO and PAC SWIJack so I can revert my changes later if I want? [ Answer: The toyota radio wiring harness and the PAC TATO/PAC SWIJACK give everything you need. ]

[Edit: I ended up using the Metra parts listed above since it required no soldiering like the PAC kit did ]​

 

I've seen the Kenwood, own the Pioneer (Z120), had the Chinese previously (similar to Rosen et al) - but from everything I've seen, the new Sony seems to be the best of breed right now. I'll probably sell my stuff and move over at some point.... It runs TomTom, and seems to have most of the higher end features - but looks better in general...

The camera cable is a standard RCA type (yellow - video - but yes green would work too). Read the current EBay thread on cams... You really need like 25' in total.

 

I've been reading all your posts about all your HU exploits rrolff and they've been very helpful. I know the Kenwood is far from perfect, as every solution seems to have a down side. The selling point for me right now is the Garmin Nav integration. The reported slow boot time for Kenwood's is a concern right now.

I've been reading up on the Sony since you pointed it out in a few of your posts but I'm not convinced that's the right unit for me either.

My main goal right now is to understand the part lists I need so when I see one on sale I can jump on it and buy it.

 

Here is my question, I have a 2010 Prius II non-JBL. Is there a XM radio antenna already installed from the factory?
My 2009 Highlander had the XM antenna already from the factory...it just wasn't hooked up to anything.

 

I'm also going with the Pioneer AVIC z120 BT (same as 110 but with software upgrade). What additional things do I need to purchase? Do I need an install kit for it to fit in the dash correctly? Do I need the extra thing PAT? I think they call it for the steering wheel controls? Anything else?
Thanks!

 

Wow, great write up! This will be invaluable for all those II owners who want to upgrade their HU's. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

 

I just installed a Pioneer 8000BT head unit in my 2011 Prius II. I used a factory wire harness adaptor and double checked all my connections. I put the radio in the dash and secured it.

The vehicle does start OK and all radio functions work.

Problem: When I shut the door and walk away from the car, it beeps three times and the dash has the following error: "Key not detected."

I cannot operate the key fob to lock the doors either.

I took it all apart and reinstalled the factory radio and the car does not beep any longer and I can lock the car with the FOB.

I have not opted for the remote steering adaptor, is this the issue or is there something that has to be done with a wire from one of the secondary harnesses (20 pin or the other one)?

Thanks,

/randy

 

Nope, second FOB was in the house. Even more interesting is that I can create the problem by just unplugging the factory radio with nothing else plugged in. In other words problem persists without the aftermarket radio anywhere near it. My guess is that the oem radio completes a circuit when the car is switched off.

I used to be a MECP certified installer back in the 90's so I am pretty confidnent in my work.

/randy

 

Yes, I understand that the car beeps like that when the car is on. But in this case it was not. I installed the HU again yesterday and drove the car around the block stopping several times-turning the car off each time and it still behaves this way. As soon as I shut the car off the interior beeper was on constantly. When I walked away, shut the driver's door, the car it started to beep three times. Leaving the key on my workbench, I walked back to the car and looked at the dash. Same message: "Smart Key not detected."


When the OEM HU was back in the car, it goes into ready mode and otherwise acts like it should.

I am stumped. I used to have a lot of installer friends that I could tap for information but I don't know anyone working in the industry whose brain I could pick.

/randy

 

Thanks-that is OK.

Maybe another person will see this thread and have an idea.

I would be satisfied with the OEM head unit if I could have BOTH iPod int. and a XM tuner. But sadly, you can have one or the other.

/randy