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  1. Larry Newman

    Larry Newman Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2021
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    Location:
    Orlando, Fl
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I'm sure there's no guarantee since this most likely involves aftermarket items but almost a year ago I installed an Apple CarPlay unit in place of the stock radio along with a 12" JBL Powered Subwoofer in the trunk. Everything functioned as normal for the first several months but a few months ago, if I leave my phone plugged in or the headlights on for an extended time, the backup camera will take sometimes a few minutes to show up after the car was put into reverse. Most commonly, I would back up to where I needed to go and then put it in drive to start driving then it would come on and stay on for the duration of the drive. More importantly, which is actually the main reason I'm asking for an estimated guess, my passenger headlight will come on for 5 minutes like normal and then start to subtly flicker and then flickers a little faster and then shuts off while the driver side is still on.

    So the main question is whether the CarPlay unit and the Subwoofer are drawing too much current for the computer to handle. I've tried not doing anything with the CarPlay unit upon startup and I still get the same issues. Long car rides don't make a difference as the issues are the same as I thought would potentially help if it was a power issue since the car charges the battery when driving. I'm thinking that the 12v battery was fully charged when I installed the CarPlay unit and Subwoofer and over a few months it has drained it down to it's minimum. I haven't had any issues with the computers in the car not starting up or anything. Literally just the headlights and a laggy backup camera. Both issues coincide with one another.

    Any input is appreciated.
     
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
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    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    You should test your theory by measuring the 12V battery voltage with the car off after sitting for at least 2 hours. Then if it is below say 12.1 V charge it up and repeat the measurement again with the car off after sitting for at least 2 hours after removing the charger. If it is under 12.6 V you should be considering a new battery otherwise if it is 12.6V or above, then test the battery voltage under load by putting the car in ACC mode (one press of the power button with foot off the brakes) and put your headlight on full beam together with your stereo. Measure the 12 V battery voltage and see what that is. If it holds steady above 10.5 V you can conclude the battery is ok for now.

    In any case, if the 12V battery voltage with the car off after sitting for at least 2 hours is below 12.6 V charge it up anyway. You may need to use an external charger regularly as the car does not do a good job of charging the 12V battery even without all your accessories. Check the battery weekly and charge as necessary.
     
    #2 dolj, May 18, 2021
    Last edited: May 18, 2021
  3. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    3,671
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    Location:
    NJ-USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    If you have HID headlights then you could just have a bulb failing.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.