Multifunction Display Suddenly Went Dark on '07 Prius! Help!

You could check the following fuses:
10A GAUGE
15A DOME
15A ECU-B
7.5A ECU-IG
7.5A ACC

"Check" means that you remove the fuses, one at a time, and measure continuity using an ohmmeter. Do not rely upon visual inspection.

If you find that all fuses are good, then the MFD probably failed and you can try to buy a used one via eBay, for example. Certainly it makes no sense to buy a new MFD for a four-digit price. Remove the old MFD first, so that you can determine its part number.

You can try removing and replacing the wiring harness connectors on the old MFD since you need to remove it anyway to find the part number. Maybe that will encourage the MFD to resume operation.

Regarding trading the car without fixing the MFD, you'll have to imagine yourself on the buying end of the transaction, and decide how much you would discount the price because of that. I think you'll see that it makes sense to exercise a reasonable effort to replace the MFD with a used unit.

 

This is a known failure mode for the MFDs, but is usually intermittent, not permanent. My 2004 MFD exhibits this behavior and when it gets me sufficiently aggravated, I'll call Steve at Prius hybrids sales and service Scottsburg Indiana to get a fully tested one salvaged from a wrecked Prius for about $400.

JeffD

 

Yes, you might break something. If you do, then consider the cost of a replacement part to be charged to your "education" budget, and resolve to learn from your error so it doesn't happen again.

None of us were born, knowing how to work on Prius in specific, or vehicles in general. There is a learning curve that you have to work through.

Or, you can pay your Toyota dealer four-digits to install a new MFD...

My post here shows most of the steps required to access the MFD:
How to Replace 2G Gearshift Lever | PriusChat

Beyond that, you'll need to pull out the vent on the right side of the MFD, then you can unbolt and remove it.

 

I haven't noticed anyone complain about having difficulty in removing the MFD wiring harness connector. If you exercise reasonable care and move slowly I think you'll be OK.

(I had the 2004's MFD replaced under warranty a few years ago, so I haven't needed to deal with that particular issue myself.)

 

I had the same thing happen to me with my 07 MFD a few years a go. And I followed Pat's instructions, it's easy to do. I am more than a novice, but had never worked on a Toyota....much less a Prius and I figured it out. Ebay is your friend......use your friend. I scored mine for less than $300. As a matter of fact, I drove around for a month with the display out waiting on finding the right one and shipping, etc. No problem, except tuning the radio and heat/AC was a bitch...but it was do-able.

Have faith in your mechanical abilities...go slow and you'll be fine.

 

I am another who followed Patrick's instructions with success. Autobeyours dot com also had instructions with pictures. Between the two it is very doable.

It is also a feel good thing to do it yourself and not pay an outrageous fee to Toyota!

 

You can do it! Worst case, you may break a plastic tab on one of the panels. As best stated by Patrick, "education cost." But substantial money saved.

Watch the youtube video of Carolyn (I believe its her in this video), from Lucious Garage in San Francisco, doing exactly what you want to do: Prius MFD replacement, front dash disassembly/reassembly

Look at the accompanying PDF (IP-Instrument Panel). It will help you visualize where all the tension tabs, screws, bolts, and wire connectors are located.

If memory serves me correctly these are helpful tools to have:

• #2 Phillips (short and long length)
• 10mm socket, socket extension
• panel removing tools ideally (less marring of finish; $13 at harborfreight. 20% and 25% off coupons in your mail or car magazines (Motor Trend, Road and Track). If you ever want to upgrade your speakers, harborfreight sells doorpannel remover tools; not absolute necessary, but helpful to have.
• flat blade screwdrier if you don't want to get the panel tools.

GOOD LUCK!

 

If you are going to buy the MFD for $325 from autobeyours.com, tell Steve the model year of your Prius and whether it has nav or not. He probably can determine the appropriate unit to ship to you.
04 and newer Prius Parts Cars

 

anybody know of a write up on how to actually fix it ? just got 2007 prius with the screen completely black . took it apart to see if i could see any obvious signs of damage . no luck but now at least the toyota logo flashes for a quick second and then goes dark but thats its

 

Prius MFD

 

i saw that one however the boards on mine seem to be slightly different . where that one says 60 mine says 100 among other small differences

 

Have you seen these yet?
04 05 Toyota Prius Touch Screen MFD | eBay

From Patricks link above - the first link back to a 2007 priuschat thread about 2004 prius MFD's
MFD issues on '04/'05 Prius | PriusChat
and the ebay link at the bottom of the post is still active