I just got my email answered by Toyota themselves and here it is from the horses mouth: We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry. The vent located in cargo area is for the hybrid battery. If the vent becomes blocked, the hybrid battery may overheat, leading to a reduction in hybrid battery output. Do not place foreign objects over or in front of the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction battery) may overheat and be damaged. We apologize as we do not recommend or assist with modifying our vehicles from the original factory specifications. Toyota's warranty covers repairs and adjustments needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of any part supplied by Toyota. Modifications to your vehicle could affect the performance, safety or durability, and may violate government regulations. Non-Genuine Toyota Parts, or any damage or failures resulting from their use, are not covered by any Toyota warranty. So I will forward this Daniel at OEM AUDIO and see what they have to say. For now I'm going to wait and see what resolution they come up with. I say switch side and put the light on the right. This will fix our problem and we can then go with OEM system if we want to or not. Regardless what anyone else has to say it's a fact that this vent shall not be blocked PERIOD!!!!! Will keep you all informed on what's next.
I just emailed Daniel with this email. Will see what he and his R&D people have to say. In the end it's important that we get a top notched product that will not effect our warranty on our cars. I just want both forum members and OEM to work this out so we get the best product for our car and they get business as well.
Kind of lame how they stated it has nothing to do with the battery without even knowing the facts. Shady.
I wounder how many have installed that encloser? Wish they were all here to post? Would be nice to know how battery cooking has gone so far? Once sorted I would love to get the system down the road.
I agree priusCpilot! I'm curious as well. Would like to see what resolution they come up with. I need my new system ASAP!! Stock radio just doesn't quite do it!
I was gonna install one where the spare tire was.. kinda like garm.. though possibly want mine more hidden.. not sure yet. EVO ?
The Prius C system isn't for sale yet, so my guess is zero (except for the one guy with the prototype system)
I will post an update once I get the sub enclosure. The vent is not going to be an issue. I have images of the prototype and will post it once I get an approval for the guys at OEM. I know everyone is anxious but with what's going to be available in the next month or two it will be worth it.
Sounds Great! I'm also anxious to hear from OEM and see the new sub box enclosure. I need my MUSIC NOW!!!!!!!
Wow, I can't believe how stupid is toyota. If I carry bunch of stuff in my tiny trunk. I will burn my battery. Don't care much about the OEM system, but I'm glad that I read on the thread. Just learned something today.
if you carry a ton of stuff in your trunk, it'll be fine... it's difficult to block the exhaust vent enough for it to do anything significant. the issue i had was that the OEM Audio system, without a doubt, covered that area completely.
Any news? Thinking about just getting a Phoenix Gold speaker/amp setup with sound deadening on the doors and a good line-out converter.
OEM update. They emailed me today. They are in the final stages of building the sub box. From what I was told they made a notch on top to let the vent do it's job. As soon as I get the pictures I will post them .