USB and Safety Connect Are Almost Here!

Scott,
Do you mind me asking - when did you buy your Prius? I have one that I bought three weeks ago so it is before the Aug model upgrade. I had my dealer install the PT233-47100 and it doesn't work. See my other post. They basically say that for "older 2010" prius it doesn't work. But if you got it to work they must be doing something wrong.

Regards,
Dave

 

Mine disconnects after a few minutes with my iphone but it always brings up the USB tab. Their info on the USB interface is pretty clear that it works with an ipod. The dealer installed it wrong or something is broken. Yes, they are BS'ing you.

 

I think I remember someone somewhere saying a firmware upgrade on the part (done by the dealer) fixed problems they were having.

 

Someone wrote that theirs didn't work and the dealer said that it need a firmware update but didn't say what computer (XM unit, USB
Unit or Car computers) needed the update. I have an incident open with Toyota because by iPhone 3G won't stay connected. What they told me last was that their documentation said it was compatible with the original iPhone but they were checking if it was compatible with the iPhone 3G. I know some people here said it is working with their 3G although the interface to the iPhone is pretty horrible, the interface to a flash drive is OK, IMHO.

 

I bought my Prius on the 10th of August. Got the iPod connection from PriusChat and did the install myself. I downloaded the install instructions from the toyota tech site

 

The USB / iPod connector kit owner's manual lists the iPod models that are compatible--could be you have an older one that's not.

 

This is what it says for compatibility: My iPhone 3G with 3.01 doesn't work. I bought my car July 9th.

Supported iPod/iPhone:​

• Nano (as from firmware Version 1.021.01)

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• Nano G2 (as from firmware Version 1.02)​

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• Generation 5 (as from firmware Version 1.021.01)​

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• iPhone (as from firmware Version 1.021.01)​

Firmware version 1.00 or older are not compatible.



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it doesn't talk about generation IV nano..my guess is it should be compatible...anyone using a Gen IV nano successfully?

 

So how much did you actually pay for the USB interface kit with it installed. Which dealer installed the USB connector?
My local dealer wants $575 which seems like a lot of money

 

I picked up my IV with NAV on Sept 5th from a nearby dealer, who happen to have two in stock. Based on Toyota's website, I was expecting it to have the USB option included as part of the navigation system. Little did I know, USB was not available on my car until after purchasing it.

Because of the misleading information on the website, I felt short changed. After what I read on PriusChat with the extra cost that is added to the MSRP with the USB and Safety Connect features on the new models, it does not bug me as much now. I was able to find the part for $166.75 on parts.com. I hope to be able to install it myself without the need for any firmware updates.

Toyota should have put a disclaimer on their website stating the USB option was only included on cars manufactured after July during the transition to the newer models.

Thanks all, for the detailed information you provided on how the USB interface works though the NAV system. I was curious on how it work when compared to the Bluetooth and MP3 disk options.

 

If I remember correctly, the website used to say that USB and Safety Connect would be available during Fall 2009. Now, if you go to Build Your Prius you should see two differently priced NAV packages, one of which lists USB/Safety Connect and the other does not (but does include carpeted floor mats) -- or at least it does for my ZIP.

It is also in the news section of the website at Toyota Vehicles : TMS Announces Annual Subscription Pricing for Safety Connect - Available on 2010 Prius / Toyota

So the information is on the website, but it probably could be easier to find.

 

Hello all,

This is my first post so please bear with me....I just purchased a 2010 Prius V5 with technology package and while I was negotiating with the dealer we came upon a fair deal for both of us. I asked my sales person if this Prius had the USB port for my iPhone and he said yes. When I was taking deliverly of it he opened the back door and there was foot prints all over the leather in the back seat and when we checked the mileage ther was 493 miles on it. To make a long story short the car was taken back because the previous owners could not qualify. The dealer did knock off a $1000.00 off the list price and cleaned up the vehicle so I decided to take it. Unfortuneately it does not have the USB port. Do I have any recourse or am I stuck with not having it? This is my second Prius from this dealership and I generally am a loyal buyer if I am treated right but now I am having seconds thoughts on purchasing from this dealer in the future. Again thanks for listening.

 

does the USB port charge the iPOD while plugged in? the dealer i visited today did not know the answer.

 

Yes, it does.

 

thx.

 

I have questions about the Safety connect. If I understand it correctly, it has its own built in cell phone to connect with the telematics service provider--in other words, I don't need to have my bluetooth phone with me at all.
Does anyone know which cell phone network is used? And does my phone have its own number (it must)?
If so, is there a way to reach the network operator to make phone calls--not involving the telematics service?

Further, does the telematics service use the vehicle nav system GPS to determine your location, or the cell phone's GPS?

And why doesn't Toyota offer (at an extra fee), the concierge services that Lexus offers? The same telematics provider services both brands. Is it just Toyota's way of marketing the Lexus as offering more?

 

Yes, safety connect has it's own cell phone built in. However it is designed only to be used to contact safety connect and your annual contract has it set up for only 20 minutes of air time. It's primary purpose is to contact safety connect in case of an accident. To send notification to Safety Connect's call center in case the occupants are unable to. In other words it is not designed as a substitute for your cell phone.

Toyota will continually expand Safety Connect's features in the future. Currently the primary reason for not offering concierge service cost and demand.

 

When did Totota start piutting in USB? If simply playing iPod, etc, why not use the AUX audio input in the center arm rest area? Is it because it used the NAV display, and you don't have to access the iPod to change selections?

 

They started putting the USB in around November, and they raised the price $400 to cover it. The whole purpose of the USB is so that you can control your iPod/mp3 player from the radio controls (steering wheel), like a CD or radio, but the software sucks so bad that its basically almost useless.

 

Thanks. So it sounds like it's not worth having it installed at the dealership?