What did you do to ur Gen III Prius today????

Hi PC!

It has been an while since my last mod. I saw this post about Blind Spot Assist Systems and got interested: [http://priuschat.com/threads/aftermarket-blind-spot-monitor-system.144081/#axzz3BjJZQNy4]

I Checked Amazon and eBay and got a basic system: [ MrCanbus Universal BLIND SPOT ASSIST Monitor Warning Sensor Kit System Package

I had no problems with the install, pretty straight forward process.

BSA (Blind Spot Assist) Installation:

Do not let the amount of parts and cables discourage you. This install is not too bad. I figure if you take on this kind of project, you have already installed other MODS in your car. I will not go into how to remove the A Pillar trim or remove other interior trim pieces to run cables and get at existing wires to tap into since this is done in other posts already. I usually trim off insulation and use a solder connection vs. crimp connectors. I did not include a copy of the wiring instructions (c), but you can see it on some eBay auction photos.

In front:
Front LED Warning lights:
The Right LED Warning light has an extension cable to reach over to the drivers (LEFT) side.


This is where I installed my Warning LEDs. You may want to put them closer to the mirrors somehow. Up front on the main harness, there is one red wire in front (on the main harness) to connect, the rest up front are just the LED & Buzzer plug ins. I connected the Red power wire to the +12v utility socket under the bridge (used to be called cigarette lighter socket).

Buzzer
I mounted this where I can adjust the volume of the beeps or turn it off easily if needed.


Main Harness:
Runs down left side to the trunk area. I would suggest testing the system before you button everything up!

In Back:
Wires connect to tail lights, plug in sensors and main control box.

Since this is a generic kit, Prius specific wiring color information was not included.
I could not find a drawing to show the wire colors/connections for the Prius, so My wife helped work the pedals & switches up front while I measured voltages in the back.

You could just connect the red and black wires and the system would indicate 'something' is detected (LEDs light up). The turn signal wires are so that the buzzer beeps if it 'sees' something (and LEDs flash quickly) when you have the turn signal on. The Reverse wire turns off the system while backing. You may choose to not connect this wire.



Sensors:
I mounted these 19" from the ground, and 6" in from the read edge of the bumper. Remember the sensor UP arrow goes to the TOP. If you replaced your tail lights with Valenti's or something else, this part should be familiar.


A clip of another similar install:

The Kit came with a drill bit. I taped the area prior to drilling, measured and ensured the sensor would not bump anything behind the bumper. You may like the sensors centered, but I wanted them to be farther back and avoid the vents under the bumper (and detect earlier?). Speaking of vents, this is how I ran the sensor wires into the trunk. There is no need to drill a hole for this, there is a vent on each side. Also, I left a bend in the wire so in case water ran down the wire somehow, it would not drip into the trunk area.

Note: You may try to mount the sensors higher if possible to avoid curb and grass 'False Positives'.

Main Control Box:
Goes in Trunk area
Has DIP switches for sensitivity, BSA turning mode only or on All the time, and BSA On/OFF.
I set sensitivity to low after trying normal for a few days.

Connect Wires to main harness:
Black to ground (I connected to Left Tail light socket White/Black wire)
White to Reverse Light (I connected to Left Tail light socket Red wire)

Green to Left Turn Light (I connected to Left Tail light socket Yellow wire)
Yellow to Right Turn Light (I connected to Right Tail light socket Green wire)
(I know these seem switched, be sure not to confuse them.)

Observations:
• False detections & Sensitivity adjustment. LEDs blinking on and off are distracting, especially if there is no car. The sensors detect curbs, guard rails, tall grass, road signs, plus cars, etc.
• LED Brightness. Kind of in your face at night.
• Beep volume (can adjust with buzzer switch)
• The system is real handy if the car that is in the blind spot is traveling at the same speed as you (the main benefit of the install for me).
• It seems to detect the other car at the same time I can see it as they are passing me.
• If they are passing you, it seems to not react as fast as I would like - Meaning by the time the light comes on, they are past the blind spot and I see them out the corner of my eye anyway.
• I have not been in another car with a BSA system, so I do not know if they react similarly. I know my friends Mercedes has Radar sensors with two more in front. I believe this system uses 2 Sonar-type sensors.

Note:
• My wife and daughter are small ladies. They have a tough time with the blind spot over the drivers' right shoulder. I got this system to try to help them. As I was showing the system to my wife and we were driving around, she found the blinking lights and beeps more distracting than helpful. This may change after I adjust the sensitivity and she becomes more familiar with it.
• I switched the sensitivity DIP swithc to Low, but I do not detect any changes in the sensitivity.

Bottom line:
(+) The systems works. It lights up if there is something there and it beeps (& flashes) if you turn on the turn signal & is sees something on that side.
(-) Not everything it 'sees' is a car
(-) In your face LEDs
The (-) may be mitigated by your sensor and LED placements
(?) Shuts off when backing?!
The (?) may be mitigated by not connecting the white wire

Other similar kits:
4 sensor models (supposed to be smart somehow)
Backup distance models (may not need if you have a camera)

 

I am wanting to pick up a can of plastidip for my emblems and I was considering doing the wheel covers too. Has anyone blacked out the wheel covers for the 12 to 14 models? If so can I get a link to pictures?

 

I say save your self 10 bux and just pull out the hubcaps. You got a nice set of black rims under them.

 

Got my car washed.. And cleaned out the garage so the Prius could be parked inside again!! It's been months!!!

 

That is so cool that you were able to spend time with your Dad learning. Shoot, my Dad sent me inside with my Mom. I was so jelly of my brothers! Luckily, my husband lets me help him while he is teaching me car stuff. Yay!

As per your son.....get him involved as soon as possible.

 

U girls are both soooo awesome!!! I have a 95 Nsx that I hope one day I can work on with my son.. He already pretends to take off wheels on his tricycle

 

I'm new to the foru
Just had stock FRS wheels installed today

 

Welcome to PC!


PlusIV

 

Thanks bro.

 

Hi Everyone!

Here is my Eva.

 

Nice

Nexus 5 ?

 

Looks good bro!

 

My Prius is so spoiled! Got a bath after getting some pedals and a rear wiper delete today!

 

Oh sweet! I am going start making a list of goodies from all the nice stuff you guys do to your cars. Those pedals are nice and the first on my list.

I am new to this forum and I am really enjoying all the love everyone puts into their cars. Thank you, for posting pictures!

 

Thank you!

 

@Gigi2509 thanks! I still got a few things to do to catch up to some of these guys here. Wife thinks I'm done though haha

 

Hey, your car looks awesome! I was wondering if you rub at all with the wheels and tires that you have?

 

@Accordlayingkit

Should delete the rear windshield spray nozzle since you also deleted the wiper, and place the rear spoiler a lil lower over that spot.
Just my 2c

 

I agree.. how hard is that sprayer nozzle to get to... don't u gotta mess with the head liner? Hate getting in to too much.. scared ima mess something up lol