2005 Prius T4 - Upgrade Options

July 10, 2011

I've just bought a 2005 T4 from my local Toyota dealer and whilst I'm happy with the car overall, there are a few niggles that mean I'm going to have to upgrade a few bits, so any advice would be appreciated from you guys;

1. My first thought was, who the hell puts a tape deck in a car anymore!! I've got a tape deck with 6-disc multi cd changer built into the head unit.. It has NO bluetooth and NO aux input for my iPod... so what are my options for upgrade? The model number on the front of the unit is 53903 if that helps.

2. I would like to fit either factory standard reverse sensors and/or reverse camera. Has anybody managed to do this? and would it work with my MFD? I have found a small green multiple-pin connector in the boot that is taped up... is this anything to do with the reversing bits?

I have seen adverts for upgrading the system but am reluctant to send anything away as that would render the car useless... are the head units and displays interchangeable? I may be able to get a later model Spirit head unit but it's a risk if it will not work.

I am sure these are common questions and answers are probably buried in these forums, so any links would be appreciated.

thanks in advance..

July 11, 2011

Welcome to TOC Alun. :thumbsup:

2) factory fit reverse sensors and/or reverse camera. Are just that! Factory fit!

Certainly both items are available as retrofit from a variety of outlets, but what the quality is I've no idea. No doubt others on here will have done something about it.

As to your question 1 however... I'm astounded at your reaction. In 2005 when your car was built, it was quite common to put tape decks in cars, my Avensis T-spirit of 2005 vintage had both a tape and a CD player and were I-pods out in those days so far away??

There has been, on the hybrid/prius forum, a head unit replacement that gives an mfd instead of the t3/t4 standRd head unit, but whether that was for the Gen3 or the Gen2 I can't remember, I think it was the Gen3 and if I can find the relevant posts I'll edit this one to tell you where.

Enjoy the car :thumbsup:

The thread I'm talking about is one I've just resurrected, 'aftermarket nav unit'

Interesting reading but you should read all of it!

Edited July 11, 2011 by Jan&tone

July 17, 2011

Well, I have taken my dash apart and found the details of what is fitted, here goes;

- JBL CD/Tape Head Unit - Pt No. 86120-47120 (CQ-ES0370A)

- Multi Function Display - Pt No. 86110-47081

I noticed on the back of the MFD that only one connector is used (M13?) the centre one is not used and I believe this is normally for the Satnav version; and the last one that is also not used and this a 6-pin smaller connector... I don't know what this one is for though.

I've seen pictures of other MFD's that have an additional blue connector, any thoughts on what this one does?

Ok, here are the questions :)

1. If I fit a reverse camera (there appears to be a harness behind the blank where the camera goes on the boot lid) does my MFD have the capability (resolution / software etc..) to accept a camera, or will I need a different model MFD?

2. If I replace the CD head unit for one of the later Prius model head-units that plays mp3's, will it work or are they configured differently?

3. Does anybody have the schematic or wiring diagrams for the head unit and/or MFD?

I guess I'm asking a lot but I don't want to to have to buy after market bits and stick them on the dash when I may be able to make better use of what I already have.

Cheers!