(Part 2) Best products from r/prius

You most likely have some sort of electrical fault.

However, keep in mind that what you're describing is exactly how HID bulbs fail - they turn on at first, and then randomly turn themselves off. It doesn't matter if you're moving or stationary.

If you bring it to the dealership, they might still want to try replacing the bulbs. I had my bulbs fail at ~65,000 miles, so you're about due. I don't remember the specifics anymore, but I remember the recall not covering my case (I think I had too many miles on the car). In case you don't want to pay and they insist on replacing the bulbs, I'll include some specifics:

The Toyota D4R bulbs are ~$130 each (and they usually charge ~$100 for labor), but I recently had to put in new bulbs and I just got the Sylvania D4R bulbs off Amazon (make sure you buy it directly from Amazon and not some other seller because there are a lot of real-looking fakes) for $44 each: http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Xenon-Headlight-Bulb-Pack/dp/B00480J4J6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415911508&sr=8-1 If you prefer Toyota OEM ones direct from a Toyota dealership, I can give you a reference for some discounted parts (one of a few perks of being familiar with the "tuner" community).

You can do the bulb replacement without taking off the front (detailed here: http://priusdiy.com/tutorials/lighting/headlightreplacement.html), but I find it's much easier to do it the "right" way (detailed here: http://priusdiy.com/tutorials/lighting/headlightassemblyremoval.html). It's actually really easy, it's just undoing like 8 10mm bolts and unclipping the bumper cover. It took me about 40 minutes the first time because I was being careful, and like 20 minutes the second time.

This is the package i have put together so far (2005 Prius w/ JBL + Nav). Can anyone tell me if all of this is required, and/or if there are better options available (I'm sure there are better receivers - this just seemed like the best bang for the buck)

Metra Axxess ASWC-1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4PJC9K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Metra 70-8114 Steering Wheel Control Wire Harness: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064J4LOM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Metra TYTO-01 JBL Amplifier Interface Harness: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00133RCCC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Pioneer AVH-X2800BS Receiver (i may go for one without a backup cam): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C6BHJUY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A17Y7218I8U3RT

Metra 95-8240B Stereo Dash Kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDVR9V0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Had this issue with our 09. Bought a ground loop filter off Amazon and that took care of it.

This is the one I bought (or so says my amazing order history): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EAQTRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6pzFybQ1Z9Q0D

I'm sure others like it would work.

I have not tried a magnet cellphone holder. I might change it up one day, but so far this one still works pretty good since I bought it 4 years ago. It holds my phone securely and I can adjusting whichever way I want.

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CD Air Slot SmartPhone Mount Holder

I purchased these a few months ago. I'd say their output is similar to halogen, maybe a touch more. Definitely no where near their advertised 8000lm - which is ideal for me. Simply install and adjust your headlights vertically down a turn or two and golden. Cut off is great, don't blind oncoming drivers, and looks good, too!

Replacing a 12v battery is incredibly easy. Assuming you have a 3rd gen you can get this battery for $150, I'd imagine one for the 2nd gen would be similarly priced and maybe even the same battery. Dealers overcharge like crazy for mechanic service. I'm sure you can find some for the 3rd gen as well, but for the 2nd gen there's this cooling fan assembly for $250. No idea how easy it is to swap that out, but I'd imagine it's not impossible to do on your own, and I think it'd be worth the $490 difference.

You can pick one up from Amazon for $156

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-ACDB24R-Advantage-Automotive-Battery/dp/B010GKJ8F6

Installation is fairly easy. What the other guy said is true that the CCA's doesn't mean anything in a Prius as it is only used to power electronics and not to start the ICE itself like a normal car.

I got my self one of these from amazon. It works great. I've got a Gen2 (2008), so I can attest to the clearance on the Gen3 that the OP has. Still a pretty handy too.

I don’t know about this specific situation but I’m putting in a new stereo in my 2006. (No JBL)All my research suggests you need something like this to keep the steering wheel controls.

This also works with the JBL stuff. I think the JBL amp is digital so most stereos need something to change the signal from analog.

I’m not an expert but maybe that helps.


https://www.amazon.com/PAC-RP4-2-TY11-Radiopro4-Ty11/dp/B01B63G6ES

This or something similar https://www.amazon.com/GENUINE-APPROVED-SERVICERITE-EVAPORATOR-00053-00008/dp/B07D3B5JTZ

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One part you spray up from underneath into the drain tube with the system OFF and then let it drain out, the other part you spray into the air intake and the vents with the system running. I had to do this to my old Corolla, smelled pretty much exactly like you describe.

I'd couple that with renting an upholstery cleaner and cleaning the seats and the carpet and the rear cargo area.

Depending on your neighborhood, they may get stolen if you don't keep it garaged. Got a 2015 in October and they were gone by January. Toyota makes center caps that are pretty nice and will plug the holes in the rims. Four of these and you're good.

I change my own cabin air filter, then decline that at dealer services and save a bundle.

You can get a filter for less than 4 bucks on Amazon, changing it is easy, requires no tools, takes a minute or two.

https://www.amazon.com/TYC-800005P-Toyota-Replacement-Filter/dp/B000VKTUD2/

This one is great in your vent but not sure it will fit....Looks like the gen 3 is wide enough (some vents are really tiny, needs to be approx 2.5 inches wide):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078LHFM61/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


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the best one

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https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Universal-APPS2CAR-Universally-Compatible/dp/B06Y42RKPF/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=phone+holder+cd&qid=1557510514&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

I have used this filter wrench on my 2014 prius:

https://www.amazon.com/Motivx-Tools-Filter-Wrench-Engines/dp/B00Y5JWW1W

with this 27mm socket:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NPPCH8

It has worked pretty well for the 2 oil changes that I have done on my prius. I learned on the first oil change to jack up the front of the car about as high as you can to keep the plastic panel out of the way, and have room for my big socket wrench on the oil filter casing.

Buy the tires online with free shipping then ask your dealer to put them on for you. My dealer did it for $10 a tire. That savings should allow you to buy a full set.

https://www.amazon.com/Nankang-SP-9-Cross-Sport-All-Season-Radial/dp/B01EI2N6ME/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_293_lp_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q30R21B1ACS43C48X3ED

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Antares-Ingens-A1-Tire-175-65R15-84H/55692724

I purchased these and they have worked great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHDYTGL?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I've been very happy with this. A friend had an accident and said it saved him the $1000 deductible.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M28B92C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yours has the upgraded head unit but I use a a mount inserted into the CD slot. It's pretty much in as perfect location for visibility. Charging kind of sucks since the charging cable's in the way a bit.

http://www.amazon.com/Mountek-nGroove-Universal-Phones-Devices/dp/B004G1L52Q

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8trduhl2bjb5sp0/Photo%20Nov%2008%2C%202%2028%2020%20PM.jpg?dl=0

http://www.amazon.com/Mountek-nGroove-Universal-Phones-Devices/dp/B004G1L52Q

I know you said air vent, but maybe this CD-mounted one will work? It's adjustable for any size phone. Much better IMO, but I guess if you use CDs regularly it won't work.

That's too low to be useful. You can't glance at it without taking your eyes off the road. I use a CD slot mount. It works very well and fits just about any phone.

I actually bought my tires on amazon. They arrived a day early. I had installation done at Pep Boys for a little over a $100.

You can pay for the installation at the time of purchase through Amazon to be done somewhere near you as well.

Nankang SP-9 Cross-Sport All-Season Radial Tire - 175/65R15 88H

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EI2N6ME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7ZcPBb9G83NP6

I put a Pioneer 4100 NEX in my 2011 Prius II. It can use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Here are the parts I used to install it.

• [Scosche Dash Kit for 2010 Toyota Prius Din with Pocket and Double Din] (http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Toyota-Prius-Pocket-Double/dp/B003KZJXVE?ie=UTF8)
  
• [Scosche Radio Wiring Harness for 1987-Up Toyota Power/4 Speaker Connector] (http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Harness-1987-Up-Speaker-Connector/dp/B00009UHKW?ie=UTF8)
  
• [Posi-Products Car Stereo Connectors] (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-MQKJZ6iyN7I/p_669PP500/Posi-Products-Car-Stereo-Connectors.html) to install the wiring harness
  
• [Metra AX-USB-35EXT 3.5mm iPod to USB Extension Cable - 27-Inch - Black] (http://www.amazon.com/Metra-AX-USB-35EXT-3-5mm-Extension-Cable/dp/B00L2SF64E?ie=UTF8) (Used to extend the USB from head unit to the unused ports in my car)
  
• [Scosche Axt12 12-Inch Antenna Extension Cable] (http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Axt12-12-Inch-Antenna-Extension/dp/B000NWHVU2?ie=UTF8) (optional, but made it easier)
  
  
  For the steering wheel controls
  
  
• [Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface] (http://www.amazon.com/Axxess-ASWC-1-Universal-Steering-Interface/dp/B00B4PJC9K?ie=UTF8)
  
• [Metra 70-8114 Steering Wheel Control Wire Harness with RCA for 2003-Up Select Toyota/Scion/Lexus Vehicles] (http://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-8114-Steering-Control-Vehicles/dp/B0064J4LOM?ie=UTF8)
  
  
  I also installed the [OttoNavi Prius Backup Camera] (http://www.ottonavi.com/Toyota-Prius-2009-2013-Back-Up-Camera-p/ty0913pr-kdcmrcxx.htm) but is out of stock now.

There is absolutely no difference between brights and low. Nothing electrically changes. All that happens is that a little mirror moves inside the fixture, which doesn't even touch the lamp. No electrical difference at all. So I have no idea why that's happening, but it wouldn't be due to any sort of wiring problem because brights and low beam use exactly the same lamp, wiring, circuitry, everything.

Here's a link to the Phillips lamps on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Xenon-Headlight-Bulb-Pack/dp/B00480J4J6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415915589&sr=8-1&keywords=d4r

If you do a search for "D4R" on Amazon, you'll get a lot of other results. Some of the people on boards like PriusChat like the MaxLux lamps, which are a touch more expensive, but I have had good results with the Phillips ones, which are the ones Toyota installs at the factory. (OEM.)

i have an '06. can you link me to the parts on amazon?

edit
nevermind

This works great on my 2007 and meets my requirements: are it and forget it, fast connectivity, no batteries. It's been solid for me:

HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver for Car Audio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G57CWZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_S4eNwbEM1KEQH

And to avoid ground noise:

PAC SNI-1/3.5 3.5-mm Ground Loop Noise Isolator Works with iPod/Zune/iRiver and Others https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EAQTRI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_Y6eNwb2BSE5ZD


Tips: don't max out your phone's volume or will cause distortion. I keep mine at 80-90% of volume. I can still use the phone with the car. I have an android phone. I connect Bluetooth phone top cast and media streaming to the adapter.

I got a Ground Loop Noise Isolator from Amazon and it does the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010GKJ8F6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you dont mind ordering online replaced my 12v on my 2005 with this, took about 15min.

$148.56 with tax and coupon applied.

You can get the HID bulbs for $50 from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00480J4J6

absorbant glass mat, which was in my 07 and seems to be in most, but not sure about Gen 1, if that's what you have. I used this for my 07

I bought this one on Amazon last week. I installed it in my 2010 myself in 45 minutes and I'm a shitty mechanic. $168

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010GKJ8F6?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title