2010 - Shorting radio

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Theresa Jennings, Nov 24, 2015.

  1. Theresa Jennings

    Theresa Jennings Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2015
    6
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    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I just bought this Prius II and overall, I love it, but the radio seems to be shorting. Sometimes pushing a station preset button just turns off the radio, sometimes the volume in the center console works, and sometimes I have to change the volume via the steering wheel control. Sometimes the power button works, sometimes not.

    I went over to Best Buy, and it seemed all the car stereos are shiny, glossy, neon things. Ugh. Doesn't go with the aesthetic of the Prius.

    The dealership told me they don't fix the radio, they replace it. They told me $400 to replace, but I'm guessing that doesn't include labor.

    Any suggestions?
     
    #1 Theresa Jennings, Nov 24, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    58,430
    40,233
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I can't see an aftermarket radio working, fitting in the dash. I wonder if a previous owner might have done some DIY wiring, messed something up? Is there any aftermarket accessory installed that you know of?
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Nov 24, 2015
  3. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2015
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    Location:
    Nh
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Err, Take your time, look everywhere, mouse droppings aren't really hidden, but are circumspect, if any, good luck.
     
    #3 Lucifer, Nov 24, 2015
  4. Theresa Jennings

    Theresa Jennings Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2015
    6
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    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The previous owner - there was one - took excellent care of the car. It's in nearly cherry condition. It doesn't look like the owner did anything aftermarket. And he was religious about bringing the car in for maintenance, according to the Carfax. An aftermarket radio is a gross option. ;-)

    Lucifer, I really don't understand what you're saying.
     
    #4 Theresa Jennings, Nov 24, 2015
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  5. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
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    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca. 90405
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Post on the sight tell people you are looking for a Prius 2 stock radio, many people here replace the head unit and you should be able to find a good one cheap. If that doesn't work, junkyards are worth a try, because $400 for a $75 radio is senseless.
     
    #5 Munpot42, Nov 24, 2015
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  6. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    494
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Mine does this as well, warmer climates seems to be an issue when direct sunlight hits it. Try investing in a good window sun shade visor it really helps. In cooler climates I have no problems at all. Just my 2 cents!
     
    #6 Fore, Nov 25, 2015
  7. alanwagen

    alanwagen Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2008
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    Location:
    FORT WORTH
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Mine was doing the same thing and I would push all the buttons and it would start working again. But then later it would mess up again. Out of frustration I did an open hand hit on it which cleared it up. I'm thinking that it wasn't seated right and the hit seated it and gave me a better connection. So far so good.
     
    #7 alanwagen, Nov 28, 2015
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