I have a 2004 with 59,000 miles on it. On the way to work this Am my radio suddenly went dead, then I couldn't turn off my heat. This happened 3 times in a 10 mile span. So, I stopped at the dealer and the service guys said they recently had another Prius with the same problem but that one was still under warranty. So I need a new touch screen device for $4,200!!!!! Anybody had this problem or heard about it???HELP
Unfortunately this is a common problem with the '04. Fortunately, you can get a refurbished MFD for about $400 (or so I'm told).
I am having this problem right now with my 2004. It started a week ago at 49,000 miles. The screen was off for two full days and now the problem is intermitent. It seems to me that this could be a software problem, because when the screen is on it works pefectly. When the screen turns on/off the radio turns off, just as with your car. I am definitely not paying much to fix this, not 4,200 or $1,000.
you want a refurb, and you're not paying more than $400 for the part. period. if they can't figure out the warranty exchange program, they're stupid and have lost your business to someone who knows what's going on.
Several other individuals have managed to get a new MFD, out of warranty, for this by being persistant. It is well worth your time to call Toyota Customer care, make a case number, tell them that you're aware that Toyota is aware that this is a common problem on a faulty part and that you request they replace it under warranty. Be sure to mention reporting it to the NTSB and any other web site you can think of to report such issues....you shouldn't at first anyway, need to be mean about it, but be persistant. At the very worst you may be stuck with the refurb, but some well placed comments without losing your cool may, very well, get you a free one.
A bad screen does not disable the car, you can still control most functions with the steering wheel buttons. It's nice to have a functional screen, but if the price of a new one is too high, I can do without it.
You can find them as cheap as $175 on http://www.car-part.com. Search for "GPS/TV Screen/Info Center" You didn't say whether you have NAV or not, but just be sure to verify everything with the yard you buy it from. If its anything like my 2006 MFD, its VERY easy to replace, just a few screws and plugs.
Just today, my car drove 20 miles to work with the screen blank. On the way back several hours later the screen worked perfectly for the whole distance. So, why is the screen bad? Could it be something else, perhaps something sending the information to the screen?
DH and his parts manager are working together to get refurbs to anyone that needs them. see here: http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=26072
I am having the same issue on my '06 I bought last May with 8k miles on it. Problem is the dealership says they have to see it off and everytime it happens it is intermittent (stays that way maybe 30 min.). Any others noticed that it get progressively worse over time??? Did you have to have the dealership catch it in this state or could they examine the car and figure out there is a problem?
