Edmunds Answers questions

how do i hack prius navigation?

tjhanley — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:30:55 GMT

i want to get it so that i don't need to have it in park to do anything?

How do I obtain Toyota Cerification Letter & an IRS Acknowledgement Letter for a 2007 Toyota Prius Tax Credit?

jimt7 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:41:33 GMT

Purchased car Jul 31, 2007

Does anybody know it a Toyota Prius can be safely towed on all fours behind a RV?

rollinggypseas — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:13:07 GMT

I need to tow a Toyota Prius behind a motor home using a tow bar that will tow the Prius on all fours. The tow bar installer isn't sure a Prius can be towed on all fours.

My local Toyota service reps have been no help getting me an answer.
I've seen plenty of warnings from Toyota against towing with a Prius and even some telling how to properly tow a Prius (on two wheels). But I can't find anything that warns against towing on all fours.

I have an 02' prius. Does using a car charger for phone, etc. use more gas, or will I get free juice?

02priusdallas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:51:18 GMT

There is a device you can plug into the car charger that has a couple of standard household plugs on it. If I use that to charge my phone and razor, will I get "free" electricity? Or will the usage cause the motor to run more to keep the battery charged? yes, yes, this is esoteric, but I am seriously wondering ...

2001 Toyota Prius issues or problems?

linjim — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:59:31 GMT

Toyota Prius issues/ problems.

Has anyone with a Prius noticed large glints in the windshield when driving into a low sun?

mary42 — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:02:53 GMT

I bought a new Toyota Prius in August. It came from a dealership in the desert and was rather dirty when it was delivered. Also the windshield and hood were covered with water spots. Most eventually came off, but not all. I drive to and from work into the sun which brings out lots of specks in the glass, etc. But there are several larger ones that look like glass damage, yet I cannot feel anything on the glass. I took it into a local dealer who told me those were on the laminate between the two pieces of glass in the windshield. He said all their windshields would have them, so replacing the windshield would not solve the problem. These spots are in all the windows.

I'm wondering if the dealer is correct or if anyone has any information on this.

Any experience with luggage rack and storage container on roof of a Toyota Prius?

jde4 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:31:05 GMT

I am considering the purchase of a Prius, but am concerned about traveling with my family (Wife, Newborn, 2 dogs, and Myself). I am confortable with getting everyone in the car, but will have very little room remaining for a stroller and luggage when we going out of town. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about putting an after market luggage rack / luggage container on the roof of a Prius? Is it safe (car will be top heavy + potentially impacted by wind)? Will the vehicle have enough power for interstate travel? What will it do to efficency? I really like the Prius and the daily fuel efficency I will be getting, but am concerned about attempting to travel with the family. The trade off may be to kennel the dogs, but would prefer not to.

Thank you for any help you can provide!

I have a very light trailer and kayak - has anyone towed with their Toyota Prius? - (owners manual says no towing).

larryunleashed — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:51:32 GMT

I wold like to know whether anyone has successfully done this. The total load pulled is probably on the order of 300 lbs. is all. Are there electrical hook-up needs outside the normal for trailer lights with the Prius? It seems that I saw on some chat board that people were using their Prius to pull light boats an trailers.

Can a Toyota Prius be towed?

budsawyer — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:52:59 GMT

Does the drivetrain need to be disconnected? How easy is it to tow a Toyota Prius?

My Toyota Prius came with an extra sealant and noise reducer. The dealer said I had to apply the sealant, is that customary?

hairgal — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:21:29 GMT

The car came with this already added to the list.. it was only like 330.00 but I thought it was strange that I should do the application. I have also read that the extra spray underneath really does help with noise..but how do I know if it was applied? I'm going to call the dealership tomorrow but would like to know if anyone has had this done or knows anything about it.thanks

Location of FM antenna on 2007 Toyota Prius?

bobc9 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:37:15 GMT

there are no more details, it is a simple ??

Haven't test driven a Prius because none available so a basic question: Can you see into the trunk area?

kevtenstar2 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:46:27 GMT

Had a Datsun hatchback years ago and you could see into the "trunk" area. I hated it. What's the story on the Prius hatchback? Does it come with a cover or is the window tint dark enough to obscure trunk area?

Looking to download an Owners Manual for an 08 Toyota Prius

dancepal — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:17:33 GMT

Can anyone tell me where I can download a copy of the 2008 Toyota Prius. I am not currently an owner, but am waiting on a list at my Toyota Dealer. I would like to read up on my much anticipated new vehicle. Thank you

Why do I detect a strong odor in my '07 Toyota Prius with 18K miles? I bought it new & have it serviced according to the manual.

rk8 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:51:03 GMT

My wife and daughter insist there is a strong fecal odor in this car. I occasionally notice teh stench when I'm standing outside the car by the right rear door. What gives? Hydrogen sulfide from any catalytic converter?Any fix?

What aftermarket car stereo system for a 2009 Toyota Prius?

pbrotman — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:55:02 GMT

We just purchased a new 2009 Prius Touring model- we love the car but the car stereo and radio are very disappointing. Can anyone suggest a great after-market stereo system for the Prius?

how complex/intricate can it get? if money no object what would you recommend?

Thanks

2006 Toyota Prius refused to engage cruse control and continue running engine on stops, didn't run smoothly.

ibgyahoo — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:05:47 GMT

Two days ago I drove my car - Toyota Prius, 2006 and I tried engage cruse control but it did not react when I pressed down lever of the cruse control, the control panel displayed cruse but lever did not responded. At the same time I noticed that engine is not shots off when I stopped at the traffic light but continued idling. Also, when I released accelerator pedal the car slowed down as if I pressed the brake pedal, even a down hill. I couldn't understood what is going on. There were no any warning displays on a control panel window. I called to Toyota dealer and made appointment for next day to bring car in and see what is going on.
I got to my destination and stopped the car. After few hours I was coming back home and the car drove completely normal. I mean, all the symptoms above are gone and everything worked okay as it supposed to be. I don't understand how that could happens in the same day. I called off my appointment but I still worry what is wrong with my car and why it happened. My car has 34300 miles. It may come wrong again when it will be 36001 miles and I'll have to pay from my packet for this problem to be fixed. Are there any suggestions why my car behaved in such way?

I have a 2006 Toyota Prius with approximately 89,000 miles. Radio problems.

cdaug1 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:45:33 GMT

I have a 2006 Toyota Prius with approx. 89,000 miles. Lately, when I turn the car on, the volume on the radio does not work, nor can I turn the radio off or on. After driving a few minutes, the volume returns to normal and I'm able to turn the radio off or on and adjust the volume. Anyone else experience this problem?

I recently paid over $2000 to repair the brakes on my 2003 Toyota Prius. Bad computer and bad motor. Anyone else?

rbarasch — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:36:11 GMT

Why would the computer and the motor for the brakes fail at the same time?

Do you know if someone makes a roof rack for the Toyota Prius? GMB5

gmb5 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:43:17 GMT

I need as roof rack for a large kayak. I have a Yakima rack on my current car and would need to have one on a Prius if I am going to consider buying one.

GMB5

Toyota Prius odor.

getitinwriting — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:48:55 GMT

I'm experiencing an odor that sounds like what you've got. Toyota is giving me a runaround and denying it's a problem, though my dealer agrees with me. Can you give me any more info about what you've experienced, what you've done about it, etc? Thanks.

I have a 2004 Toyota Prius and when I hit the brakes, it makes a loud sound, kind of like grinding. Is that normal?

rio10 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:22:48 GMT

2004 Prius. Brakes are making sound when I come to a stop.

2008 Prius Owners Manual states door locks can be programmed to autolock when car is put in drive. Mine does not.

mypineprius — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:03:47 GMT

2008 Toyota Prius Touring With 1100 miles. Dealership Purchased at CANNOT program the door locks to engage automatically when the car is in drive?
The Owners Manual says they are SUPPOSED TO BE FACTORY SET that way, BUT They ARE NOT. Dealership CANNOT Change the programming at all! There are no LIVE LInks on the Computer Screen to Change any door lock features?

Problems with Toyota Prius auto door locks that are supposed to lock in Drive but do NOT engage?

mypineprius — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:14:29 GMT

2008 Prius Touring 1180 miles. My Owners Manual States That The Doors Are Supposed To Lock Automatically in Drive or at 15mph BUT THEY DO NOT LOCK?
Had the Selling Dealership check why they won't lock using their computer. NO ADJUSTMENT LINKS ARE LIVE. They cannot change the door lock program?
Has anyone else had this problem, and is there a solution for this malady?
I read in a post that someone with a Prius was told by Toyota Canada that the automatic door locks cannot be activated? Is this true in the US also?
Thanks For any Help, Robert

Safety related issue Toyota decided not to include in 2008 Prius

mypineprius — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:20:54 GMT

I purchased a 2008 Prius Touring on Dec. 1st. While I LOVE the MPG I get, Toyota has fallen short on both safety and quality control issues.
My Owners Manual (Toyotas Bible) Clearly States I am Supposed To Have the Automatic Door Locking Feature, and Dual Climate Control.
While the latter is not a problem, the former is an extreme safety issue!
TOYOTA HAS ALLOWED A NEW 2008 PRIUIS TO BE "A CARJKACKERS DREAM COME TRUE"
Should one just happen to forget to use one of the armrest lock buttons, a CARJACKER CAN JUST COME UP TO THE CAR AND OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS! Why is such Lack Of Quality Control Exist Behind Toyotas Last Minute Decision To NOT INCLUDE AUTO LOCK IN THE 2008 PRIUS? WHY DID TOYOTA NOT FIND THIS OBVIOUS ERROR WHEN "PROOF READING" THE OWNERS MANUAL WAS TAKING PLACE?
This issue was exposed in other forums as INEXCUSEABLE By Q.C. Standards!
This feature is VERY IMPORTANT TO US. We have NOT DRIVEN A VEHICLE WITHOUT AUTOLOCKING DOORS IN MORE THAN TEN YEARS! My Saturn Vue had Auto Lock Doors
My Toyota Sequoia Had Auto Lock Doors WHY DID I PAY FOR ITEMS I DON'T HAVE?
Why should my wife and I be subjected to a possible carjacking just because TOYOTA PURPOSELY DECIDED NOT TO INCLUDE AUTO DOOR LOCK ON MY CAR?
WHY IS TOYOTA ALLOWED TO HAVE ITEMS LISTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL THAT ARE CLEARLY NOT ON THE VEHICLE. Does anyone else agree this is a real problem?

2001 Prius red brake light, ABS light On along with continuous beep

glharley — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:29:10 GMT

Drove car through heavy rainfall and puddles earlier today. Later on, got back in car to start and red brake light and ABS light were ON along with sustained, annoying beep. Any siggestions?

What's the difference between the '08 Prius Hybrid and the '08 Prius Hybrid Touring?

orvisorvis — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:08:27 GMT

I can figure out what's standard or optional on each but I haven't been able to find any information regarding 'engineered' differences. Thx.

Leasing 2008 Toyota Prius

ssyrmac — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:06:54 GMT

I'm thinking about leasing a 2008 Prius. Does anyone have any information on the lease price for 12K/yr lease with $2k down. Does this car have much residual value? I've heard that the monthly lease is very high for this car? Is that true?

If that's the case, would I really be saving any money if the money I save on gas, I'll be spending on higher monthly lease payments.

Is $1797 fair for a 7yr./100,000 extended warranty on a 2008 Toyota Prius? Any unused portion is refunded at the end.

jer6 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:35:13 GMT

Bought the extended warranty thru the Toyota dealership. I have two months to change my mind and get my money back now. Toyota's warranty covers the first 3 yrs./36,000, then the extended warranty takes over. Dealership swears they refund any unused portion of the $1797 at the end of the 7 yrs./100,000 mls. They're a reputable dealership.

I'm selling an 01 Toyota Prius hybrid in great shape for a good price. I need to sell in 3 weeks. Any tips?

meighanlaw1 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:04:25 GMT

it's an 01 with 87k miles in great shape and we have the maintenance records. i'm getting a new car in a couple weeks so i need to sell but i've never sold a car online before. we are asking a really good price...does anyone have any general advice? we're in the tampa bay area.

Is it still worthwhile to buy an '08 Toyota Prius?

hihostevo — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:51:48 GMT

With the ’09 Prius supposedly less than 9 months away… I am wondering if it is “still” a good financial move to purchase an ’08 Prius?

Do any of you Prius owners have experience using your Prius in Real Estate work? If so, do your clients “accept” the smaller vehicle because it is more “green” or do you with you were in a Lexus ES330 or RX330?

Thank you for your thoughts…………..

My 2008 Toyota Prius gets less than 35 mpg in town. I commute 3-4 miles & have one steep hill. Should I get better mileage?

vks1 — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:39:11 GMT

The trip to work is 3 miles. I stop the car & restart within 1/2 hour to make a delivery; this jaunt requires going up a steep hill one-way, but down it on the way back. Total delivery is about 1 mile.

I'm in western WA state, so the winter weather is not extremely cold. I've had Prius 2.5 months & have about 1500 miles on it.

I got 48 mpg on a roadtrip (300-400 miles), traveling on freeways. My mixed mileage, aside from the roadtrip, is 37-40 mpg.

I see that mileage really goes down at 25-30 mph, but the speed limit on roads most traveled are 25-35 mph.

Toyota Prius 2008 Nav 7.1 old; cost $3,000. Has any new owner been able to obtain a free future update from Toyota?

torbay — Sun, 04 May 2008 10:02:22 GMT

It would appear that Toyota mapping details are very outdated for 2008. After reading other online forums it would seem other Toyota Prius buyers are finding the same problem that I have quickly discovered in my NAV system purchased April 2008. In Southern Ontario, Canada major arterial streets and residential roads that are more than five years old have not been updated on software version 7.1. Toyota wants me the new vehicle purchaser to buy at $300.00 an updated version when it comes out possibly in December 2008. Will this too be outdated? The salesman, dealer and Toyota Canada have all been notified by me of the above outdated software. Ontario updates listed by the manufacturer shown to me by the dealer seem very vague compared to the US details but I gather Americans and Canadian Prius purchasers are having the same outdated software problem.

I want to know how to remove the reverse beep on my '06 Toyota Prius.

bob204 — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:10:15 GMT

I have tried to follow the steps that I have seen and written down via Edmunds forums section. The steps I have followed do not remove the annoying reverse beep on my '06 Toyota Prius. I had a similar question re. my '04 Prius and was succesful at removing the beep from that car... help!

Have been told by two dealers that Prius Touring Edition was only available in CA.. I live in MD. Can I order?

gemcat1 — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:16:47 GMT

Am considering purchasing a Prius Touring Edition when mylease on Infiniti M35X ends in December. Have been told by two car dealers in Maryland that the Touring Edition is not sent to Maryland. I know that I will have to order the Prius since they are very popular, but want to know if I can order a Touring Edition.

What is the "B" brake for? I have had my Toyota Prius for about 3 months and have not used the "B" brake. Do I need to use it?

prusa — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:41:54 GMT

This is a Prius 08 and I don't know how to use the "B" brake. I don't live near hill (up hill or down hill). What is the correct way to use it?

I am searching for someone that has successfully removed the reverse beep on a Toyota Prius and can share with me how ?

bob204 — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:51:06 GMT

I have an '06 Prius. I have tried to remove the annoying reverse beep following the directions that I found on the Edmunds forums section. Tried the steps and didn't remove the beep. On my '04 Prius it appeared to be easy and removed without a problem.. Help, is there someone that has been successful and can outline complete step-by-step instructions for the removal. I have a long driveway and by the time I have reached the street my hair is standing straight up.. thanks

I can only start my Toyota Prius by putting the remote in the starter. I can't start it with the remote removed. Ideas?

dwes — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:45:51 GMT

Everything was fine until yesterday. I could get in the car with remote in my pocket and start up the car by pushing the soft button. I had a flat tire fixed by a tire dealer and now the car only starts by inserting the remote in the start slot. Any ideas ?

Is there any plans by Toyota to convert the Prius or other models to an Electric-Hybrid?

welkins — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:32:51 GMT

There are off dealer conversion kits for the Prius to allow the car to operate in an all electric or hybrid car.
I was wondering whether Toyota will have this as an option when you buy the car?

Can you pre-buy a car before it's available on the lot?

elwellx — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:27:45 GMT

After dealing with some car salesmen who were jacking up prices on used 2007 Toyota Prius, my wife and I decided we'd rather just wait and get the new 2010 version. What I'm wondering is, will dealerships pre-sell cars before they come on the lot and, if so, does that put me at a haggling disadvantage?

When the door of 2006 Toyota Prius is not closed tight, error shown "Shift is in neutral". Dealer claims it's normal. Is it true?

jc4774 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:57:41 GMT

When one of the 2006 Prius door is not closed tight and the shift is on "D", the error message "When your shift is in neutral, the battery won't charge etc" shown up on the monitor. If I put in reverse, the error msg disappear; when I shift to drive, that error message shown up again.
When the door closed tight, no more msg. The service man from the dealer claimed this is normal. But if the problem is the door, shouldn't the error msg said so? Thank you for your help.

Does anyone sell a RUBBER Prius cargo mat? (Toyota doesn't).

derf9 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:51 GMT

Toyota offers a fiber mat but not a heavy duty rubber cargo mat..would prefer one that is shaped (ie. fits wheel well footprint) for a 08/09 Prius.

When will the 2009 Toyota Prius be available for purchase?

martini3 — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:32:01 GMT

When will 2009 Toyota Prius be available for purchase?

How do you replace an engine air filter on a '06 Toyota Pruis? Owner's manual was no help.

mglatman — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:15:11 GMT

I picked up an engine air filter from the dealer thinking I could change it, just like I have changed the other car's I have owned. Not so . . . I couldn't even locate it. The owner's manual did not identify the part or describe how to change it. Help!

What is the difference between the base model and the Touring model of the Toyota Prius?

sanfred2740 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:24:03 GMT

what is the difference between the base model and the Touring model of the Toyota Prius

Does Florida charge sales tax for the purchase of a Toyota Prius hybrid?

jimig1 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:49:56 GMT

Trying to decide if I should buy car in Ct or Fl. Planning on dual residency.

05 Toyota Prius won't drive.

neil77 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:32:36 GMT

I bought a prius from a salvage sale 2 months ago that was hit in the back.It has 32000 miles on it. The 12 volt battery and the brake power supply was smashed. I did some pulls to straighten out the back of the car so I could get in the trunk. Using a 12 volt battery and the broken brake power supply I started the car and drove it about 5 miles. The abs light was on at that time. I also found I had a 2 amp draw on the 12 volt battery so each time I would move the car I would take off the battery cable. Now the car won’t move and the display screen says (Caution the transmission P lock is abnormal. Park your car at a flat place, and apply the parking brake completely).
The red brake light on the dash is on. I can put my foot on the brake and shift it from P to N it will not go into D or R I have tried setting and releasing the parking brake. I also tried putting the old brake power supply back and changing the12 volt battery and it made no change.

How do you replace the HID headlights in a 2007 Toyota Prius?

kevdar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:43:17 GMT

have 2007 toyota prius with headlite problem. they will turn off by themselves or only one lite will come on(driver side) and next time they turned on both will work any ideas?

How do you remove the read wiper blade assembly (not the arm, just the blade)? Toyota 2005 Prius.

Stickers05 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:14:31 GMT

The front wiper units have tabs that enable removal. Can't find any way to release the rear wiper assembly. 2005 Prius, rear intermittent wiper.

Does the Toyota Prius need an extended warranty?

mommapeterson — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:44:41 GMT

Just bought new 2009 Prius hybrid. Got dealer quote for 2000.00 extended warranty good for 100000 or 6 years. I've seen better deals online but do I even need the extra coverage because of its reliability rating. Thanks

I have a 2001 Toyota Prius and the steering wheel shakes violently. Sometimes the PS light comes on. Can someone help me?

trish13 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:06:07 GMT

I have already replaced a left front axle, the battery, and I had to have the cruise control fixed. I just bought this car used in May 2008. Now the steering wheel shakes violently and sometimes the PS(power steering) light comes on.

I had it at the dealership for a week and they said nothing was wrong. Can someone help me?