Toyota Prius 2005 Radio Installation

Many Prius owners install additional radios.

Adding a radio to the 2005 Toyota Prius is trickier than with other cars, but doable. The easiest way to install an additional radio is by removing the dash panel that holds the in-dash radio. Additional car radio installation, for a CB radio or Sirius/XM satelitte radio, for example, is also placed in the glove box or in other convenient locations, so as not to damage the Prius' integrated internal appearance. Specific single DIN units (the unit of one single height space in car audio equipment) can be installed in the Prius' shelf space beneath the in-dash radio, too.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Panel removing tools
• 1/4-inch drive sockets
• Drill
• Electrical insulating tape

Instructions

1. Turn the vehicle off or disconnect the negative lead from the battery.

2. Remove the Prius interior trim components. These include the ashtray, the center console and the center dash section that surrounds the in-dash radio. You can use a Phillips screwdriver, but the Prius dash removal tools are specifically made for this purpose, and available from Toyota dealers.

3. Grasp the ashtray and remove it.

4. Grasp the center console insert. Remove it by lifting the rear portion and tilting it forward. Then remove the front clip portion that secures the panel

5. Grasp the vent section on either side of the in-dash stereo. Pull the whole surrounding vent section out. Use gentle force.

6. Remove center console. There is a little door with a lever that frees the unit. Use both hands to lift out the top of the console panel. Unplug the three plugs that are connected behind the panel.

7. Unscrew the four screws beneath the car radio unit using a Phillips screwdriver. Be careful not to let the screws fall within the Prius. Lift out the bracket.

8. Plug the new radio cable into the extra connection port on the rear of the radio. Plug speaker wires into the wiring harness. Put electrical tape around any bare wire connections.

9. Attach the new radio unit in the console shelf space, drilling small pilot holes underneath the shelf space. Use small self-tapping screws to secure the radio.

10. Reassemble the center console in the reverse order in which the parts were removed, being careful to reattach all clips.

11. Reattach the battery cable if it's been detached.

12. Reset the Prius electrical functions: clock, climate control settings and radio presets.

References

• Modified Life: 2005 Toyota Prius Car Radio Wiring Guide
• Factory Interactive: Sirius Satellite Radio for 2005 Prius