[ChasSuitt]

:?: OOPS!! Nearly backed into my wife...

Google Search found:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Brow ... 92/c-10101

J.C. Whitney lists several backup alarms including:

(a) Backup bulb replacement with alarm at $19.99. One review indicates rapid failure. This product does not specifically list the Prius specified bulb (Bulb #7440 - 21 watt - Type D)

(b) backup alarm with flashing light at $9.99 which attaches to the lower rear license plate screws.

(c) Several other alarms more complex at various costs.

Any of you installed such a device? Or... perhaps you have an alternative suggestion. It would contribute to good domestic relations if I avoided backing into my wife.

 

[Phish Phood]

Buy new Prius with backup camera..

 

[ChasSuitt]

Thanks Phish Phood

Tried to trade for an '06 w/ Backup Camera plus other upgrades. Just couldn't get enough trade for my '04 and rather than personally sell, pay cash (Plus 6¼% Texas tax), I decided to await the '07s. Texas charges the tax only on the DIFFERENCE when you trade up - noticeable tax saving. So... if I got $20K for my trade, I'd save $1,250 - worth considering.

Besides, the backup camera does not provide an audible signal.

 

[Roger V]

Charles,
Check under Prius Q&A, look for a discussion under "Need Wiring Diagram for Backup Lights." Talks about the problem you are having, and what some people are using as a solution.

 

[Phish Phood]

Thanks Phish Phood

Tried to trade for an '06 w/ Backup Camera plus other upgrades. Just couldn't get enough trade for my '04 and rather than personally sell, pay cash (Plus 6¼% Texas tax), I decided to await the '07s. Texas charges the tax only on the DIFFERENCE when you trade up - noticeable tax saving. So... if I got $20K for my trade, I'd save $1,250 - worth considering.

Besides, the backup camera does not provide an audible signal.

What about the tax credit..?

 

[ChasSuitt]

Hi Again Phish Phood...

The IRS tax credit was factored in... just not close enough. I believe I will be better off awaiting the '07 and taking the $1,575 tax credit.

 

[ChasSuitt]

Thanks to a posting by B Rad on PriusChat, there's a D.I.Y. solution using Radio Shack parts - minimal wiring - audible from both inside and outside - no external visible modification. The buzzer mounts inside the left tail light assembly. Here's the link B Rad provided:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?autocom= ... icle&id=13

 

[romad]

Thanks to a posting by B Rad on PriusChat, there's a D.I.Y. solution using Radio Shack parts - minimal wiring - audible from both inside and outside - no external visible modification. The buzzer mounts inside the left tail light assembly. Here's the link B Rad provided:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?autocom= ... icle&id=13

That link doesn't work; it just goes to a general priuschat page.

 

[DanMan32]

Thanks to a posting by B Rad on PriusChat, there's a D.I.Y. solution using Radio Shack parts - minimal wiring - audible from both inside and outside - no external visible modification. The buzzer mounts inside the left tail light assembly. Here's the link B Rad provided:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?autocom=art...ticle&id=13

You need to copy the entire link from the Address field in your browser. We need the part subtituted for ...

 

[romad]

Here is where you'll eventually end up. It is a pdf from a Prius club in San Diego.

http://www.priusclubsd.com/info/buzzerinstall.pdf

 

[ChasSuitt]

Sorry folks about the link... The PDF link posted above is the same information **AND** excellent photos of the installation as well.

 

[David Duchesne]

Look at walmart.com. They have a nifty backup camera for 98.00. Just search for back up camera. And its wireless, just wire the camera into your 12 v rear door lamps. The LCD monitor is battery operated. I am considering geting one myself.

 

[efusco]

Look at walmart.com. They have a nifty backup camera for 98.00. Just search for back up camera. And its wireless, just wire the camera into your 12 v rear door lamps. The LCD monitor is battery operated. I am considering geting one myself.

Direct link:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=4744711

That's pretty cool...I'd love to know if there's a way to hook it up, via CAN-View so it automatically comes on when I'm in reverse on the MFD instead of having the extra LCD.

 

[David Beale]

Evan, didn't I read that there is an extra NTSC input in the CanView cabling? If you connect to that you should be able to use the MFD, though you may still have to "select" the extra input.