Just where is the Nav Map DVD Player in an '08 Prius?

Question

I found something under the passenger seat but where do you put or take out the DVD?

Answer 1

In the NHW20 (2004-current) Prius:  Under the driver's front seat (left) is a black box for the GPS navigation system (ECU, gyroscopes, and the DVD drive).  Under the passenger's front seat (right) is a black box containing the upgraded JBL amplifier.  If your Prius wasn't equipped with either of these from the factory, you will not find them under your seats (but will find cut-outs in the carpet instead).

The Toyota Prius does not have a DVD player.  The GPS navigation system does store its map data and POI database on a DVD (as opposed to a bunch of CDs or a hard drive), but the DVD data is in a proprietary format.  The GPS navigation ECU (computer) does not have the proper MPEG decoder to read/watch a DVD video (movie) disc.

The only reason to be putting in or taking out the navigation DVD would be to swap it out with a newer DVD with updated routing software and map/POI information.  But if you have a 2008 Prius, it is likely to be the most current disc.

Do you have any missing roads, new construction, or wrong addresses?  Do they also show up on mapquest.com , mapsonus.com , maps.yahoo.com ? My recollection is that those sites use the same map database company that Toyota uses to provide the maps. (The same errors that are on those maps also appears on the Toyota navigation systems that I've used.)

If you're in the US, expect to pay about $200-$300 for a new navigation DVD from your dealer's parts department.

If you are in Europe, you can find out what is on any available upgrade discs and the cost at:  http://www.toyota-mapupdates.eu/

You can view the DVD map/database version information by pressing the "MENU" button on the dash, and then the "Map DVD" softbutton on the MFD in the upper right corner.

Yes, you could get an update disc from a wrecking/scrap yard, or buy a used disc online (such as eBay), but be sure that the disc is for the correct version of the Toyota navigation system that is in your specific year's Prius. (For example, the navigation system version from the 2006-current Toyota Prius are a different version than the 2004-2005 Prius, which are different than the 2002-2003 Prius. However, there are available map/software update DVDs for all three versions of the navigation system...)

When I had the DVD disc upgraded under LSC 40J for my 2004 Prius way back when (free upgrade because of some poor/circular routing problems in that disc), if I remember correctly the dealer had to pull the driver's seat forward all the way on the track, then lift the flap facing the rear seat on the navigation box, and then press the open/eject button...

Answer 2

The thing you found is the ENGINE CONTROL MODULE,don't put a dvd in there,you will confuse the car's memory..