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Toyota Camry Hybrid Accessories & Modifications

124

Comments

  • oacoac Member Posts: 1,594
    I hear you... $2000 and it gotta be real easy to use, especially compared to other cars like the Honda or Acura. Yes, I have no experience with Honda/Acura, but like I said, if I set the destination from wherever I was at, why would I need voice activation? Oh I forget, to place a phone call.... I suppose you had already set up voice dial commands for each contact info in your phone book in the Bluetooth, correct? I have all my contacts downloaded easily to the car bluetooth (I have a Blackberry 8800), and haven't tried to set up any voice dial yet. I suppose it makes sense to want to place a call while Navigating... I agree with you, it should work as advertised....
  • computercutcomputercut Member Posts: 6
    I don't know if you are married but I am and this is my wife's car so guess what I have to do, learn it and then teach it. Two examples of what I am talking about. Every system I have ever used you type in the address, the map comes up and you go. This system, you hit the Destination button, type in the address, then have to hit the map button. Why? I know it is only one more step but that one more step takes the thought processes out of the logical flow and now you have to pick up the manual to figure out why it did not just start. Have you tried to make a VA phone call? Step 1 "press the talk button" Step 2 "say a command" Step 3 "say the number" Step 4 "after the screen updates press the talk switch" Step 5 "after the screen updates press talk switch or say dial. Five steps to make a simple call. Other systems you say "dial, 000 000-0000 and it dials. It's crazy.
  • plknjplknj Member Posts: 121
    Maybe your '08 system is different than my '07 system... but with my system it is rocket science regarding voice activation and the nav system is barely adequate.
  • bp_1999bp_1999 Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I live in northern California and I'm thinking about getting a hybrid Camry. However I'm a little concerned with the upgrade packages that are available. I don't think I want to get the NAV feature but I would like to get the leather seats.

    When I log into the official Toyota web site to 'build' my car I note that there are only two options available in N. Cal. They don't seem to be true options since one or the other is mandatory. The higher upgrade package has both the NAV system and the leather seats. The lower package has neither.

    When I put in a zip code in NJ or even NV I notice that there are a variety of upgrade packages including an intermediate configuration that seems to be just what I want (i.e. leather seats and no NAV).

    Does anyone have any info about this situation? Is it possible to avoid the NAV feature while getting the better seats. Do I have to go to Reno to get the car that I
    want? That seems more than a little annoying. I just don't think I want the NAV.
    It's expensive and it will become obsolete fairly quickly and I don't get lost that
    often anyway.

    Ps. One other question. If I ditch the NAV gizmo, do I still get the full display with all the other screens available (i.e. the panel that shows how power is being routed as well as the instantaneous MPG display)????

    Thanks, BP
  • lzclzc Member Posts: 483
    Toyota USA is divided into 12 territories, I believe. Each territory decides which option combinations it wishes to carry. Your complaint--wanting one option without another--is common. I've heard that some people succeed in getting a dealer to import the right vehicle from outside the territory, but it's rare. My Oregon dealer refused.

    Hybrid vehicles without NAV display less information about power distribution. The non-NAV dislay tells you where power is going between battery, ice, and wheels, and the charge level of the battery. It's adequate for my needs. And of course the display inclues MPG (current and for the tank), miles remaining on tank, outside temp, average speed, miles traveled from current start, trip miles, etc.

    Based on the complaints on these forums about the Camry NAV, I'm pleased to be using a portable Garmin GPS unit.
  • bp_1999bp_1999 Member Posts: 2
    It seems like the California Toyota sales region is trying to play some revenue
    enhancing games. The other regions have five option packages while CA just has
    two packages.

    I think it's a bit of a rip off. As you note, there are good portable NAV options these
    days.

    I don't know what leather seats and a moonroof has to do with NAV. They should
    be independent choices as they are elsewhere in the country.

    Grumble.

    Thanks for confirming that the NAV-less display has the basic Hybrid output display. I thought that would be the case but I just wanted to confirm.
  • lzclzc Member Posts: 483
    While I also found the practice annoying, Toyota is hardly alone in this policy. Honda is even less flexible with options, although their configurations apply nationwide.

    Originally, I was looking for an '07 non-hybrid with VSC and no moon roof. No way. The two came together. Period. By chance, I found a hybrid, which includes its version of VSC, without a moon roof. I've never seen another. It's been a great car. In mostly semi-rural driving (now Sonoma county) I consistently get 38-40 mpg.
  • plknjplknj Member Posts: 121
    Though the nav is worthless.... everything else that came with the nav system was well worth the money.
  • acco20acco20 Member Posts: 211
    The nav is far from worthless..........
  • oacoac Member Posts: 1,594
    Though the nav is worthless.... everything else that came with the nav system was well worth the money.

    Please use, IMO, next time you say stuff like this.

    I have Nav in all of my 3 cars and I am quite pleased with their use and utility. For some of us geography-challenged, it does come handy. And I prefer factory Nav over the AM ones... just me tho'. With factory Nav, you get not just directions and POIs but additional functions (bundle) including BT, Audio, Service info, TPMS, etc... etc... Plus you lose many of the steering wheel controls without the Nav unit installed... The info you get from the Nav unit and the many functions it displays give the driver a lotta materials many times better information than those with non-Nav units.
  • 8to34mpg8to34mpg Member Posts: 1
    "> I JUST BOUGHT MINE FROM TOYOTA OF DALLAS TX.75234.
    GREAT JOB ON PAINT MATCH ORIGINAL TOYOTA PART # BLACK PAINTED TO YOUR COLOR. PRICE FOR FRONT AND BACK PAIRS $70.80 PLUS $10.62 FOR SHIPPING. GREAT DEAL FOR PAINTED MUDGUARDS AT $81.42 SHIPPED TO PA.">
  • computercutcomputercut Member Posts: 6
    My beef is not what the Nav does. It is with the difficulty in operating it and with the voice activation. Example: With any Nav system I have ever used you plug in the destination address, click enter and you are on your way. Not this one. You have to go to the destination screen, plug in your address, then you have to go to another screen to map the route. Why? Plus you are supposed to be able to use voice activation to do all this. Have you ever tried to use it, it's worthless. To make a simple voice activated phone call, with other systems you just say "dial number" then the number and it calls. To make a voice activated phone call on this system you have to go through up to 5 steps to make a call. Why? Yes the other features are great, but when you pay $2,000 dollars extra for this system both the Nav and the Voice Activation should work easily and seamlessly.
  • plknjplknj Member Posts: 121
    "In My Opinion"... I agree with this and all else that has been said (by many others)about how difficult it is to use the nav system...
  • oacoac Member Posts: 1,594
    Thought to show off some changes made to my 2008 TCH. You'll find these on my car site here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2956833/2 But here are a couple pics...

    HIDs (6000K) and Fogs
    image

    New chrome mesh grille
    image

    Rear spoiler and new 18" rims
    image
  • spenbabaspenbaba Member Posts: 6
    Looks great.

    How do the HIDs work? What was involved in their installation and what difference does it make in visibility? Is it street legal?
  • oacoac Member Posts: 1,594
    Looks great.

    How do the HIDs work? What was involved in their installation and what difference does it make in visibility? Is it street legal?


    Thanks for the compliments...

    The HIDs are 6000K and are NOT street legal, but you'd be hard pressed to find a cop pulling you over for your lights... I had it installed by a local audio shop, but the kit required modifying the bulb housing to fit the HID kit. I have HIDs on my other 2 Lexus vehicles and you really cannot compare HIDs to halogens... Its apples and oranges.... My Lexus cars had 4300K lumens, which are 15% brighter than the 6000K on my TCH but still plenty better than the stock halogens. Visibility is at least 5X better than my stock halogens, IMO.
  • n735xvn735xv Member Posts: 2
    Hello,

    I have a 2008 TCH. I heard there was a modification to allow the electric motor to remain on for a slightly longer period before the ICE kicks in. Does anyone know anything about this or had the mod installed?
    Thanks
  • captainbotcaptainbot Member Posts: 28
    HI. I just bought a 2008 TCH. I am getting 40 mpg in Massachusetts, with a 64+ mile a day commute. So I am happy about this fact. However, you are correct, the ICE kicks in to fast. I have learned to control the kick-in and kick-off process. But WHAT A PAIN. First I have to start off, like I am a 90 year old driver, then I have to back off the throttle to kick off the ICE.

    So if there is such an upgrade, I want know too.
  • flipcreatieflipcreatie Member Posts: 1
    I want to replace my stock wheels and tires on my 07' camry hybrid with an 18" package. Will I have any issues doing this? Will it effect the FE? What about Load Ratings? I've found the wheels, but I am still shopping for tires. (235/45/18)
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Bigger wheels and tires generally weigh more, and unless you need to install monster disc brakes, there usually isn't a functional reason to do so. It's typically for looks.

    Heavier wheels and tires will affect your mileage, and the bigger tires are likely to increase rolling ressistance, once again decreasing your mileage.

    Load ratings will depend upon what wheels and tires you buy, but as long as they are quality wheels and tires it shouldn't be an issue.

    Good luck. Post pics when you get them on your car!

    tom
  • spenbabaspenbaba Member Posts: 6
    I would talk to tirerack.com as they fit many cars with plus one and plus two wheels/tires. Plus two must look neat but the risk of bent rims and rough ride are there. Depending on wheel weight, your braking distances can also increase. Steering response should be improved.

    On my TCH, I was tempted to go minus one for snow tires but opted to stay with the stock sizes.
  • pat85pat85 Member Posts: 92
    I used Silblade replacement wipers on the 4 Runner I traded in on my 09 TCH.
    They were garenteed for 5 years. I had them on for 4 years and they still worked fine.
  • oacoac Member Posts: 1,594
    I have 18" on mine and it works perfectly. I also have 50 aspect ratio tire. No worries with upgrading your stock to 18"... Look around here and you can find my car pics so you can seee how it looks on 18".

    Hope this helps
  • saltyhackersaltyhacker Member Posts: 1
    I live in Massachusetts also but only get about 35 mpg at best during my 20 mile, back road, 35 MPH average, commute. I to am looking for a easy way to get the 08 Camry to keep stay in electric mode longer to maximize MPG. I understand that the HP rating of the electric motor is not rated to drive the car alone in all conditions but more for supplemental power. Still I think there must be a simple way to reprogram the car to use more electric and less ICE. Heck the battery level never seems to drift off 90%.
    ---Captain Marty
  • talmy1talmy1 Member Posts: 55
    The car uses electric power when the ICE would not be able to run the car efficiently, so it is already doing the best it can. Running electrically on the battery is not free energy -- the battery is charged via the ICE and gasoline, and the charge/discharge cycle of the battery will use energy. So forcing more electric power will likely increase the gasoline consumption.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Actually, you forgot about the regenerative braking, which in a sense is 'free' energy, or perhaps, recaptured energy that normally is wasted (turned into heat by your brakes). So some of that electrical energy is indeed 'free'.

    I think the battery could be used more, and the car would get better fuel economy, but at the expense of battery life, which I'm sure Toyota doesn't want.

    The car is perfectly capable of running just off the ICE (in fact, if you ever run the battery down this is precisely what the car does) and the car becomes a bit slower.

    tom
  • n735xvn735xv Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone installed a wood accent kit to the interior of a new Camry? If so, where did you buy the kit, what areas does the wood cover, and how difficult was it to install.

    Thanks for the help
  • spenbabaspenbaba Member Posts: 6
    I have noticed on several occassions that I have run in electric mode for a mile or more at 25-30 mph on a flat, straight road (along the beach) and the battery has run down to about 25%, according to the pictogram. This has happened when I am very gentle with the accelerator. It also happened when I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic for about an hour. I will be curious to see how this affects battery life since I heard it is best to keep the battery charged, like from 60-80 % or so. I was definitely outside that and the controls seemed to allow it. During these times, the mileage on the bar graph is maxed out.
  • wvgasguywvgasguy Member Posts: 1,405
    While running in EV mode indeed saves on gas it does require recharging and thus the ICE will eventually run to recharge it. However I don't worry about hitting the EV mode, it is most economical when driving around 50 mph on rolling roads where I can use the momentum down hills to run at a FE of 60+ and then use the battery in conjunction with the ICE on the slight grades. If there is more hp available than needed then the ICE will charge the battery then as well. I don't find 35 mph as being very effecient. 40 to 50 seems to work best for me if I don't have a lot of stops.

    37.2mpg lifetime after 45,500 miles in the hills of WV
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    From what I understand, the battery graph we get is a bit deceptive. When it reads "0" the battery is actually at 50% (someone correct me if I'm wrong), thus keeping the battery in it's optimal range, and thus preserve battery life.

    I'm sure as things improve so will the use of the batteries and we'll have higher mileage cars.

    tom
  • wvgasguywvgasguy Member Posts: 1,405
    You may be right on the 50%, but I thought the range of the graph was 40 to 80%. It's been so long since anyone has asked. It's in the earlier threads.

    Bottom line though the batteries are never fully discharged (or anywhere near it). The computer is designed to kick in and out of this state to keep them in this range to provide the longest life.
  • tbone0526tbone0526 Member Posts: 8
    I'm thinking I'd like to add the Camry mudguards to my new black TCH, however I'm not sure how far down or out they stick beyond the body or wheels. I'm wondering if anyone noticed any significant aero drag after installation?

    I'm sure they would help keep a lot of the splash and rocks off the lower body panels, but is there much (if any) penalty to fuel mileage?
  • wingmanwingman Member Posts: 19
    I have an 07 Camry with Nav. We all know that when you start up the vehicle there is a warning message that comes up on the screen that you shouldn't try to input to the Nav while vehicle is in motion. Well, somehow while playing with the buttons I had managed to prevent this message from coming up. What comes up is the last thing that was there when I turned off the car. Normally I would be glad this happens but in two days I'm trading the Camry for a 08 Highlander Hybrid Limited with Nav and I don't know how to eliminate that annoying message.

    Anybody know how?
  • loves2readloves2read Member Posts: 48
    we just bought a TCH 09 in the DFW TX area--in this area if you go to toyota dealer's web site and look under in-stock--you can see the cars the dealer has at his lot and the ones in the "pool"
    you can also see that some dealerships like to order cars with the same set of options and some dealers never do have those--very strange since I am sure whatever they get comes through the Gulf States wholesale operations...

    there are many options available here -- and some can be dealer installed afterwards like the moonroof or leather seats

    my question is about the two leather seats options

    one says there is lumbar and liquecell--it retails for 1429

    but there is another leather trim with power driver and passenger seats
    and that is for 1300

    both allow the C/C with heated seats---
    does anyone know the difference?
  • loves2readloves2read Member Posts: 48
    can someone explain to me the two options for leather seating on a TCH

    one of them is 1300 option w/o heated seats
    and the other is a shade over 1400 w.o heated seats--
    that is listed as separate C/C package
    is one for power seats and the other is not
    or is one for dealer installed seats?
  • loves2readloves2read Member Posts: 48
    new owner--don't have my car or the info books--the XM radio is being installed and a clear bra and window tint

    are the heated side mirrors turned on ALL the time--do they come on when the defroster setting is used---
    I don't remember a switch by the remote switch that moves them---
    maybe it was there--just don't remember it--have not needed to heat them up in short time we owned the car
  • pat85pat85 Member Posts: 92
    According to my 09 manual, the heating in the side mirrors come on when the rear window defroster is used. The mirrors do NOT bend . They are solidly mounted.
    IMO this is a real shortcoming.
  • craigetalcraigetal Member Posts: 7
    I have had my '09 Hybrid for approx. 3 weeks now, and am more than quite impressed, and pleased, with almost every facet of it. When I took delivery, I truly didn't want the navigation system option - but... am now wondering [out of curiousity mostly] IF it could be added by the dealer at my first regular service appointment.
    And, if so, any detriment to the car as a whole? [damage to dash, etc].?
  • wingmanwingman Member Posts: 19
    Save yourself $2000 plus labor and buy a Garmin nuvi880.
  • wvgasguywvgasguy Member Posts: 1,405
    I'd probably never pay what it would take to add it to the car as an afterthought. If NAV is all you want get a portable as it's cheaper and probably more accurate. However I love my NAV but seldom use the mapping function.
  • plknjplknj Member Posts: 121
    or theGarmin 350 or 750... all great units and extremely accurate. I have had a Garmin for over 5 years and could not live without one. In my opinion... Toyota should look at this forum to find out that the TCH mapping system.. again, in my opinion, is virtually uusable and incorrect in my '07. Otherwise, I love my car (oh yer, it would be nice if the voice commands worked).
  • jcihakjcihak Member Posts: 60
    Having used a variety of standalone GPS as well as in-car GPS (Honda and Toyota), there are drawbacks to each. The negatives to the standalones is - smaller screen size, can have problems mounting. Windshield mounted suction cups are a PITA, not to mention obstruct the view. Having said that, I recently bought a Mio c220 for $150 (cheaper now) and hated spending 10x that much for an in-car. The in-car units are just too expensive in my opinion. You also have to consider the repair costs if they fail out of warranty - $1k to $2k.
  • garykimgarykim Member Posts: 1
    I ordered a set of Auto Ventshades and was disappointed when they arrived and did not fit. Is there a difference in sized of the doors between the 07, 08 & 08 TCH's?
  • hblatthblatt Member Posts: 4
    Greetings,

    I love everything about my 2007 Camry Hybrid except the fact that the Toyota Lawyers will not let customers use the Navigation system while the car is rolling. I have looked at many forum postings on this subject. I have tried many of the secret menu hacks... But none of these software overrides work with the latest Map DVD.

    I have found a workable hardware solution. I have installed a switch to temporarily interrupt the speed signal to the Nav system when I need access to the menus. (Don't just cut the wire. There are times when you NEED the speed signal.) I just installed the switch inside the center console storage box. Flip the switch and you get full control of the menus. Flip it back for normal driving. You can find pinout information here: http://www.oemvalue.com/installcamry07.htm#pluglayout (Look for R12 pinouts.)
  • hblatthblatt Member Posts: 4
    Greetings,

    This software hack only works on the older DVD's. As soon as you upgrade your maps the software menu overrides are locked out. (As on my 2007 TCH.)

    I have found a workable hardware solution. I have installed a switch to temporarily interrupt the speed signal to the Nav system when I need access to the menus. (Don't just cut the wire. There are times when you NEED the speed signal.) I just installed the switch inside the center console storage box. Flip the switch and you get full control of the menus. Flip it back for normal driving. You can find pinout information here: http://www.oemvalue.com/installcamry07.htm#pluglayout (Look for R12 pinouts.)
  • mar11mar11 Member Posts: 4
    Ok, so I have ordered my 09 TCH with all availabe packages. On my spec sheet there is an "upgraded accessory package" for $279. For the life of me, I can't find any info on what is in this package. I have emailed the internet manager asking for details, but no answer. Is the dealer trying to slide a hidden cost on me, or does anyone know what this package is? :confuse:
  • gwilsongwilson Member Posts: 46
    I have ordered a 2009 TCH and now I need to find a hitch to put on the car. I only plan to use it for a bike rack. I have searched the forums and most of the info seems to be dated. I was wondering if anyone knows the best hitch for the hybrid. By 'best' I mean most integated with the car and least visable. I am looking for a 1.25" receiver. If anyone has a hitch and can post pics that would be helpful!!

    Thanks for any help here!
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    I've got one on my 2007 TCH. The model I bought was the Hidden Hitch model on this page:

    Hitches for Toyota Camry Hybrid

    I had a local U-Haul store install it for about 2 hours labor charge. It has worked well. Very hidden, has not dragged on anything as of yet. I have used it for a Segway hauler and a little platform trailer. Going to buy a bike mount soon.

    Good Luck !!!
  • gwilsongwilson Member Posts: 46
    Great - thanks for the info!! Any chance you could post or email a picture of yours?

    Thanks for the link - the hitch is actually cheaper than I thought it might be.
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    No pics, and the car is out of the state right now. I'll do my best to describe it for you though

    It's only a little wider than half as wide as the bumper. So there it sits in the middle 1/2 of the bumper as far as the width aspect goes.

    It's right up against the bottom of the bumper, no space wasted. It is under the curve of the bottom part of the bumper so that it does not stick out farther than the bumper. It really is pretty much "hidden" as a hidden hitch should be. Not completely out of sight, but it sits really low and unobtrusive.

    As I said, I have never had it "scrape" on anything - it's actually sitting up higher than the bottom of the muffler.

    I'll get a pic posted when I can. It's a good looking install though - hardly noticeable at all.
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