Can I get an MFD on a Highlander 10 Base model from the dealer?
First off, this is my first post so let me thank all on this forum. I've been scanning this forum for a while as I looked at new Highlanders and by far this forum seems to be the most informational one on the net and also seems to have the most intelligent informed members. Some may think I buttering you all up but im sure most will agree.
That said - I am pulling the trigger finally on a Black '10 Highlander. It is a prettied up base model but it has a cheesy clock instead of the Multi Functional Display i am dying for. The MFD is so useful for long trips for me and im convinced Toyota makes the clock look cheesy to force people to upgrade.
My question is can I get the MFD installed on the base model? Different techs and sales people have given me different run arounds with no real concrete answer of yes or no.
Has anyone done this before? Is there a part number or somewhere on a official toyota site that states this?
I did remember reading that the '10 base model is set up for the MFD as an option but cant find any other info on it anywhere.
Thanks in advanced and be ready for my after market nav questions coming soon after i finish sifting though the interweb.
First off, this is my first post so let me thank all on this forum. I've been scanning this forum for a while as I looked at new Highlanders and by far this forum seems to be the most informational one on the net and also seems to have the most intelligent informed members. Some may think I buttering you all up but im sure most will agree.
That said - I am pulling the trigger finally on a Black '10 Highlander. It is a prettied up base model but it has a cheesy clock instead of the Multi Functional Display i am dying for. The MFD is so useful for long trips for me and im convinced Toyota makes the clock look cheesy to force people to upgrade.
My question is can I get the MFD installed on the base model? Different techs and sales people have given me different run arounds with no real concrete answer of yes or no.
Has anyone done this before? Is there a part number or somewhere on a official toyota site that states this?
I did remember reading that the '10 base model is set up for the MFD as an option but cant find any other info on it anywhere.
Thanks in advanced and be ready for my after market nav questions coming soon after i finish sifting though the interweb.
I have been trying to do the same thing myself. I went to several different managers at the dealership where I purchased my '10 base and they all told me it's not possible. I even pointed out that it is listed as an option for the base model but the answer didn't change. I resigned myself that the only way to get a trip computer would be to get an aftermarket add on like a Scanguage II, but If there is a way to add this multi-info display I would love to be able to add one as well.
First off, this is my first post so let me thank all on this forum. I've been scanning this forum for a while as I looked at new Highlanders and by far this forum seems to be the most informational one on the net and also seems to have the most intelligent informed members. Some may think I buttering you all up but im sure most will agree.
You won't get any argument from me on that. We've got a number of very helpful members here that have contributed a lot to the Highlander forums. To them I say......and to you... to Toyota Nation!
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2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
I resigned myself that the only way to get a trip computer would be to get an aftermarket add on like a Scanguage II, but If there is a way to add this multi-info display I would love to be able to add one as well.
Please hold out Draven till we try to figure this out before you buy a Scangauge. The thing looks like it came off a VCR. Im not knocking it ( well maybe I am) but if we are purchasing a 2010 Highlander, i feel that we should be able to move up from that - especially knowing that a beautifully integrated MFD actually exists.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lucky777
Check this out should be much less then MFD retrofit and much more easier to install.
Now that is an improvement. You will have to buy this and a Garmin Nuvi. The complete Garmin system will be about $300ish and i have to say that the amount of info it puts out is awesome. Do i need to know the Intake manifold pressure? No. Would it be sweet if i could? Yes please. Now my mind is starting to think " What if i bust out that clock and mod the plastic to fit a Garmin Nuvi with an ecoRoute HD? ( When i say 'I' I mean someone professional). If it is possible, someone let me know so i have a plan B. Although plan B is now interfering with my plan/dream to by the Rosen in dash Nav system
But back to plan A. According to Truecar.com - while pricing out 2010 V6 Highlander Base Models, under additional options it DOES list the MFD as an option with a list price of $400.
It makes a point that the steering wheel needs a mode button but come on! I have a base model with an empty space near the console light dimmer switch - perfect spot for a mode button.
Please hold out Draven till we try to figure this out before you buy a Scangauge. The thing looks like it came off a VCR. Im not knocking it ( well maybe I am) but if we are purchasing a 2010 Highlander, i feel that we should be able to move up from that - especially knowing that a beautifully integrated MFD actually exists.
Now that is an improvement. You will have to buy this and a Garmin Nuvi. The complete Garmin system will be about $300ish and i have to say that the amount of info it puts out is awesome. Do i need to know the Intake manifold pressure? No. Would it be sweet if i could? Yes please. Now my mind is starting to think " What if i bust out that clock and mod the plastic to fit a Garmin Nuvi with an ecoRoute HD? ( When i say 'I' I mean someone professional). If it is possible, someone let me know so i have a plan B. Although plan B is now interfering with my plan/dream to by the Rosen in dash Nav system
But back to plan A. According to Truecar.com - while pricing out 2010 V6 Highlander Base Models, under additional options it DOES list the MFD as an option with a list price of $400.
It makes a point that the steering wheel needs a mode button but come on! I have a base model with an empty space near the console light dimmer switch - perfect spot for a mode button.
But back to plan A. According to Truecar.com - while pricing out 2010 V6 Highlander Base Models, under additional options it DOES list the MFD as an option with a list price of $400.
It makes a point that the steering wheel needs a mode button but come on! I have a base model with an empty space near the console light dimmer switch - perfect spot for a mode button.
Keep in mind that some items listed as 'Options' may only be available when initially ordering the HL from the factory. They may not be available to an already built one.
By the way, to the 'Nation".
Peter
__________________ Lease Transferred - Canadian '09 HL Ltd, Classic Silver Metallic with Nav, ash interior, body side moulding, hood deflector, Camry trumpet horns, Philips X-Treme Power bulbs, Toyota 3 piece rubber floor and cargo mats.My 2011 Explorer Limited has arrived.
Keep in mind that some items listed as 'Options' may only be available when initially ordering the HL from the factory.
Peter
So I called Toyota Corporate today to ask about the MFD.
Unfortunately for me, it is not available on the base model in my region and i was told i can not special order the MFD unit and have it installed. FYI i live in the tri state/NY region. I dont get how the MFD is regional or how that makes sense but i guess that is my loss.
Im not sure how feasible it is to search junk yards for wrecked Highlanders and pull out the MFD and try to put it in myself. Seems like a little too much for me.
So sadly, unless someone has some backdoor info on how i can get an MFD into my Highlander Base model, i guess its plan B.
Right now a Garmin Nuvi mounted above the mirror with the ecoRoute HD seems to be my top option but i am still very open to suggestions.
So far all the info that people have given has been awesome and I thank all who contributed. More ideas and experiences are always appreciated.
I still have to figure out how to deal with that digital clock that is an eye sore!
I have an MFD that I bought off ebay a while ago but have not had the chance/knowledge to install it. I have installed car stereos, auto dimming mirrors etc, so I don't think the install itself would be too far out of my comfort zone. Another forum member mrhonnesty99 also was trying this, I think he sourced a harness from ebay but hasn't updated in a while. This would be for my wife's Highlander. I still cannot figure out why Toyota wouldn't put an outside temp gauge on a car costing over $30K? Her last 2 Toyotas had this feature, the most expensive being a Corolla S, about $20K loaded as I remember........
My wife wants the temperature display like on my tundra and matrix. We bought the 2010 HL base version, didn't realize it doesn't have that feature... so a lot of things we missed.
I don't think the base version has all the wire harness for the MFD... even if you can find a use MFD unit.
On page 2 of this thread - post #22 - "mrhonesty99" says that he knows of a place that will install a MFD on a base model which i am guessing for him was a 2009 Base model.
I'm 85% convinced that getting and MFD on a 2010 base Highlander is either impossible or not worth it due to cost but I'm holding out hope that someone out knows otherwise and lets us know.
When this thread was going around before, mrhonnesty99 had sourced a harness, he also had the pinouts for the MFD, I already had the dashboard apart in my base Highlander, there are several points to attach harnesses to. I already have the most expensive part of the system (the MFD itself) if someone could figure out the wiring, i'm sure that I won't be the only one who would donate some cash for a working harness.
When this thread was going around before, mrhonnesty99 had sourced a harness, he also had the pinouts for the MFD, I already had the dashboard apart in my base Highlander, there are several points to attach harnesses to. I already have the most expensive part of the system (the MFD itself) if someone could figure out the wiring, i'm sure that I won't be the only one who would donate some cash for a working harness.
Ok so first off, where did you get the MFD?
If this is not going to work for me, I am at least pulling for you to get it set up in your Highlander
Won't we need a new steering wheel as well? We'll need the display controls for the MFD because it doesn't have a touchscreen does it?
Well if i can dream that this is possible, i can also dream that i dont need a new steering wheel.
Like i said - how about using the empty slot near the console light dimmer switch for a mode button. Its not the perfect spot but if Toyota is going to make it so difficult for me to get something that is an option in some places, I'm not going down without a fight.
Hopefully someone will come along and give us a total answer.
Last edited by jhunter9918; 05-26-2010 at 09:55 PM.
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I've been scanning this forum for a while as I looked at new Highlanders and by far this forum seems to be the most informational one on the net and also seems to have the most intelligent informed members. Some may think I buttering you all up but im sure most will agree.
...and to you...
to Toyota Nation!
My 2011 Explorer Limited has arrived.
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