2009 Camry Hybrid - Echo in audio

[Onyx_z]

Hello to all, I'm happy to have found this board.

I just bought a 2009 Camry Hybrid, (with DVD NAV) and so far I like it a lot.

One thing I've noticed that I don't like so much, is the audio system has a TON of echo to it. Sounds like someone has switch on digital sound processing to imitate outdoor setting, or something with a lot of echo. Granted, I've only had the car a week, and I'm still learning about all the controls and function, but I haven't found anything about digital sound processing. Perhaps the audio unit has a problem, or is wired wrong (out of phase) or something. Wanted to check with other owners to see if this is a known issue, or a problem i need to invstigate with my dealer.

Also wanted to ask, I saw something on a board somewhere where NAV owners complaining about Toyota disabling the NAV system so you can't push buttons while driving. Is there a place I can go for info on this, and a possible (hack) solution.

Thanks All! Have a great day!

Steve

[Leighcm]

Congrats on the Camry hybrid! I haven't driven one yet, but it looks really cool.

There might be something in the audio settings that could fix your issue. I haven't played with a 2009 Camry nav, so I'm not positive this is available to you, but try this: go into Audio, then look at the lower left corner for some settings (I think it says something about "sound" or something similar. Hit the button, it goes into a different screen and it may show a display with pictures of the seat layout. You can change the focus of the system to the driver's seat, the front seats, or all four.

As for the Nav hack: nothing for the 2008 or newer cars yet, darn it. I'm working on it. 2007 only took me a month; I'm now 4 months into trying to hack a 2008.

[Onyx_z]

Thanks for the help Leighcm. I went back into the audio settings and only found the front/rear, left/right fader along with your standard treble, mid and bass settings. If I push the sound forward, it's a little less echo-y, but now sounds like its in my windshield instead of the center of the car where it should be. Sadly, no one else has responded with their take on the Camry audio system. Perhaps I'm just spoiled by much better audio systems, I drove a couple Infinitis and a Lexus before my Camry Hybrid, and they all had premium sound systems. I guess it's just something I'll have to learn to accept unless other 2009 Camry owners tell me their audio isn't like this.

>As for the Nav hack: nothing for the 2008 or newer cars yet, darn it. I'm working on it. 2007 only took me a month; I'm now 4 months into >trying to hack a 2008.

I wish I could do something to help you out, this is a real pain. To punch in anything, you have to be STOPPED. I suppose I could understand if it was smart enough to use the passenger seat sensor to only allow moving entries if there was a passenger in the front seat doing it for you, and not allow you to do it if you are alone, but I suspect that's asking way too much. Is there a web site where this is being discussed/worked on? I'd like to follow the progress closely.

All in all, the 2009 Camry Hybrid is pretty cool, as I sail on by the gas pumps at $3.70 a gallon. I used to fill my Lexus every weekend, it's Thursday and I've used just over a 1/4 tank. YAY! The car feels solid, handling is fine for a family sedan, acceleration is a bit weak, but I bought it because it is a hybrid, and so I don't expect more, and I'm driving it like a hybrid. I'll be taking it on my first small trip next weekend, so I'll really get to know it well then.

Have a great day all!

Steve

[Leighcm]

Can you program kwi files? That would be really helpful... That's all that's standing between me and fully functioning nav. Of course, you could always clip the wires leading the speed sensor, but then you run into issues with warranty.

It's all over the internet...just google "Lexus nav hack 2008" or "Toyota nav hack 2008", and it'll bring up tons of stuff. There's about 12 forums trying to figure it out, both Toyota and Lexus sites.

As for audio: if you've been driving a Lexus with the Nakamichi or the Mark Levinson system, of course the Toyota system won't compare. That's just part of what makes a Lexus a Lexus and a Toyota a Toyota.

I wouldn't mind having the GS450h, but I really wanted AWD, so I decided against a hybrid this time. Maybe next time...Lexus hybrids are geared towards performance, so I'm sure whatever I get will be fast with ultra low emissions!