Pioneer AVH-2300 NEX intall with PAC RadioPRO RP4.2-TY11

I have a 2003 Limited that is equipped with the JBL Synthesis system.

Now, I know you're thinking "hey, a 6 disc changer with cassette deck" was pretty awesome tech 15 years ago. And you'd be right. It was better than an 8 track.

But alas, I have desires. Android Auto, Bluetooth, and XM radio, to name but a few. So, with the hotel points I've racked up staying at more Holiday Inns and Staybridges than I'd care to recall, I got me a free stereo.

Well, free except for the Metra dash kit, XM Connect module, PAC RadioPRO interface, and assorted bits. I haven't seen anyone use the RadioPRO interface on here, just the the PAC TATO JBL turn on module and steering wheel interface. What appealed to me about the RadioPRO is that fact that it's both units in one.

So, the interface showed up today. I had all the other components already Amazoned.

Here's the wiring kit that comes with the PAC:



I didn't get a good picture in my excitement. The main PAC harness is on the left, the Pioneer harness is on top of the second PAC harness.

All wired together:



One complaint against the PAC is that the instructions are vague. And they are. You need to read them a few times. Match the red, black and yellow wires on the PAC main harness to the aftermarket harness, then match colors for speakers with the secondary harness, and the blue with a white stripe. Take your time and double check. I also added a parking brake bypass since I'm too lazy to try to find the switch.

Old deck out:



New deck test:



New deck is a tight fit with the massive harness behind it. Was a little worried when I only had two of the three factory connectors plugged into the PAC harness, especially when my steering wheel controls didn't work. However, after I noticed that the lights on the box were blinking with each button press, I realized that the 3.5" jack liked to unplug itself from the Pioneer remote plug.

Deck test fit:



XM Connect module wire tied to the harness behind, Aux/USB plug mounted in the dash.



And put back together:



For now. I have to install the camera and run the wires for that, plus paint all of the silver black. But that will have to wait until I'm back next weekend.

Initial impressions: the Metra kit leaves something to be desired. It looks okay, but not the best kit I've ever used. The PAC interface is set at all factory settings. I'll play with it when I have more time, like programming the double press button functions. It sounds decent through the tired JBL speakers. Better than the factory deck, but the Synthesis system has a lot of miles under it. This will have to suffice until I get the money to upgrade everything to Hertz speakers/sub/amp.

Android Auto will take some getting used to. It seems to be okay so far.

The deck itself is cool. So many things to learn on it.

That's it, for now. There might be more thoughts on this down the road.

nice install tho.
dash kit, have you try bestkits?
some brand is better than others, bestkits , metra scosche.
pac make some kool stuff.
if you follow youtube fivestarcarstereo

they always expand the pac harness and remove whats not needed.
i wonder if you can use you smartphone to program the buttons?

i dont have this problem with radios since i only run rcas and a remote wire. not much to be stuff in the back compared to the old days with the extra harness. also for steering remote i choose the idatalink maestro.
instructions are more detailed.

i think if you switched to the idatalink brand it might be more useful, it should have obd2 hook up i think.
i dont think your year supports the obd2 the radio calls for on data, give it a try if you want, maybe gshadow325 can chime in.

riceandpho said:

nice install tho.
dash kit, have you try bestkits?
some brand is better than others, bestkits , metra scosche.
pac make some kool stuff.
if you follow youtube fivestarcarstereo

they always expand the pac harness and remove whats not needed.
i wonder if you can use you smartphone to program the buttons?

i dont have this problem with radios since i only run rcas and a remote wire. not much to be stuff in the back compared to the old days with the extra harness. also for steering remote i choose the idatalink maestro.
instructions are more detailed.

i think if you switched to the idatalink brand it might be more useful, it should have obd2 hook up i think.
i dont think your year supports the obd2 the radio calls for on data, give it a try if you want, maybe gshadow325 can chime in.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I bought the Metra because it was quick and easy delivery and there seemed to be a few options for the JBL with RDS. I have looked at the Bestkits version and will probably go with that later on.

I have watched the 5Star guys and their work is top shelf. They are what an install shop should look like.

Normally, I would go the same route with aftermarket amps and speakers and do it right. However, funds being what they are, I have to do this in stages. I do plan on a 5 channel Hertz amp, plus full Hertz speakers and sub later on. After my basement is finished, the fence is built, and the backyard landscaping is done. So much is ahead of stereo gear.

I had the iDatalink steering wheel interface in my Tacoma and would definitely use them again. You are correct in that my 4Runner does not support the OBD reader, otherwise that could have been cool.

After you next dash kit swap. You might want to take apart the harness and remove what's not needed.

riceandpho said:

After you next dash kit swap. You might want to take apart the harness and remove what's not needed.

Click to expand...

Thought about that, but when I pull the JBL out of the truck, I'll try it sell the harness to someone else. If I leave the plugs, it's more valuable.

BestKits


http://bestkits.com/i/bktoyk961.jpg


looks way better to me

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...-audio-accessories/130681-want-gut-jbl-2.html



http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...ted-4runner-w-aftermarket-nav-double-din.html