Eclipse AVN726e Install Question

[gusk2010]

Hey All, newb here at T4R hoping to get some questions answered about installing an Eclipse NAV AVN726e in my '05 4Runner w/ non-JBL system.

So I've searched Google high and low on how this installation goes, and it seems pretty straight-forward. My biggest concerns about the install is flush-mounting the unit in the dash, having functional steering wheel controls, and possibly setting the e-brake bypass to allow video at motion. So here are some questions. If anyone knows the answers to one or more that's great!

For this HU to be installed in my vehicle w/ non-JBL, I'm under the impression that a wiring harness is not necessary, however to get steering wheel controls, some wires need to be spliced, is that correct?

Does anyone have recommendations as to what kind of mounting kit I should get or a technique on mounting this unit so it sits flush in the dash? Where is a good place to order the exact kit I need for the install?

What is involved with setting the e-brake bypass so that I can still have video playback in motion?

If anyone has any other experiences to share with regards to this install, I would appreciate it. I'm debating whether it's worth paying an installer or taking the time to do it myself. I have some experience installing HU, but never a NAV system. So please share your thoughts! Thanks,

Gus

 

[Lowpro]

Hey All, newb here at T4R hoping to get some questions answered about installing an Eclipse NAV AVN726e in my '05 4Runner w/ non-JBL system.

So I've searched Google high and low on how this installation goes, and it seems pretty straight-forward. My biggest concerns about the install is flush-mounting the unit in the dash, having functional steering wheel controls, and possibly setting the e-brake bypass to allow video at motion. So here are some questions. If anyone knows the answers to one or more that's great!

For this HU to be installed in my vehicle w/ non-JBL, I'm under the impression that a wiring harness is not necessary, however to get steering wheel controls, some wires need to be spliced, is that correct?

Does anyone have recommendations as to what kind of mounting kit I should get or a technique on mounting this unit so it sits flush in the dash? Where is a good place to order the exact kit I need for the install?

What is involved with setting the e-brake bypass so that I can still have video playback in motion?

If anyone has any other experiences to share with regards to this install, I would appreciate it. I'm debating whether it's worth paying an installer or taking the time to do it myself. I have some experience installing HU, but never a NAV system. So please share your thoughts! Thanks,

Gus

Welcome Gus!

We just added a second T4R to our family last week. My wife ended up getting an '08 T4R Limited with the JBL system. What the car did not have was a navi unit, which my wife said was a must. So the dealer threw into the picture adding an aftermarket unit. They installed the Eclipse AVN76D unit which is exactly the same as the AVN726e. I still haven't figured out why the model number is different but everything is the same.

In any case she is very happy with the unit. Everything work great including the backup cam & ipod adapter. I'll probably end up getting the HD Radio module for it later on.

I can shed some light but since I didn't install the actual unit, hopefully someone else can shed some additional insight.

I originally asked the installer to bypass the parking brake but they wouldn't do because of liability issues. What they did do was tell me where the wire was going to be. All you have to do to bypass the e-brake is ground the wire.


Flush mounting the unit is a different beast because I think the limiteds are a different size than the the other models. You can go on the Metra or Scosche website to see what they recommend. Her kit looks different than my kit for my '07 SportEdition.

She was able to keep the steering wheel controls. If I recall correctly, Eclipse is the only company that is directly compatible with the toyota steering wheel harness. What does that mean? It means that you don't have to buy a 3rd party steering wheel adapter in order to maintain the controls. If you go on the Crutchfield site and do a quick search, they don't even suggest steering wheel adapters for your T4R when looking at the AVN726e.

Edit: Just went on the pac-audio website and they actually *do* have a steering wheel adapter for Eclipse radios. But it doesn't show the AVN726e as needing the adapter.

I can take pictures of the radio in the dash, if you'd like. But that wouldn't be until the evening today or maybe even tomorrow.

Hope that helps.


Here are some pics....

'08 T4R Limited w/ JBL

 

[04jckhmr]

This is also vey interesting to me as I was looking at the exact same headunit. I did some google research and found the instal instructions online from crutchfield. Also I know Mason Fresh on the forums also helped me out with some info on how to do the install as well. Crutchfield is also a gem in terms of knowledge, just go on the website and type in your vehicle info and it tells you everything you need! copy and past and search ebay. I found this headunit for 720 shipped!

 

[T4Rhino]

Man that looks good! Does the steering wheel controls work exactly like stock ie: mode changes frequency and the arrows change to preset... Oh and what happens to the AUX input in the center counsel?

Welcome Gus!

We just added a second T4R to our family last week. My wife ended up getting an '08 T4R Limited with the JBL system. What the car did not have was a navi unit, which my wife said was a must. So the dealer threw into the picture adding an aftermarket unit. They installed the Eclipse AVN76D unit which is exactly the same as the AVN726e. I still haven't figured out why the model number is different but everything is the same.

In any case she is very happy with the unit. Everything work great including the backup cam & ipod adapter. I'll probably end up getting the HD Radio module for it later on.

I can shed some light but since I didn't install the actual unit, hopefully someone else can shed some additional insight.

I originally asked the installer to bypass the parking brake but they wouldn't do because of liability issues. What they did do was tell me where the wire was going to be. All you have to do to bypass the e-brake is ground the wire.


Flush mounting the unit is a different beast because I think the limiteds are a different size than the the other models. You can go on the Metra or Scosche website to see what they recommend. Her kit looks different than my kit for my '07 SportEdition.

She was able to keep the steering wheel controls. If I recall correctly, Eclipse is the only company that is directly compatible with the toyota steering wheel harness. What does that mean? It means that you don't have to buy a 3rd party steering wheel adapter in order to maintain the controls. If you go on the Crutchfield site and do a quick search, they don't even suggest steering wheel adapters for your T4R when looking at the AVN726e.

Edit: Just went on the pac-audio website and they actually *do* have a steering wheel adapter for Eclipse radios. But it doesn't show the AVN726e as needing the adapter.

I can take pictures of the radio in the dash, if you'd like. But that wouldn't be until the evening today or maybe even tomorrow.

Hope that helps.


Here are some pics....

'08 T4R Limited w/ JBL

 

[Lowpro]

Man that looks good! Does the steering wheel controls work exactly like stock ie: mode changes frequency and the arrows change to preset... Oh and what happens to the AUX input in the center counsel?

Volume works fine. Arrows work great for changing tracks on the ipod. The arrows however don't change presets when listening to the radio, they change frequency (ie, 102.7-> 102.9 -). We just have to choose the presets by touching the navi unit.

I'll have to see what happens with the aux. I'm pretty sure it now does nothing since it was probably disconnected. The ipod cable also has a usb connector that I could tap into, haven't tried that yet.

It's raining cats and dogs outside, I was planning on installing my Kenwood DNX6140 into my '07 SportEdition (non-jbl). I'll see if I can lock myself in the garage. :biggrin2:

 

[T4Rhino]

Does the Kenwood also work with the steering wheel controls?

Volume works fine. Arrows work great for changing tracks on the ipod. The arrows however don't change presets when listening to the radio, they change frequency (ie, 102.7-> 102.9 -). We just have to choose the presets by touching the navi unit.

I'll have to see what happens with the aux. I'm pretty sure it now does nothing since it was probably disconnected. The ipod cable also has a usb connector that I could tap into, haven't tried that yet.

It's raining cats and dogs outside, I was planning on installing my Kenwood DNX6140 into my '07 SportEdition (non-jbl). I'll see if I can lock myself in the garage. :biggrin2:

 

[Lowpro]

Does the Kenwood also work with the steering wheel controls?

Yes sir, it should. I had to buy a steering wheel control adapter (SWI-JACK) made by Pac-Audio.

Heading out to the garage now to put in the Kenwood unit. :reddance:

 

[T4Rhino]

Nice! I like the price of the Kenwood. Post up the pics and sound quality when you get a chance.... My SE doesn't have the JBL either, so I'm very interested to see if there is any improvement in sound.

Yes sir, it should. I had to buy a steering wheel control adapter (SWI-JACK) made by Pac-Audio.

Heading out to the garage now to put in the Kenwood unit. :reddance:

 

[Lowpro]

Nice! I like the price of the Kenwood. Post up the pics and sound quality when you get a chance.... My SE doesn't have the JBL either, so I'm very interested to see if there is any improvement in sound.

Alright, all done, sorta. I got a late start today so I didn't even get a chance to install the backup camera. Other than that, everything looks good! The navi was working good. I added the XM module but I have to call them up tomorrow to have them activate it. I played a dvd movie for a little bit and it looked pretty good. The factory speakers sound ok but now I think I'll have to order me some speakers. :banana:

The eclipse does start up much quicker though. I'm happy though.

 

[gusk2010]

Nice Pics Lowpro!

Wow, so it sounds like a pretty easy (yet time consuming) job to install these things. I guess my only question now is which dash kit should I buy? I looked around online but I see many inconsistent kits for certain specs, some for '06+ 4runners, or some for Limiteds. I just need one for '05 Sport Edition w/ Non-JBL. If you can lead me to where I can get the right kit, I'll be on my way to placing my order! Thanks

 

[Lowpro]

Nice Pics Lowpro!

Wow, so it sounds like a pretty easy (yet time consuming) job to install these things. I guess my only question now is which dash kit should I buy? I looked around online but I see many inconsistent kits for certain specs, some for '06+ 4runners, or some for Limiteds. I just need one for '05 Sport Edition w/ Non-JBL. If you can lead me to where I can get the right kit, I'll be on my way to placing my order! Thanks

It took me about 3 hours I think. I could probably do it faster now. It is my understanding that the kits are different between the SR5's and the Limiteds. I think the SportEditions might be the same size as the SR5.

You can go on the Metra or Scosche website to see what they recommend.

Also, check out the Crutchfield website to see what it recommends for your 4runner.

 

[T4Rhino]

It took me about 3 hours I think. I could probably do it faster now. It is my understanding that the kits are different between the SR5's and the Limiteds. I think the SportEditions might be the same size as the SR5.

You can go on the Metra or Scosche website to see what they recommend.

Also, check out the Crutchfield website to see what it recommends for your 4runner.

Let's see some pics of that bad boy installed!

 

[Lowpro]

Sorry, I have no farkin' idea where I misplaced my memory card for my camera. iPhone will have to do for now. I'll have to take better pics with flash/light.


Kenwood DNX6140 installed

 

[jay_marx]

Lowpro, any idea what kit was used on your 4Runner w/JBL? I just replaced my AVN5435 with the 726e and used same kit, but it's not as nice and flushmount as yours!

 

[gusk2010]

Good stuff I'm seeing here. I pulled the trigger on purchasing an AVN726e, a Scosche TA1624B kit, and the iPod cable. I think I have eveything I need. Another question I had was about the placement of the GPS antenna. I've heard that there is a good place to put it under the dash. Others i've seen put it in clever places like inside the roof rack. Anyone have any pointers on that? I can't wait to get it and get started. Any special tools I should consider, or will your basic screwdrivers and wrenches cover it? Thanks for all the info, I truly appreciate it!

Gus

 

[Lowpro]

Lowpro, any idea what kit was used on your 4Runner w/JBL? I just replaced my AVN5435 with the 726e and used same kit, but it's not as nice and flushmount as yours!

Unfortunately, I have have no idea who makes the kit because it was installed by a 3rd party installer at the dealership. The Navi unit was thrown into the car deal so it was all taken care by them. Is yours a limited also? I know there was a thread floating around here that had pictures of different kits. Can't recall what model T4R they were installed in though.

See, the kit for my '07 SportEdition is totally different than the limited.

 

[jay_marx]

nope, I have 04 Sport...and the kit looks similar to the one u just posted. Your install looks better with flush mount.

On your eclipse, does the steering wheel change your presets, or just freq on FM?

 

[Lowpro]

Good stuff I'm seeing here. I pulled the trigger on purchasing an AVN726e, a Scosche TA1624B kit, and the iPod cable. I think I have eveything I need. Another question I had was about the placement of the GPS antenna. I've heard that there is a good place to put it under the dash. Others i've seen put it in clever places like inside the roof rack. Anyone have any pointers on that? I can't wait to get it and get started. Any special tools I should consider, or will your basic screwdrivers and wrenches cover it? Thanks for all the info, I truly appreciate it!

Gus

Gus,

The installers for the avn726e installed the gps antenna on the dash right next to the VIN number. The radio will come with a small square shaped magnetic pad/sticker that you'll be able to stick onto the dash.

I went a different route and installed both of my antennas (gps & xm) on the little pad behind the radio (inside the dash). Other members have mentioned before that that's where the OEM gps antenna is located for T4R's that have the OEM navi. When you install it you'll see a squarish space that fits the magnetic pad perfectly.

Here is a picture,but *not* of a 4runner. You get the idea...

Today was the first real drive I took with the radio on. The GPS unit seemed to be happy though I didn't actually ask it to give me directions, since I was heading to work, I know the way. :lookout: I'll remember to input my home address tonight to see how it works. GUI looks pretty much the same as my Garmin Nuvi660.

XM wise it worked pretty well though it did drop out at two locations but it didn't surprise me because my old radio dropped out in the same locations, meh. What I didn't care for was that it look probably about 10 seconds before the XM audio came back. My old radio would cut out for maybe 2 seconds. So I'm not sure if the XM antenna inside the dash made the cutout time longer or not. I doubt it though.

Screwdriver, wrenches, ratchet set, basic tools will do. You'll also want to have on hand electrical tape, zip ties, butt connectors, t-taps, wire strippers, wire cutters or other stuff that you might use. Did you order a wire harness? Those are strongly recommended. Scosche and Metra both sell them. I soldered and shrinkwrapped my wire connections.

Here are instructions on how to take out the center console.


Hmmmmm what else......

 

[Lowpro]

nope, I have 04 Sport...and the kit looks similar to the one u just posted. Your install looks better with flush mount.

On your eclipse, does the steering wheel change your presets, or just freq on FM?

Yeah, I like the kit that goes around the radio but I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong) has more to do with the opening size of the limited vs. the SR5 & SportEdition. But it also seems that the kit that goes around the radio on the limited would not fit the opening around my DNX6140, there's no room at the top of the radio for the kit.

Earlier in the thread I talked about the steering wheel. As mentioned, I don't really know if they used a 3rd party steering wheel adapter (PAC-Audio) since I didn't install it. PAC-Audio sells steering wheel adapters but it did not say that the '08 T4R needed one with the AVN726e. Check on the Crutchfield website to see what it recommends when you punch in your vehicle info along with the radio you are looking at. The only real way for me to find out if an adapter was used would be to tear out the radio to see. I don't think the wifey would be to happy about that. :whipping2

On the limited w/ the avn726e, the steering wheel adjusts the volume and changed the frequency (ie 102.7 -> 102.9) and *not* the presets. When playing the ipod the up and down arrows will change the tracks. Mode switches between modes (Navi,dvd,tuner, etc etc)

On my '07 SportEdition w/ the dnx6140, I had to install the PAC-Audio (SWI-JACK) steering wheel adapter. It works the same as above, changes frequency and not presets. Unless I haven't figured it out completely.

 

[Lowpro]

Took two more pictures. Wish I had my real camera with me.