Factory stereo upgrade poll - What did you do?

I just bought my first 4Runner. 2006 Sport Edition 4X4 V6 with the JBL system. I'm the 2nd owner, and the original owner is a friend of mine. Got a great deal on it and am loving it so far.

First mod I did was to put a new head unit in it. I'm an Apple guy, and wanted something that was CarPlay capable. I picked up a Pioneer SPH-DA120 from Crutchfield with the install kit and all necessary wiring. Also picked up the Pioneer branded compatible backup camera (but have yet to install it). All went well, except I'm struggling with the steering wheel control wiring with the adapter kit that I picked up. Currently I'm rehabbing a rotator cuff repair and am in a sling, so that's added to the frustration of doing it. I have a two more weeks in the sling, so think I may wait 'til I'm rid of that before tearing it all out and trying it again.

If you use an iPhone, I can't recommend Apple's CarPlay enough!
 
Head unit replacement on a 2003 SR5

Hi all, I recently bought my 2003 4Runner from a dealer like 2 weeks ago and it came with a Kenwood DDX470 touchscreen radio. I was honestly very disappointing by this stereo because someone had spent a lot of money on it and the sound quality sucked, I tried playing with all the settings and nothing made it sound any better. Luckily I had my Poineer DEH-X6800BT single din stereo laying around from my old truck and put it into the 4Runner and it sounds amazing. I absolutely love the non touchscreen Pioneer over the touchscreen Kenwood. If anyone is looking for an awesome sounding stereo with a lot of features I highly recommend this one or a similar Pioneer model.
 
I like the pioneer stuff

adamhoffmann said:
I absolutely love the non touchscreen Pioneer over the touchscreen Kenwood. If anyone is looking for an awesome sounding stereo with a lot of features I highly recommend this one or a similar Pioneer model.
Click to expand...

b/c using a android phone you can play apps on your phone via a USB HU connection where with the kenwood HU i have now i can only do this using BT. A little bit more $$$ since im not willing to spend more for a nav system i wont use since i have/use my garmin for that but worth it in my mind
 
Toyota_Thom said:
Thank you. I'll look into it.

Is there a thread I'm missing that would elicit more replies and help?
Click to expand...

Thom, you might just need to fix the AUX jack. Toyota went a bit too smart on this and put a switch in it that detects if a cable is plugged into the jack. The AUX buttons only works if it can detect something plugging into the port. You can fix like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1zpb4Dsvqg
There is even a way to fuse a connection so that the switch is no longer needed and you can just use the AUX on the radio to control it.

Or you can buy a new one for ~$100 from toyota.
 
AppRadio 4

backcountrymedic said:
.

First mod I did was to put a new head unit in it. I'm an Apple guy, and wanted something that was CarPlay capable. I picked up a Pioneer SPH-DA120 from Crutchfield with the install kit and all necessary wiring.

If you use an iPhone, I can't recommend Apple's CarPlay enough!
Click to expand...

Hey y'all -- I have a 2008 SR5 and am ready to change the audio system. This Pioneer mentioned here sounds perfect but also that it eliminates the cd deck? I do still use that, so I wonder about any way to maintain that ability? And not being of the electronic DIY ability, do you think I can purchase the equipment myself then have installed at an audio dealer? (I'm sure they mark the product up considerably, so am really just looking for their installation.)

Also, for just a moderate upgrade to the sound system from stock, what do y'all recommend? I don't want too much hardware taking up cargo room. Thanks!
 
Just installed a Pioneer avh-x391bhs and crux interface, along with the brake emulator. Very impressed with the hu, sounds fantastic thru the factory speakers. Can play from cd, dvd, usb, and bt. Integrates with apple, though i'm a android user. Crutchfield...ftw.
 
I know the aux volume will not go nearly as loud as the radio volume on stock non JBL. Will a new head unit fix this, or could I just go with a new amp
 
backcountrymedic said:
Pioneer makes other, similar head units that still have the CD slot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...


Have you used the AppRadio app for its smartphone integration? Is CarPlay way superior or is the AppRadio app comparable? I saw on Crutchfield I think that the CarPlay requires a USB attachment to work -- is that right? I would think the Bluetooth would connect CarPlay if it connects for AppRadio? I am trying to find one that has CD but also CarPlay via Bluetooth (if Appradio's app sucks). This is getting complicated... Thnaks for all your help with it:)
 
I'd really love to swap mine but since I have the JBL/RDS it's not simple. :gun4:

g105KWR920B-o_angle.jpg
 
AppRadio does indeed suck. CarPlay is superior for sure, but requires the wired connection (for now). Bluetooth connections are starting to show up in some factory units (like BMW), but those are few and far between.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
memphisg8r said:
Have you used the AppRadio app for its smartphone integration? Is CarPlay way superior or is the AppRadio app comparable? I saw on Crutchfield I think that the CarPlay requires a USB attachment to work -- is that right? I would think the Bluetooth would connect CarPlay if it connects for AppRadio? I am trying to find one that has CD but also CarPlay via Bluetooth (if Appradio's app sucks). This is getting complicated... Thnaks for all your help with it:)
Click to expand...

My understanding is that Apple Car Play and Android Auto are taking over for AppRadio. I do not believe that is being developed anymore. Also, for Android auto, you won't need to update firmware on your head unit. You will get app updated through your phone. If I understand correctly Apple car play is on the head unit itself, so for that you would still need firmware updates for the unit.
 
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Could use some help

I do not have steering wheel controls on my steering wheel. Basic steering wheel without audio buttons.

feeling confident.after watching a youtube install of a new stereo install.and... All wen't great! EXCEPT for the wiring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WDQcwDixDs

I purchased the pumpkin android stereo.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I purchased the power harness (thinking that was enough). Obviously this wasn't enough as I couldn't connect to the red circled wiring harness that connects to our factory stereo.
I have this harness that connects to 2 of the wiring harness coming out of the dash.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So, when i opened up the dash, there was a 3rd harness (circled in red) that I couldn't connect to... Is this the steering wheel controls? Can i just leave it disconnected?

Secondly, would I have to splice from the power harness? (and new harness I will have to buy for the stereo) to the harness that comes from Pumpkin (assuming I just match colors?). See picture with green arrow.

I attached pictures. Red is the part that I can't connect to. I don't know where / how to connect to that harness today.

Any help would be appreciated... kind of stuck.
 

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