Getting ready to replace the stock head unit!

[Anonymous4Runner]

Here's the link I was looking at...


http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-P...ef=sr_1_1?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1325043903&sr=1-1


I have few questions regarding this head unit.


1) Will this install be difficult for someone who has never installed a head unit let alone speakers before during his life here on Earth?

2) I have a '04 SR5 4Runner and my steering wheel has two features that I frequently use to listen to music... volume adjuster button (+/-) and mode changer (mode). The thing is, do the steering wheel features only work with the stock factory parts, i.e. the head unit in this case? I would really like to retain those particular features when installing my head unit, and my face would be all sad if I were to lose those features due to the aftermarket head unit.

3) What tools are typically needed for removal of stock head unit & installation of an aftermarket head unit?


I could take my 4R to an audio shop & have them 'professionally install the head unit', but I think I'm ready to come out of my big boy shell & take on this project of replacing my head unit by myself (with the aid of T4R community of course...:hungry

As for the speakers; I'm looking at these two links-

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Refe...-Component/dp/B002BS5YAA/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_c

Amazon.com: Infinity Reference 6032cf 6.5-Inch 180-Watt High-Performance Two-Way Speakers (Pair): Car Electronics


I'm not in any hurry to replace the speakers anytime soon, but of course is it easy to replace speakers inside the doors also? I'm not mentally prepared to break anything while in the process of removing panels so if this is a delicate process, this part of the project might not work out for me! I'll look up DIY threads on removing speakers & head units, hopefully I come across ones that also talks about the features on the steering wheels.

Take care everybody

-A

 

[Whitebeauty]

Listen take your time doing this especiallt the first time....your not going to know how to measure your strength when removing the clip panels.. steady even pressure. of course you will need a 10mm. As far as using your SWC that requires an adapter and you have to be patient programming it. It can be tedious. Other than that same goes for speakers...on your doors and all. You can do just be careful and keep us posted we'll help you out.

 

[Sungod]

Do you have the JBL system? If so you will need to order the TATO.

1. The install is pretty straight forward if you have the right parts. For the most part it is plug and play. You will need a wiring harness to connect your new stereo to the factory one. If you have the JBL system, it is almost totally plug and play. Without JBL, you would have some connections to make, but still no big deal. The biggest challenge if you have the JBL system is finding enough room to put all the new parts in the dash. Not a big deal, it just takes some time. There is nothing overly difficult in the process. Just being sure to know how to take things apart and put them back together without breaking anything.

The face plate might give you fits to get it to look right. There doesn't seem to be a real good option. I used a Best Kit, but still have to modify it. This is an area that having a pro install it may give you a better finished look, but it would really be based on the skill of the installer. Most are lazy and don't care about the finished look because it isn't their car.

You will also have to install the microphone for the phone. You may have to take apart some interior parts to run the wire depending on where you want it.

2. You would need something like the PAC SWI PS. It will plug into the existing harness and then into your new stereo. It then needs to be programmed. Not hard as long as you can follow directions, but the directions are not the best written. You can also add the buttons on the right side to control your phone. It is handy when it comes to answering and hanging up so you don't have to take your hands off the wheel. The button and cable are about $100 from the dealer and very easy to install.

3. I used a 10 mm socket, a phillips head screw driver, side cutters, electrical tape, and a standard screw driver. The only specialty tool that I used was a mini ratchet screw driver to get the center speaker out. That is optional to remove if you have it. I did because it gives you more room in the dash and also allows better air flow.

 

[14 snow]

I recently had the same deck installed in my 2008 Non JBL and believe me, it makes the stock speakers sound much better. Try that first, you may be surprised.

I also had a PAW SW1 installed and it works well, the mode button now controls my source selections and there are some variations vs. the factory deck. Overall, it works and I am pleased.

I watched my shop re & re the deck and it looks really easy. Take other posters feedback.

Good Luck.

 

[galactic_04]

Just a thought, but you may want to look at the Clarion VX-401 or JVC KW-AVX840 as they come with Bluetooth built in instead of costing $200 extra if you're going to use the phone with it. Personally I wouldn't go without it.

Install is simple. everything is color-coded on the harness and head-unit. If you get it from Crutchfield it'll have everything needed for install. including the Metro wiring harness adapter (you'll need that). All you need for the removal of the dash is a screwdriver and 8mm or 10mm socket. You pull everything from the shifter forward (it all just clips together for the most part, just tug on it). There's a tutorial around here for it somewhere.

 

[12guns]

Me and swamprider did my Clarion install with steering wheel controls...I can say I learned a lot and didn't mind the "work", but all in all I would have been better off paying the $60 to my local audio store to install it for me. The directions were vague and not cleary to follow...although I will say towards the end of the install it all came together and made much more sense. It took is a few hours and involved splicing into wires and locating the right wire to splice into and such. It was a learning experience, but I would say it's well worth the money to have a pro do it. If it were an easy plug and play install it would be different, but since it's likely not I'd pay someone. Just my thoughts. BTW, you will LOVE the new sound! My factory sub and speakers are much much better w/ the new HU. Good luck!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Tools you will need are basic screwdrivers, and a basic ratchet set. Very simple stuff. It will take about 10 minutes to remove all of the panels to get access to the radio.

Also you will need a soldering iron, solder, heatshrink tubing if you want to solder everything together.

If you want to crimp everything together you will just need butt connectors and crimpers.

You will need the steering wheel adapter kit if you have steering wheels controls, The correct wiring adapter (JBL or non JBL) and you will need the dash trim kit.

If you want to watch DVDs while driving, you will need a parking brake relay as well.

Here is the guide I used for removing the radio. It was very easy.
http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/

 

[earthrealm]

saw some really not good reviews on amazon about this head unit, am now a bit confused.. can someone direct me to a good head unit i could buy? dvd

 

[bensanders]

can someone direct me to a good head unit i could buy? dvd

I just purchased the JVC KW-NT30HD off Crutchfield based on quite a bit of research. The only real downside I see is the lack of rear aux/usb inputs to help keep things tidy. I don't want cables anywhere (I plan on listening to music via BT Audio Streaming, music stored on a USB flash drive/SD card, and through the rear A/V inputs with a cable that runs into my center console). I haven't installed the unit yet but it's supposed to be great based on the reviews I've read.

 

[earthrealm]

ok, do let the house know on the sound production when u install it......it had mixed reviews on amazon.....spent a whole day reading reviews....i think am finally down to pioneer avh 4300dvd or the jvc above......none of them had totally good reviews...but they seem to be the best out there for my demands - awesome sound/rear camera input/ext amp aux/dvd/good usb support....not so keen on bluetooth/navigation or ipod support