Headunit Upgrade - Sony XAV-AX7000: Trail Grid Pro

[KingPrat]

Just wanted to share my experience here with a product and vendor. Installed a new head unit today and am incredibly happy with how it came out.

I've been wanting to have CarPlay in my 2017 since I bought it and have been going through the typical forum search/online review search. I'm not too much of a brand loyalist, but I've put quite a few JVCs in previous cars. I just wanted something quality and fit well.

I had my eyes on the AX8000 with the floating screen, but was hesitant with how much space the screen would take up and finding the sweet spot between blocking the vents and blocking HVAC controls. As I started to do more research, I found the 7000 had better output (45wRMS, 4x100) compared to the 8000 (20wRMS, 4x55) and had a capacitive anti glare screen. I do enjoy my music, so the higher output was the winner.

I somehow stumbled onto trailgridpro.com and found their plug and play bundles. They take the aftermarket harnesses and solder/heat shrink/wrap the wires and send it to you fully assembled in a Metra kit.

Photo of the wiring harness:

Untitled by Brian Praetorius, on Flickr

I also opted for the Sirius adaptor, and am just waiting on one more wire to get that fully functioning.

I won't go into tearing the dash apart, as there are plenty of threads on here for that. I was insanely pleased with how well this package was put together, and on top of that, when I called Cliff at 1pm on a Saturday to troubleshoot something, he picked right up. Their install videos are pretty well done, as well.

Untitled by Brian Praetorius, on Flickr

Overall it took me about 2 hours, but I took my time and double/triple checked everything was functional before I buttoned it up. The sound is SO much better, even on the factory speakers.

If you're looking for something that is quality plug-and-play, definitely check these guys out. Won't be disappointed.

 

[Mudhorn]

Installed a new head unit today and am incredibly happy with how it came out.

Is it wireless car play? Does it have cd/dvd slot? Thanks

 

[KingPrat]

Is it wireless car play? Does it have cd/dvd slot? Thanks

No to both.

 

[2000Sport]

I am strongly leaning toward this Sony head unit upgrade to my 2013 TE. Is anyone else using this unit?

 

[sierramountainman]

I am strongly leaning toward this Sony head unit upgrade to my 2013 TE. Is anyone else using this unit?

Just received the package from Trail Grid Pro, but haven't installed it yet. I also have a 2013 TE.

 

[_JT_]

Posted in another thread about the head unit, it's just pure clean sony interface. There are more glitzy headunits out there but functionality and feel. It's great. Just wish it had knobs for volume and screen flipping, Def getting old when I want that old Sony click on the dial.

I installed mine in a 2008 kit from crutchfield, but stumbled across the trailgridpro site on youtube. Detailed videos, sounds like a great kit, headunit wise can say you won't be disappointed.

Definitely grabbing the kit myself if toyota doesn't make android auto backwards compatible on stock. Then again the screen quality on the stock premium can't compare to Sony. And it's setup for more cameras.

 

[2000Sport]

I ordered this, and excited to get it in!

 

[zw470]

Just wanted to share my experience here with a product and vendor. Installed a new head unit today and am incredibly happy with how it came out.

I've been wanting to have CarPlay in my 2017 since I bought it and have been going through the typical forum search/online review search. I'm not too much of a brand loyalist, but I've put quite a few JVCs in previous cars. I just wanted something quality and fit well.

I had my eyes on the AX8000 with the floating screen, but was hesitant with how much space the screen would take up and finding the sweet spot between blocking the vents and blocking HVAC controls. As I started to do more research, I found the 7000 had better output (45wRMS, 4x100) compared to the 8000 (20wRMS, 4x55) and had a capacitive anti glare screen. I do enjoy my music, so the higher output was the winner.

I somehow stumbled onto trailgridpro.com and found their plug and play bundles. They take the aftermarket harnesses and solder/heat shrink/wrap the wires and send it to you fully assembled in a Metra kit.

Photo of the wiring harness:

Untitled by Brian Praetorius, on Flickr

I also opted for the Sirius adaptor, and am just waiting on one more wire to get that fully functioning.

I won't go into tearing the dash apart, as there are plenty of threads on here for that. I was insanely pleased with how well this package was put together, and on top of that, when I called Cliff at 1pm on a Saturday to troubleshoot something, he picked right up. Their install videos are pretty well done, as well.

Untitled by Brian Praetorius, on Flickr

Overall it took me about 2 hours, but I took my time and double/triple checked everything was functional before I buttoned it up. The sound is SO much better, even on the factory speakers.

If you're looking for something that is quality plug-and-play, definitely check these guys out. Won't be disappointed.

1. Did the kit come with everything needed to make the factory USB port work with the new radio?
2. Did you select the "maintain Sirius/XM" option?

 

[KingPrat]

1. Did the kit come with everything needed to make the factory USB port work with the new radio?
2. Did you select the "maintain Sirius/XM" option?

1. Yes, and the adaptor comes already connected, you can see it on the left side of my first picture. Has a blue label. The USB port in the dash stack runs CarPlay.

2. Yes I did. You'll need to update your Sirius account to the new radio ID # once you get it all installed. I believe there was a cost associated to do that w/ Sirius, but I don't remember how much. No need to run the new antenna, they will include the adaptor to use factory connections.



A quick note on #2 - there are two IDENTICAL plugs behind the dash, at least there was behind mine. There is one that comes down independently from the upper dash/behind the clock. I'm now almost positive that is for the compass/navigation, and is NOT Sirius. The plug you'll use is in the factory wire loom w/ other radio connectors, believe it's a black connector IIRC.

I spent over an hour on the phone w Sirius before I realized I was an idiot.....

 

[zw470]

1. Yes, and the adaptor comes already connected, you can see it on the left side of my first picture. Has a blue label. The USB port in the dash stack runs CarPlay.

2. Yes I did. You'll need to update your Sirius account to the new radio ID # once you get it all installed. I believe there was a cost associated to do that w/ Sirius, but I don't remember how much. No need to run the new antenna, they will include the adaptor to use factory connections.



A quick note on #2 - there are two IDENTICAL plugs behind the dash, at least there was behind mine. There is one that comes down independently from the upper dash/behind the clock. I'm now almost positive that is for the compass/navigation, and is NOT Sirius. The plug you'll use is in the factory wire loom w/ other radio connectors, believe it's a black connector IIRC.

I spent over an hour on the phone w Sirius before I realized I was an idiot.....

Thanks :nod:

I've been trying to convince myself to upgrade to a CarPlay headunit for a while now, this company's service is exactly what I needed to push myself over the edge.

 

[_JT_]

1. Did the kit come with everything needed to make the factory USB port work with the new radio?
2. Did you select the "maintain Sirius/XM" option?

One word of advice with updates to the headunit, the AX7000 has two USB's on the back. Assuming you ran the primary USB to the existing plug. I would recommend running the other to an easy to access location. All updates so far have required you to download the firmware from Sony's website, load them to a USB stick, and then to update via both USB plugs. Start on the primary, then finish the install on the secondary USB. In my 08, i just ran an extra usb extension into the glove box. Good support so far with Sony updates

 

[2000Sport]

2013

 

[2000Sport]

2013 Antennae

 

[KingPrat]

One word of advice with updates to the headunit, the AX7000 has two USB's on the back. Assuming you ran the primary USB to the existing plug. I would recommend running the other to an easy to access location. All updates so far have required you to download the firmware from Sony's website, load them to a USB stick, and then to update via both USB plugs. Start on the primary, then finish the install on the secondary USB. In my 08, i just ran an extra usb extension into the glove box. Good support so far with Sony updates

Oof. I skipped the second USB as I figured I'd be able to update using the primary only.

Guess I'm opening this thing back up...

 

[drewsro]

Nice writeup. I have the same headunit in my 2012 TE but ordered from Crutchfield. That was about a year ago. I ended up connecting to an aftermarket XM antenna since my factory shark fin was getting bad reception. I like the clean looks of this unit and its interface. The one thing I haven't thought about checking is for updates though.

 

[drewsro]

Found out after seeing this thread that I was on software version 1.0. Updated to 1.12 (current) and now I can add custom wallpapers. Score!

 

[zw470]

Ordered mine today, and I'm having a coworker 3d print a bracket to mount the microphone in the factory location.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3378299-post32.html

 

[dbubby]

Ordered mine today, and I'm having a coworker 3d print a bracket to mount the microphone in the factory location.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3378299-post32.html

Let us know how that microphone bracket works out! I ordered the 7000 from trail grid pro and looking forward to receiving the unit :nerd: briefly watched their install video and didn't like where they put the microphone, would rather have it in the factory location

 

[2000Sport]

I recently installed this unit in my 2013 Trail . I couldn’t be happier. Clipped the mic to the bottom of the speedometer, wire is completely hidden, and the location makes sense to me.

Wish I had used this for the install. This is the perfect solution for the double USB outlet.

Amazon.com: BATIGE Dual Ports Square USB 3.0 Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable with Buckle for Car Truck Boat Motorcycle Dashboard 3ft


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[_JT_]

I recently installed this unit in my 2013 Trail . I couldn’t be happier. Clipped the mic to the bottom of the speedometer, wire is completely hidden, and the location makes sense to me.

Wish I had used this for the install. This is the perfect solution for the double USB outlet.

Amazon.com: BATIGE Dual Ports Square USB 3.0 Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable with Buckle for Car Truck Boat Motorcycle Dashboard 3ft


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I forgot to say I did this this for my 2008, struggled to get it to feed to the buttons by the center console until I remembered the magical power of Electrical tape. Definitely get the longer cable just to make your life easier.