Kenwood DDX917WS (specifically for Toyotas) - Anyone get it?

[Flash Runner]

Hey all, This post might cause more questions than bear answers, due to the lack of info I found when searching the forum. At the very least this might expose this product more, for people to enjoy.

I found this product on [MENTION=3312]tv4184[/MENTION] 4thgen's build thread, and when I searched I didn't notice anyone else having this. (TiVo, I bet you can help answer my questions, but I didn't want to clutter your build thread and I wanted this to be a resource for others) (also [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] , after seeing your build thread and posts, your expertise might be helpful)

What is it?
From my understanding its a Kenwood HU that is sold in australia. It's top two features that peaked my interest are the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and the fact that the touch screen is capacitive (this is similar to our smartphones as opposed to other head units being resistive). This head unit is made specifically for Toyotas (and partnering japanese automakers?). It also has an assortment of other great features.

Given it's not from the states and it's fairly new, info on installing it on our US oriented cars is scarce, even though it's been done.
I referenced this page on an 86/BRZ/FRS forum to find more info. They spoke about needing different adapters, and I'm not sure what would be necessary for our 4runners vs their cars.

Now for the questions:
- What adapters will be needed to properly install this beauty?
- Will it still be able to play standard FM/AM radio? (I don't think it supports Sirus/XM Satellite) - Yes, the antenna will plug in
- Is there a way to utilize the steering wheel controls?
- Does this work with the JBL systems in our 4Runners? - Ideally should, still needs to be tested
- Can this make use of the OEM factory back-up camera? - Ideally should, not tested yet
- connecting devices via a USB cord - is this on the unit itself? or does it need to be ran behind the trim and let out somewhere else? - The USB cords are extensions out the back of the unit, that end in a female connection


Photo taken from TiVo's Build Thread

 

[tv4184]

USB plugs are just extension cords that can be run anywhere from the back of the unit and ends in a female outputs I just have it hanging outside next to my driver side console.

The plugs that come from the harness is a direct plug for the head unit harness. From what I remember he JBL system in my 3rd gen uses the same plush at the amp (not directly at the back of the head unit). Mine didn’t have the JBL so I can’t attest if the 4th gen uses the same setup as the 3rd. I was able to plug the antenna in fine too.

Everything plugs in except the steering adaptor. I’m afraid I might just have to get a PAC adaptor or another aftermarket one to get the steering adaptor to work. I’ll grab more pictures later if needed. I got my unit from 12 volt usa on eBay. Less than a week shipped from Malaysia. This unit is available both in Asia and Australia. They have less expensive versions without the CarPlay feature too.

I don’t have the oem backup camera but I do intend on installing it. It also has a harness for the Kenwood forward dash cam too.

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[Flash Runner]

USB plugs are just extension cords that can be run anywhere from the back of the unit and ends in a female outputs....

....I was able to plug the antenna in fine too....

....Everything plugs in except the steering adaptor.....

...I don’t have the oem backup camera but I do intend on installing it...

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm definitely interested in this unit, thanks for bringing up here in the forum. I also look forward to your steering wheel controls solution

If questions are still un-answered by the time I get this going, I'll update this thread.

 

[tv4184]

DDX717WBT | Multimedia and Navigation | Car Electronics | KENWOOD Malaysia

Here's the other one. I should have considered this one but I really wanted carplay / android auto. I'm sure in a few years I'll be updating for a wireless carplay solution (maybe 5 years to be realistic). I'm using part of my tax return to do my suspension lift first lol.

 

[Flash Runner]

Lol [MENTION=3312]tv4184[/MENTION] I'd have to get the carplay one myself too! This would be from my tax return too.... but I'd definitely choose suspension over this if I was in the market for it. Can't wait to see what you choose

 

[Bluesky 07]

Preamp outputs? And I’m going to Australia on business in a few months.

EDIT: NM the question- lots of info in this review.

 

[gshadow325]

I'd get the maestro RR. it will do a lot of fun stuff for the radio and programable steering wheel controls. like hold down up track for pulling up the map. hold down vol down for guages. hold down source to scroll back in source. whole second set of programable features. did i mention it can read the canbus system for things like air fuel ratio, timing advance rpm's etc??

 

[LordAbdullah]

Any ideas if this will work with JBL? Probably not right - but if not, can we just get this + a PAC/TATO for temporary use until a full system overhaul?

 

[tv4184]

How’s the amp setup for the 4th gen JBL?


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[gshadow325]

maestro rr will work with both non amped and amped systems

read instructions clearly on how the tato works.

tato is just for amp intergration. i dont like it. dont like metras version either.

maestro RR is the way to go. it always works, in all the applications i have used it in.

 

[simple]

maestro rr will work with both non amped and amped systems

read instructions clearly on how the tato works.

tato is just for amp intergration. i dont like it. dont like metras version either.

maestro RR is the way to go. it always works, in all the applications i have used it in.

Hey man, I have JBL in my 4runner. I put in a scion head unit with the metra TYTO but had a ton of issues with volume fluctuations. I ended up going with a Sony headunit and the maestro RR. I also ran new speaker wire and used a metra harness adaptor to give me an OEM non JBL starting point. Do you know if the maestro kit works well with the JBl system? I’d love to regain my sub and center channel.

Thanks

Sorry to thread jack OP

 

[gshadow325]

No I don't know IF it will work.

I am not sure if I was CLEAR and CONCISE
Maestro RR is what I use on these cars. Notice I didn't use singular, it's plural cars. Notice I didn't say 4 runner I said all applications. This means from GMC Sierra to Ford mustang from Toyota Corolla to Honda Accord.

Not trying to sound like a jerk. I'm just telling you I hate the tato, tyto and this maestro RR is what goes into the cars and they never come back anymore for issues. I think I have used these interfaces much more than any one on this forum, or at least 99.9% lol

 

[riceandpho]

idatalink ftw :cheers:

 

[LordAbdullah]

No I don't know IF it will work.

I am not sure if I was CLEAR and CONCISE
Maestro RR is what I use on these cars. Notice I didn't use singular, it's plural cars. Notice I didn't say 4 runner I said all applications. This means from GMC Sierra to Ford mustang from Toyota Corolla to Honda Accord.

Not trying to sound like a jerk. I'm just telling you I hate the tato, tyto and this maestro RR is what goes into the cars and they never come back anymore for issues. I think I have used these interfaces much more than any one on this forum, or at least 99.9% lol

I figured that was the case - I plan on doing the full system eventually, just had a pac TATO lying around I got from a friend, was going to use that until I replace the speakers and run new wire!

But the question was more so - will it fit the harnesses? From what I get - it seems like it will Thanks for the information on the Maestro RR, I would definitely get that if I was able to get OBD information on the 03/04 as well!

 

[tv4184]

I was reading around and maybe the Metra JBL TYTO kit might help with the JBL integration. I second trying that Maestro RR. My friend recommends it from his Tundra. I'll be getting the Maestro and I'll report in once I do. I'm a bit set back right now because I just picked up a new Civic and have an incoming IS300 as well. Gonna have to do some of the fluid change on the V8 so I can clear up some space for other projects and stuff. Will check back in once I try out the Maestro RR.

 

[hunterD1]

was reading the specs on these and it says only region 3 DVD only... will that be a problem? im really thinking of getting one of these units too

 

[tv4184]

was reading the specs on these and it says only region 3 DVD only... will that be a problem? im really thinking of getting one of these units too

Only if you plan on watching dvds. I haven’t even used the disc drive yet lol. Only been using CarPlay and Android Auto.


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[hunterD1]

Only if you plan on watching dvds. I haven’t even used the disc drive yet lol. Only been using CarPlay and Android Auto.


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you have a very good point there. come to think of it most of my movies are on a thumb drive.

 

[tv4184]

I just discovered this link regarding the steering wheel connections so maybe there might be an easier fix.

http://www.kenwood.com/sg/car/visual_navigation/oem/

Looking at my old pic. The top left harness is the one that came with the unit which is a 28p harness and the factory is a 20p harness so maybe if I can find the right harness may be able to bypass the need for a maestro/pac link module.

Need to do more research later this week.

 

[Flash Runner]

[MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION]

hmmm seems I'll look into the Maestro RR instead then.... any recommendation on what head unit to get to install it on? unless of course Maestro RR can be installed on the factory Nav unit... I doubt that though since I haven't seen it come up from my research.