Kenwood DNX6160 and JBL Audio System Question

[jonz]

I just ordered my DNX6160 today for my 08 SE. While speaking to Crutchfield, I discovered that the JBL systems require a special wiring harness and adapter that cost $75 to interface with the Kenwood DNX line. I was taken aback somewhat by the cost. I recently installed a DNX5140 in my daughters 04 SR5 with the OEM non-JBL system and used the standard Kenwood wiring harness adapter.

Are there surprises I should be aware of when I start my DNX6160 install? I installed the DNX 5140 with the PAC SWI steering wheel control adapter and iPod interface without any problems in the 04 SR5. Just curious if replacing the JBL system will present any special challenges on the 08 SE.

 

[RevoRunner]

They were probably talking about the PAC TATO piece that you will need to interface with your JBL amp. Just like the PAC switch for your steering wheel controls... this unit does the same thing, only with your JBL amp.

 

[jonz]

They were probably talking about the PAC TATO piece that you will need to interface with your JBL amp. Just like the PAC switch for your steering wheel controls... this unit does the same thing, only with your JBL amp.

You are correct....the PAC TATO is the harness adapter I was talking about.

I saw another thread where another member had problems with theirs (PAC TATO), but thought it might have been a defective unit. The thread doesn't detail what the final cure to his issues with the JBL amp was.

 

[Brady]

Is this the correct adapter for steering wheel control for the Kenwood DNX? (I also just bought a 6160)

Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

 

[RevoRunner]

I didn't have any issues with my TATO at all. Maybe just the fact that it's huge and we don't have alot of room to pack stuff in there. A bonus for those doing the TATO and SWI (steering wheel switch)... the TATO comes with the harness to interface the 2. Otherwise you'd have to follow the directions for the SWI to get the harness configured correctly.

I think the user had a defective switch is my guess.

 

[jonz]

Is this the correct adapter for steering wheel control for the Kenwood DNX? (I also just bought a 6160)

Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

I plan on doing my install on Monday when I get back home. I'd be curious to hear any tips or tricks you discover if you finish your install before I do.

 

[jonz]

I didn't have any issues with my TATO at all. Maybe just the fact that it's huge and we don't have alot of room to pack stuff in there. A bonus for those doing the TATO and SWI (steering wheel switch)... the TATO comes with the harness to interface the 2. Otherwise you'd have to follow the directions for the SWI to get the harness configured correctly.

I think the user had a defective switch is my guess.

Revo, thanks for the heads up on the SWI and TATO...I'mn sure that information has certainly saved me time already.

I was thinking a defective TATO unit as well for the other forum member. I am curious though, how high did you set the out put to the JBL amp on your TATO? From what I have read, it looks like you should start with the max db setting and then decrease as needed after testing.

 

[RevoRunner]

I did the first one that it said to try an I never changed anything.

 

[jonz]

I did the first one that it said to try an I never changed anything.

Thanks. I figured I might just do the same, but was unsure. If it worked for you that's good enough for me.

 

[jonz]

Is this the correct adapter for steering wheel control for the Kenwood DNX? (I also just bought a 6160)

Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

What does your dash adapter look like? The one Crutchfield sent me is too small. I wonder if I need the Limited dash kit for the JBL in my SE. The same kit worked in the SR5, but it had a non JBL system and a smaller dash opening.

 

[jonz]

I didn't have any issues with my TATO at all. Maybe just the fact that it's huge and we don't have alot of room to pack stuff in there. A bonus for those doing the TATO and SWI (steering wheel switch)... the TATO comes with the harness to interface the 2. Otherwise you'd have to follow the directions for the SWI to get the harness configured correctly.

I think the user had a defective switch is my guess.

You were right about the TATO harness with the SWI jack. Everything hooked up really easily. Install is all done now and I'm quite pleased with everything.

 

[Asmara]

You were right about the TATO harness with the SWI jack. Everything hooked up really easily. Install is all done now and I'm quite pleased with everything.

I'm probably going to do the exact same install (DNX6160 into JBL) after using a Garmin GPS for the first time and wanting a little better iPod interface. Any additional recommendations or tips on the install?

 

[jonz]

I'm probably going to do the exact same install (DNX6160 into JBL) after using a Garmin GPS for the first time and wanting a little better iPod interface. Any additional recommendations or tips on the install?

Be sure you get the correct dash adapter. You may also want to experiment with the control options on the PAC SWI Jack. I programmed it several different ways until I got it the way I wanted it. Once you get the directions, you'll see what I mean.
Also, you'll need an Volt/Ohm meter to determine which resistor of the five or so in the kit to use. If you use the PAC TATO harness, the correct resistor is already wired in.

 

[Brady]

Been on holidays for awhile - I sure wish i would've got this thing installed before I left, but couldn't round up all the damn cables etc in time....

I'm still waiting on various cables to be shipped to me before I take it in to have it all installed.

Here's what I have coming/ in process of buying - almost all from ebay:

KCA-iP101 (kenwood to iPod - non video)
KCA-SR50 (kenwood-sirius interface)
Sirius SCVDOC1 (vehicle kit - to use with my Sportster tuner)
PAC Audio Tato (wire harness adapter)
PAC Audio SWI-Jack (steering wheel control interface)
Metra 95-8210 2Din dash kit
TOYOTA 4-RUNNER LTD 2003-2008 DBL-DIN DASH KIT 95-8210: eBay Motors (item 360235441729 end time Sep-13-10 10:39:17 PDT)

that's it I think, but I'm still thinking about a backup camera to hook to my camper...

 

[Asmara]

Getting ready to pull trigger but had a couple of questions.

Is the best best dash kit for the JBL models the Metra 95-8210?

Anybody know why the DNX-6960 suggested retail ($1,099) is less than the DNX-6160 suggested retail ($1,200) but yet the unit costs about $20 more. The only real difference between the two that I can see is the 2 year warranty.

Does the Kenwood come with a BlueTooth microphone?

This is what I'm planning on buying.

DNX-6160 or DNX-6990 - about $750
KCA IP3011V - iPod adapter - about $30
CA-SR20V - Sirius Cable - about $15
PAC SWI-JACK - Steering wheel interface - about $45
PAC TATO - JBL stereo harness/interface - about $60
Sirius SCC1 - Sirius Radio Receiver - about $40
Metra 95-8210 - dash adapter - about $15
License Plate Light mounted reverse camera - about $30
--Optional depending on price--
Toyota 84244-35030-B0 - Right Control Module (Blue Tooth Steering Wheel Buttons) - ????
Toyota 84204-58010 - Crossover Ribbon Cable (connects BlueTooth switch to audio switches) - ??

With the exception of electrical tape and other miscellaneous items, anybody see anything missing?

 

[DonnyB]

pix please! I'm also looking at the 6160 and an Alpine HU

:worthless:

I'm also looking at this 6160 from Kenwood as well as a HU from Alpine. The Kenwood intrigues me more because of the color matching keys (pics please!) and their use of Garmin Navigation.

 

[Asmara]

:worthless:

I'm also looking at this 6160 from Kenwood as well as a HU from Alpine. The Kenwood intrigues me more because of the color matching keys (pics please!) and their use of Garmin Navigation.

I installed a DNX6960 over the weekend which is basically the same radio as the DNX6160 in my 4th gen. I started a thread for it in the 4th Gen forums which you can find here. Lots of pictures.