Did you have to cut any of the dash to make it fit in there correctly?
My Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS Head Unit Installation
- Thread starter toiday
- Start date
Did you have to cut any of the dash to make it fit in there correctly?
Tif
New member
I mounted mine on the side of the steering column so that it is out of the way and unnoticeable. I tested it out with a friend before deciding for sure that was the best location and so far everyone says they can hear me great.
Even when I'm turning around to back up or looking over my shoulder to merge etc.
I have the Pioneer AVH-x4500BT. Ordered from Crutchfield.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/111286486@N08/11407067546/" title="Untitled by Tif1129, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/11407067546_52ac7b921a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a>
Even when I'm turning around to back up or looking over my shoulder to merge etc.
I have the Pioneer AVH-x4500BT. Ordered from Crutchfield.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/111286486@N08/11407067546/" title="Untitled by Tif1129, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/11407067546_52ac7b921a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a>
awdjunkies
New member
No.. No cuts were made...
S p a r k y
New member
This forum (and YouTube, EBay, etc.) was very helpful in the successful installation of the following components in our recently purchased 2007 4Runner. :rockon:
- Backup Camera (found on EBay; search for BACKUP CAMERA FOR Toyota 4Runner)
- DelCity supplied SPDT On-On Full Size Rocker Switch Item # 7700018 (Del City - Electrical Supplies & Professional Grade Wiring Products, backup camera bypass switch (aka backup camera mod; to turn on backup camera at anytime)
- Metra 40-UV43 Male to Female Motorola Antenna Cable (a 2 input/connector with one output/connector for antenna; aka splitter)
- Scosche Mda-B Micro/Delco Antenna Adapter Tip (adapts the smaller antenna connector to the Motorola connector)
And items listed by toiday
- Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS head unit
- Axxess Metra ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface with New Micro B Connector
- Metra 95-8202 Toyota DDIN Multi Dash Kit
- Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up
- MicroBypass Parking Brake Override Bypass (still waiting for delivery; we decided that it was needed after using head unit for a few days)
- USB/3.5mm AUX Extension Cable
The key component for us was the backup camera. The radio head unit with all of its great features is nice, but the installation was done mainly to add the backup camera and video display. More on the camera later...
First off...I agree that the best position for the phone mic is on the rearview mirror. In this position, the phone mic is centered for the driver and front passenger, and it is in the middle from the side windows which could introduce some road noise. Next, I recommend that a bypass switch be installed with any backup camera to be used for towing. It was interesting that the DelCity supplied rocker switch fit into the blank hole without making the hole in the dash larger. It was a very snug fit. I tried installing the switch in a different empty hole, but it would not have installed there without making hole larger. Others that have installed this switch on a 4th Gen 4Runner have commented that they had to enlarge the hole.
Possible helpful hint: I created a free DelCity account before deciding to order the switch. A few days later, DelCity sent me a coupon code for free shipping; so I got free shipping on the switch.
After unsuccessfully searching for a premium camera that was specifically designed for my SUV, I decided to try an inexpensive camera (~$20) on Ebay that claimed to be designed to mount to a 4th Gen 4Runner in the license plate light position. While the camera did mount in the license plate light position, plastic shims and longer mount screws had to be added to keep the camera from pointing almost straight down. In other words, the supplier could have made installation much easier by including the shims and longer screws since the camera was specifically advertised for this vehicle. While it was understood before purchasing, it should also be mentioned that it took ~3 weeks for the camera to be delivered since the unit was shipped from China. I'm hopeful the camera will work out for the long term; however, there was enough room to leave the Toyota OEM/stock license plate light (light bulb removed) inside the cover on the lift gate. If the camera needs to be switched to a different style of camera, the Toyota OEM/stock license plate light can be moved back into its position. Also, there is a significantly less chance of losing it by leaving on the vehicle. The license plate light with the camera is a LED light; so it should last for years. If someone on this forum decides to use this camera, please be aware that LED lights require that the polarity of the wires be correct to operate. Other cameras can offer infrared lights for night time use; however, the license plate and reverse lights seem adequate enough to see the blind spots. The picture quality is fine also. However if you are wanting to shoot movie clips with a backup camera, this camera may not be for you. It may not sound like it, but overall, I'm happy with this backup camera so far. The price was right and the premium cameras that I researched had less of a stock/OEM appearance.
The backup camera cable run to the radio and the power antenna output on the radio caused me some frustration. The video cable that came with the backup camera was too short and the RCA connector was too large to be pulled through the rubber grommet between the lift gate and the vehicle. Long story cut short...the video cable was spliced and an extension cable was added. The pull strength on the video cable was not great; so a couple feet of the cable was damaged by the pulling through the lift gate grommet. I could hear the wire breaking inside the cable while pulling it through the grommet before the RCA connector was cutoff the cable. Even if the couple feet of video cable had not been damaged, the video cable was still too short.
Another item to mention...the power antenna output on the radio added noise back into the radio when the output was connected to the Toyota OEM/stock antenna amplifier (aka booster). The solution was to use the ACC power for the antenna amplifier which was suggested in another post in this thread. It was not an option to leave the antenna amplifier disconnected from power since the radio reception was terrible without it. If you are unaware, the 4th Gen 4Runner has something known as a diversity antenna (well...our 4Runner has this type of antenna anyways). It is actually 2 antennas with an antenna amplifier. The antenna cable into the stock radio has 2 inputs/connectors and a wire for power to the antenna amplifier. Some folks have reported that their radio reception is fine without the connecting the smaller antenna connector with the Metra splitter to their aftermarket radio, but I installed the splitter since the source of the noise was unknown at the time.
Has anyone else that has installed this head unit experienced noise issues with the power antenna output connected to the Toyota OEM/stock antenna amplifier?
I am considering adjusting camera to get more of the horizon into view
Sorry for the poor photo of camera, but I did not want to wait for a better light.
As you can see in this photo, the camera is somewhat hidden from view.
This a photo of the rubber grommet that caused me some difficulty.
The DelCity supplied SPDT On-On Full Size Rocker Switch looks OEM/stock.
The phone mic looks great too
This is a photo of the driver's side tail light. To me, this was the best place to splice into the reverse light power. A cable was attached to the reverse light power at this location and run to the Backup Camera bypass switch. The interior panels had to be partially removed to run the video cable and power for camera anyways.
The USB/3.5mm AUX Extension Cable was mounted inside the center console.
Hey guys I'm looking at the avh-x2500bt! From what I have recently discovered, it doesn't appear iPhones will Bluetooth pandora, says I need a special cable etc!
Can anyone confirm or deny this? I have a cheap JVC in my DD and iphone bluetooths Pandora very easily, with no extras.
Tif
New member
Hey, I am sorry to say that I can't help you. I'm an android lover.. haha
I can tell you that you can do a TON of stuff if you have the cable to connect your iPhone. (Including maps!!) And you can control it all from the radio so no fumbling with your phone while driving.
One of my friends has an older radio similar to mine (his does not have bluetooth option though). He has the iPhone cable with his run over to his glove box and he just has an old iPhone 3gs hooked up to it and uses it like an iPod and it works great! He uses it for Pandora (using current phone as a hotspot) and for music stored on the phone both and it works great.
If I had an iPhone I would have definitely spent the extra $$ on the cable simply because it opens up so many more options!
S p a r k y
New member
Hey, I am sorry to say that I can't help you. I'm an android lover.. haha
I can tell you that you can do a TON of stuff if you have the cable to connect your iPhone. (Including maps!!) And you can control it all from the radio so no fumbling with your phone while driving.
One of my friends has an older radio similar to mine (his does not have bluetooth option though). He has the iPhone cable with his run over to his glove box and he just has an old iPhone 3gs hooked up to it and uses it like an iPod and it works great! He uses it for Pandora (using current phone as a hotspot) and for music stored on the phone both and it works great.
If I had an iPhone I would have definitely spent the extra $$ on the cable simply because it opens up so many more options!
Thanks for info, after looking at my current JVC blue teefers and the specs it says i need the cable as well! which leads me to believe pandora will stream through blue tooth, but not have all the fancy options. So i should be good for what i need. Thanks man
I'm installing a 5600BHS tonight. The only thing that worries me is the steering wheel control module. I'd like to avoid cutting into the factory harness.
Any tips on the ASWC-1? I'm comfortable with the rest of the install.
EDIT:
Just found this
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...nection-hookup-4th-gen-4rs-plain-english.html
Any tips on the ASWC-1? I'm comfortable with the rest of the install.
EDIT:
Just found this
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin...nection-hookup-4th-gen-4rs-plain-english.html
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
I had to cut into the factory harness, but I believe it was only 2 wires, wasn't bad at all.
I installed the 5600BHS last night. Almost everything worked (my fault)
I forgot to order an antenna adapter :bash: ..so I'll have to take it apart in a couple of days.
One question. My pandora "app" on the homescreen is greyed out. Any ideas? I'm connected via bluetooth to an iPhone. It has Pandora installed. Works over bluetooth but will not let me select the Pandora option on the head unit.
EDIT: After some reading, I may just plug in the fender antenna and splice the antenna power into the pioneer harness. Seems to be an alternate option.
I forgot to order an antenna adapter :bash: ..so I'll have to take it apart in a couple of days.
One question. My pandora "app" on the homescreen is greyed out. Any ideas? I'm connected via bluetooth to an iPhone. It has Pandora installed. Works over bluetooth but will not let me select the Pandora option on the head unit.
EDIT: After some reading, I may just plug in the fender antenna and splice the antenna power into the pioneer harness. Seems to be an alternate option.
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You may need the Pioneer AppRadio App to be on and active on your smartphone for the Pandora streaming to work correctly.
I have the same head unit and that's the only thing I can think of that's different with my setup.
When I start Pandora I believe the phone asks if the app is allowed to function.
I have the same head unit and that's the only thing I can think of that's different with my setup.
When I start Pandora I believe the phone asks if the app is allowed to function.
Thanks for the info. Did you use the Y splitter for the antenna or did you just use the larger one?
Same here. Honestly I never use radio. I just want it for when the wife drives it. (which hopefully will be rarely)
I just saw the renewed interest on this topic...
The following 2 YouTube videos demonstrate the installation of a backup camera and a rear-view mirror video display in a 2006 4Runner. It includes some info on the removal/installation of interior panels including the driver's side front pillar panel. The videos helped with installing the hands-free phone microphone at the rear-view mirror and our backup camera.
2006 4-Runner Backup Camera Install (Part 1) - YouTube (2006 4Runner backup camera install how-to video Part 1)
2006 4 Runner Backup Camera Install Part 2 Apple TV 2nd Gen - YouTube (2006 4Runner backup camera install how-to video Part 2)
The location of the microphone on the rear-view mirror has been working great for us. My wife has stated multiple times that the hands-free phone functionality is the best feature of the head unit...besides the backup camera...of course.
For our AVH-X3500BHS, the Pandora control features on the head unit works with an USB cable to my wife's iPhone 5s. However, the Pandora audio does stream over Bluetooth from her iPhone and my Motorola Droid 3, but the Pandora controls on the head unit does not function using Bluetooth with either phone. We did not purchase the AppRadio special cable (VGA interface cable kiT - CD-IV202AV). The additional cost and installation was not worth the AppRadio features for us. AppRadio sounds like an interesting concept, but it needs more work based on the info collected on the web. Pioneer should seriously consider providing more features for their Android customers also.
The following 2 YouTube videos demonstrate the installation of a backup camera and a rear-view mirror video display in a 2006 4Runner. It includes some info on the removal/installation of interior panels including the driver's side front pillar panel. The videos helped with installing the hands-free phone microphone at the rear-view mirror and our backup camera.
2006 4-Runner Backup Camera Install (Part 1) - YouTube (2006 4Runner backup camera install how-to video Part 1)
2006 4 Runner Backup Camera Install Part 2 Apple TV 2nd Gen - YouTube (2006 4Runner backup camera install how-to video Part 2)
The location of the microphone on the rear-view mirror has been working great for us. My wife has stated multiple times that the hands-free phone functionality is the best feature of the head unit...besides the backup camera...of course.
For our AVH-X3500BHS, the Pandora control features on the head unit works with an USB cable to my wife's iPhone 5s. However, the Pandora audio does stream over Bluetooth from her iPhone and my Motorola Droid 3, but the Pandora controls on the head unit does not function using Bluetooth with either phone. We did not purchase the AppRadio special cable (VGA interface cable kiT - CD-IV202AV). The additional cost and installation was not worth the AppRadio features for us. AppRadio sounds like an interesting concept, but it needs more work based on the info collected on the web. Pioneer should seriously consider providing more features for their Android customers also.
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Tif
New member
I have the AVH-X4500BT and a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and I can select Pandora from the radio and it connects just fine and I can use all the Pandora features through the radio (thumbs up/down, station selection, skip, etc.) all via bluetooth connection.
On mine there is a setting for how it connects to Pandora, you may want to make sure that "bluetooth" is selected.
Not sure if that will help or not, I'm sorry that I can't give more detail on how to find that menu. I'm at work right now and can't go double check the steps to get there.
Hope that helps!
I do not drive our 4Runner on a regular basis, and I noticed that the Pandora app on my phone had been updated recently. In other words, it sounds like it might be helpful for this discussion to verify the current options available for using Pandora with my Motorola Droid 3 phone.
"Source mode" is a Pioneer term referring to the source of the media input to the head unit. Some example source modes for Pioneer head units are below. Please note that available source modes are dependent on your Pioneer head unit model, your brand/model/OS of phone, and/or type of connection to the Pioneer head unit (USB cable, Bluetooth, and VGA interface cable kiT - CD-IV202AV). The "Pandora" and "Bluetooth Audio" source modes are the only source modes that I have attempted to stream Pandora on our Pioneer head unit. I would imagine that the "AUX" source mode could be used for streaming Pandora, but I have not tried it.
Pioneer source modes
SiriusXM
Digital Radio (aka HD Radio)
Radio
Disc
USB/iPod
Pandora
Bluetooth Audio
AUX
AV
Motorola Droid 3
- Android v2.3.4 OS (Gingerbread)
- Pandora version 5.1.1 (TUNER 229589)
Motorola Droid 3 ("Bluetooth Audio" source mode)
- Search/Change Stations: no - not displayed at all
- Rate song (Thumbs up/ down): no - not displayed at all
- Play/stop button functional: yes
Motorola Droid 3 ("Pandora" source mode)
We have been unable to select the "Pandora" source mode with the Droid 3 connected via Bluetooth. The marketing text below confirms that the USB cable can not be used for a connection with an Android device for Pandora streaming, but fails to make it clear that the "Pandora" source mode is not available for an Android device. It may be that Android phones with a newer OS can be used with the "Pandora" source mode.
Marketing text from Pioneer website
In-dash control for Pandora is compatible with iPhone or Android devices. Simply download the free Pandora Radio app to your iPhone or Android device and connect it to the AVH-X3500BHS and take your music to the next level. If you are using an iPhone you will need to connect to the receiver with the appropriate interface cable (sold separately). If you are using an Android device, the phone must be paired via Bluetooth to the receiver.
Our Experience
For the iPhone, the "Pandora" source mode enables Pandora specific features (Search/Change Pandora stations, Thumbs up/ down, etc on our Pioneer head unit) to allow "In-dash control for Pandora" (control on head unit), but the "Bluetooth Audio" source mode does not enable Pandora specific features on the head unit using either the Droid 3 or iPhone. It should noted that the Pandora specific features can still be performed on the iPhone or the Droid 3 in the "Bluetooth Audio" source mode.
I could verify the Pandora's control features in different source modes on my wife's iPhone if anyone is interested. However the last time that we checked, the "Pandora" source mode is only available to be selected with her iPhone connected via USB. However, Pandora can streamed via the "Bluetooth Audio" source mode also. I would guess that the "Pandora" source mode could be selected with using the VGA interface cable kiT - CD-IV202AV, but we do not have access to this cable to check it. I would further guess that the Pandora app could be executed as an AppRadio app, but again, the special cable would be needed to verify.
I should also mention that Pioneer released a new version of the firmware for the AVH-X3500BHS head unit on 08/14/2013. Per the release notes below, I have no interest in installing it since the update is to fix AppRadio at the expense of Pandora album art. I did not perform the May 2013 update either.
NOTE:
This firmware update will provide enhanced iPhone 5 compatibility to enable AppRadio Mode;
however, due to a change in communication with the Pandora internet radio app, album art will no
longer be available when using Pandora. If you have already performed the May 2013 version of
this firmware update and want to improve the stability of your Pandora experience, you will
need to download the updated files and begin at Step 13 to perform the PEH406A.bin update
If your Android phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 2) can use the "Pandora" source mode, could you tell us the version of Android OS on your phone and verify that the connection is via Bluetooth...and not an USB cable?
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Tif
New member
Pandora Version 5.1.1 (Tuner 229589)
Android Version 4.3 Jellybean (I was using 4.2.2 but got a recent update)
My friend had it connected through "Bluetooth Audio" source mode when we first installed it. So, I know that works as well but I can't say for sure what all features are available on that one (I can check that out on my lunch break if you'd like)
But I use it daily on the "Pandora App" source mode. Connected via Bluetooth. That gives me access to the Pandora features.
It will automatically find my phone (for calls and such) but I have to select the "connect" button on the screen for it to open Pandora on my phone and begin playing.
I just got my head unit right before Christmas so I've not been using it long. I can't verify anything with the AUX or USB connections, I've not had the time to try those out yet. I have a 3 day weekend this weekend (Thank you MLK Jr. lol) So I may be able to try those out this weekend and let you know how my luck goes with that.
I finally found a solution.
My setup.
iPhone 5S
Pioneer 5600BHS
I found that on the 5600 that you have to go to Device Connection and set it to "iPhone via Bluetooth" (by default it is "iPhone via USB")
This enables iPod (with on screen control, search, iTunes Radio, etc) and Pandora (station select, like/dislike, etc) modes on the head unit. All from bluetooth.
It was hidden pretty deep in the manual.
I noticed my buddy's Pioneer 5500BHS did not have this option but he going to install the new firmware today and see if that adds it.
EDIT: To answer your question jeffreykb, my buddy has a Samsung S3 with 4.2 that can use the Pandora on screen controls via bluetooth. He had to set his "Pandora Connection" to Android (it was iPhone by default). I assume the Note 2 is the same? Maybe Android 4.x is required?
My setup.
iPhone 5S
Pioneer 5600BHS
I found that on the 5600 that you have to go to Device Connection and set it to "iPhone via Bluetooth" (by default it is "iPhone via USB")
This enables iPod (with on screen control, search, iTunes Radio, etc) and Pandora (station select, like/dislike, etc) modes on the head unit. All from bluetooth.
It was hidden pretty deep in the manual.
I noticed my buddy's Pioneer 5500BHS did not have this option but he going to install the new firmware today and see if that adds it.
EDIT: To answer your question jeffreykb, my buddy has a Samsung S3 with 4.2 that can use the Pandora on screen controls via bluetooth. He had to set his "Pandora Connection" to Android (it was iPhone by default). I assume the Note 2 is the same? Maybe Android 4.x is required?
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Thanks for the info! On the AVH-X3500BHS, a system setting was found that is called "Pandora connection mode" which can be set to "Wired" or "Bluetooth". For the "Pandora" source mode to be an available selection with my Motorola Droid 3 phone, the "Pandora connection mode" setting must be set to "Bluetooth" (with a Bluetooth connection to the head unit). For my wife's iPhone 5S to use the "Pandora" source mode, the "Pandora connection mode" setting must be set to "Wired" (with a USB wired connection to the head unit).
I also was able to use the "Pandora" source mode ("Pandora connection mode" = "Bluetooth") with our Nexus 7 2013 (Android KitKat v4.4.2) which is a good sign for Android phone users that will be able to update to the latest version of the Android OS.
Tif
New member
Awesome! That "Pandora connection mode = wired/bluetooth" is the setting I was talking about before that I couldn't remember where to tell you it was.
So, did that fix all your issues with the Pandora options being unavailable to you?
