No love from Toyota on our Entune systems

[CWO4CNO]

What did I start???

Wow.... That was a noise burst.
I'm circling back to the someone should just root the Entune system. The head unit OS is based on the Blackberry. There was success on getting root but that is as far as the developer reported. I tried replicating his steps on my 2016 SR5 without success which suggests that during the last update Toyota fixed the security flaw. I looked into a couple of other exploits but nothing worked for me.
I occasionally check the XDA future too see if anyone else has made progress, but unfortunately there hasn't been anything reported.
My hope is that this places focus back on my initial post and away from the extenal platform debates.

 

[Thai]

Wow.... That was a noise burst.
I'm circling back to the someone should just root the Entune system. The head unit OS is based on the Blackberry. There was success on getting root but that is as far as the developer reported. I tried replicating his steps on my 2016 SR5 without success which suggests that during the last update Toyota fixed the security flaw. I looked into a couple of other exploits but nothing worked for me.
I occasionally check the XDA future too see if anyone else has made progress, but unfortunately there hasn't been anything reported.
My hope is that this places focus back on my initial post and away from the extenal platform debates.

Is buying an Alpine headunit with Android Auto/Carplay an option?

 

[jrandom]

The point is, if someone successfully roots it, you can then do almost anything you want to it. Why drop another $300-2000 on another head unit when you have a perfectly viable option sitting right there in your dash.

It isn't like the old analogue days, what is sitting in your dash right know is simply a computer, a display, and a custom OS. Crack it and you can run whatever someone is smart enough to write.

 

[Thai]

The point is, if someone successfully roots it, you can then do almost anything you want to it. Why drop another $300-2000 on another head unit when you have a perfectly viable option sitting right there in your dash.

It isn't like the old analogue days, what is sitting in your dash right know is simply a computer, a display, and a custom OS. Crack it and you can run whatever someone is smart enough to write.

Fair enough. But if there is no way to root it, then why suffer the whole ownership of your 4runner? Certainly the Alpine headunit is not an ideal solution, but it maybe is your ONLY solution. If one does not have JBL sound system in their 4runner, then adding the Alpine HU (although not cheap) may be good. (JBL audio adds the external amp and DSP that may be hard to replace unless you rip the whole system out.). Without JBL, replacing with the Alpine HU may even improve the sound.

I thought about it with my Sienna...but unfortunately, my Sienna comes with JBL and thus, tearing up my Sienna for a brand new system is not an option. So, yeah, if you guys come up with a hack, then i am all for it! That would be great.

 

[CWO4CNO]

Is buying an Alpine headunit with Android Auto/Carplay an option?

Hello Thai,
Great question. I have a person thought that an supposed to have a premium system but ended up with something based on a 2005 design factor. My hope we to get a return on my investment instead of throwing away my purchase. Unfortunately, i haven't been able to accomplish this yet.
Returning to your question, we can remove and replace with an after market unit of choice as you had suggested, but we shouldn't have to. Or at least this is my opinion about it. We spend top dollar on the Toyota product and expect a return on our investment.
There are several replacements that place nice in our rigs. I'm just disappointed with the lack of quality and my inability to crack it open. :high5:

 

[Thai]

Hello Thai,
Great question. I have a person thought that an supposed to have a premium system but ended up with something based on a 2005 design factor. My hope we to get a return on my investment instead of throwing away my purchase. Unfortunately, i haven't been able to accomplish this yet.
Returning to your question, we can remove and replace with an after market unit of choice as you had suggested, but we shouldn't have to. Or at least this is my opinion about it. We spend top dollar on the Toyota product and expect a return on our investment.
There are several replacements that place nice in our rigs. I'm just disappointed with the lack of quality and my inability to crack it open. :high5:

I understand. This is why i am not replacing my JBL system in my Sienna. I paid so much for the infotainment system...so, throwing more money at it to fix one issue is painful.

To rationalize replacing it...think of it like you’re replacing your crappy OEM tires for a good set of tires as soon as you buy your 4runner. (That’s what I did when i got my 4runner...got rid of the OEM and put on BFG AT KO.)

Yeah, i will keep this thread in mind...because if you guys find the fix...i will be heaven!

 

[Thai]

Just in case you guys are interested...here is a thorough review of the Alpine unit: Review: Alpine's iLX-107 is the first, and best, aftermarket wireless CarPlay receiver

It functions well, but installation can be tough/difficult. Yeah, get ready to pull 100s out of your wallet for the install! But, damn, WIRELESS CarPlay integration is pretty nice.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The point is, if someone successfully roots it, you can then do almost anything you want to it. Why drop another $300-2000 on another head unit when you have a perfectly viable option sitting right there in your dash.

It isn't like the old analogue days, what is sitting in your dash right know is simply a computer, a display, and a custom OS. Crack it and you can run whatever someone is smart enough to write.

I'm actually a bit surprised no one has managed to root the Entune system, I can't imagine it's that difficult; there's a couple headunits in some brands that have been rooted if I recall (Mazda and Jeep come to mind). Then again, Toyota ECMs seem to be "untouchable" given the strange lack of reflashing them vs. say other brands, which I always thought was a smidge odd given the market for them.

I wouldn't hold out much hope for rooting current Entune systems, maybe when they fully switch over to the Linux based one someone can figure it out? So far the best bet I have heard/seen has been quality aftermarket units for either Apple or Android. I would have thought given today's technology and tenacity of programmers someone would have tried to make a buck by cracking these units.

I understand. This is why i am not replacing my JBL system in my Sienna. I paid so much for the infotainment system...so, throwing more money at it to fix one issue is painful.

To rationalize replacing it...think of it like you’re replacing your crappy OEM tires for a good set of tires as soon as you buy your 4runner. (That’s what I did when i got my 4runner...got rid of the OEM and put on BFG AT KO.)

Yeah, i will keep this thread in mind...because if you guys find the fix...i will be heaven!

What's worse is that the JBL's tend to use a funky data-line like connection to the JBL amplifier so if you swap out the headunit you need a new amp because that amp doesn't seem to play well without a JBL unit (though they might have a converter for them now, it's been a while since I looked since I was thinking of replacing my ancient JBL unit in my 4th gen). I would say that's a true analogy, you have to sort of realize that the OEM headunit costs $2000-ish from Toyota, but you might find a $1000 unit outperforms it on all levels. Just because the factory stuff is expensive doesn't mean that there isn't a good aftermarket alternative that works better for a good price.

 

[jrandom]

I'm actually a bit surprised no one has managed to root the Entune system, I can't imagine it's that difficult; there's a couple headunits in some brands that have been rooted if I recall (Mazda and Jeep come to mind). Then again, Toyota ECMs seem to be "untouchable" given the strange lack of reflashing them vs. say other brands, which I always thought was a smidge odd given the market for them.

I wouldn't hold out much hope for rooting current Entune systems, maybe when they fully switch over to the Linux based one someone can figure it out? So far the best bet I have heard/seen has been quality aftermarket units for either Apple or Android. I would have thought given today's technology and tenacity of programmers someone would have tried to make a buck by cracking these units.

ECM's are a bit different that the infotainment HU. Entune updates via USB or at least it use to. I was able to open one of the older archives and peak at it (doesn't take much), I am not at all familiar with what it is assembled in. That said, I think new updates push over air with less likelihood of someone being able to scrape the package.

LOL yeah the Jeep over the phone override and let me drive that for you hack I don't think Toyota has any connections as ludicrous as that, the headunit seems pretty self contained as any smart connectable system should. In noway should any over-the-air system come in contact with any of the drive and safety features of the car.

Well I intend to have this truck as long as possible, so if someone knocks it out in a few years as older models become more prevalent and available, I am good with that

 

[BlackWorksInc]

ECM's are a bit different that the infotainment HU. Entune updates via USB or at least it use to. I was able to open one of the older archives and peak at it (doesn't take much), I am not at all familiar with what it is assembled in. That said, I think new updates push over air with less likelihood of someone being able to scrape the package.

LOL yeah the Jeep over the phone override and let me drive that for you hack I don't think Toyota has any connections as ludicrous as that, the headunit seems pretty self contained as any smart connectable system should. In noway should any over-the-air system come in contact with any of the drive and safety features of the car.

Well I intend to have this truck as long as possible, so if someone knocks it out in a few years as older models become more prevalent and available, I am good with that

We're still updating headunits via USB Drives (though Toyota now lets us download the file to a drive rather than sending new ones to the dealer every couple months), probably will be for a while; Entune 3.0 might change that since it will have wifi if you subscribe, but doubtful because of how Toyota wants updates on headunits handled (rather silly in my opinion). The newest Entune 3.0 that the OP is talking about will have OnStar like features, data logging (i.e. you set your preferred dealer and it sends them DTC information, which I think is going to cause issues and be less helpful than it seems for a few reasons), and if you pay Verizon it will be a mobile hotspot. Basically copying other brands.

So there is a possibility of "hacking" the unit like the Jeeps, but then again I haven't seen any real software root kits or "hacks" for the Entune units, which I thought odd because as you said it's not like it's an ECM and there's certainty a market for it.

In regards to security, starting with the 4th gen Prius Toyota installed a "Firewall" module into the multiplex network designed to prevent attacks/hacking through the infotainment system and/or OBDII port. How it works exactly I can't say for sure yet, but I imagine it's just simply balancing commands requested by modules and determining if that module really needs/should be asking for that (i.e. the Infotainment system requesting control/input of throttle plate angle and injector pulse width to remotely operate the vehicle when it has no purpose for those functions) since that's roughly how they were using the Jeeps to gain access to the vehicle because for some reason the infotainment system had as much priority/control on the CAN Bus as say the ECT or ECM. I just haven't read into how Toyota has set-up that firewall module too heavily as of yet and I have a few other systems I need to catch up on that we just threw out. But if I remember right all new models (I believe actual generations, not model years, but I could be wrong on that and it could be tied to releasing Entune 3.0 systems in models going forward) will be getting those Firewall modules going forward.

 

[1engineer]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] [MENTION=2]Thai[/MENTION] c'mon guys. I just spent 20 minutes of my life cleaning up this thread. I didn't delete it because it has a good topic and some info. Take it to pm's if you guys want to argue.
-mod-

 

[Thai]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] [MENTION=2]Thai[/MENTION] c'mon guys. I just spent 20 minutes of my life cleaning up this thread. I didn't delete it because it has a good topic and some info. Take it to pm's if you guys want to argue.
-mod-

We don’t want to make your job too easy, now do we?

 

[ovxc1]

Is buying an Alpine headunit with Android Auto/Carplay an option?

First Post!

So I ripped out the Entune in my '17 and replaced it with a Kenwood unit with Android Auto. I do a good amount of driving in traffic and Google Nav saves me tons of time over any other Nav system. I also can't stand docking my phone and using that as an interface.

For my use it was totally worth it just for gaining 30 mins of my life back each day from Google's Nav. But it is also easily the best head unit I've ever had by a long shot. Works with all the steering wheel controls and backup cam. The voice recognition is amazing as it integrates with Google Assistant etc and I am a google user for work/home. Only real downside so far is the screen of this unit washes out a bit in direct sunlight. It does even more than that if you are into it...

I priced it out before I bought my rig, so I thought of the unit/install in terms of "an upgrade package" when comparing with other vehicles out there...

If anyone goes this route, my main recommendation is to find a real installer. Absolutely do not let a box store or kid do it.

 

[SirWilliamGoes]

The point is, if someone successfully roots it, you can then do almost anything you want to it. Why drop another $300-2000 on another head unit when you have a perfectly viable option sitting right there in your dash.

It isn't like the old analogue days, what is sitting in your dash right know is simply a computer, a display, and a custom OS. Crack it and you can run whatever someone is smart enough to write.

Correct I haven't figured out why someone's not able to just make it mirror the phone, and use the phone as the brains

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

First Post!

So I ripped out the Entune in my '17 and replaced it with a Kenwood unit with Android Auto. I do a good amount of driving in traffic and Google Nav saves me tons of time over any other Nav system. I also can't stand docking my phone and using that as an interface.

For my use it was totally worth it just for gaining 30 mins of my life back each day from Google's Nav. But it is also easily the best head unit I've ever had by a long shot. Works with all the steering wheel controls and backup cam. The voice recognition is amazing as it integrates with Google Assistant etc and I am a google user for work/home. Only real downside so far is the screen of this unit washes out a bit in direct sunlight. It does even more than that if you are into it...

I priced it out before I bought my rig, so I thought of the unit/install in terms of "an upgrade package" when comparing with other vehicles out there...

If anyone goes this route, my main recommendation is to find a real installer. Absolutely do not let a box store or kid do it.

Yes, get a job closer to home. Your crying does not not impress me.

 

[Future]

[MENTION=175410]ovxc1[/MENTION] - may I ask what model you bought exactly? Thanks!

 

[ovxc1]

[MENTION=175410]ovxc1[/MENTION] - may I ask what model you bought exactly? Thanks!

Kenwood DNX893S

 

[ovxc1]

Yes, get a job closer to home. Your crying does not not impress me.

Ha! I live in Boston. Sadly, "my job is closer to my home..."