Pioneer 9" DMH-WT7600NEX Floating Display Installed: First Impressions w/OEM Audio+

[Mr Rutherford]

I have this unit, installed about 2 months ago. Love it so far, only issue started a couple of weeks ago is when turning on the unit it doesn't automatically go to carplay unless I hit the OK button every time. I think it happened after an IOS update which would not be the units fault.

 

[NColmore]

Tip for getting everything flush can be found here at the 9:30 mark. He made a hybrid of the single and double din. If you go to his second video, it looks phenomenal

2020 Toyota 4 Runner starts with a DMH WT7600NEX Installer Diaries 321 part 1 - YouTube

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Tip for getting everything flush can be found here at the 9:30 mark. He made a hybrid of the single and double din. If you go to his second video, it looks phenomenal

2020 Toyota 4 Runner starts with a DMH WT7600NEX Installer Diaries 321 part 1 - YouTube

I was able to use the OEM metal brackets but the pocket doesn't fit between them so it's open but you can't see it unless you look from the side.

 

[stonewall55]

Installed the 10" 8600NEX this past weekend. Definitely want to use OEM metal brackets because the plastic Metra brackets will not hold it in place. Was able to do so, and use the screws supplied w/the radio and the plastic metra brackets, w/out drilling new holes.

CAR A/V Assist App is trash, but I was prepared for that.

Had screen flicker at first, which resolved after a firmware update. Wireless carplay is nice, but I do get frequent, brief "skips" in audio. From what I can tell, this is not unique to this unit, it's a problem with wireless carplay in general. Haven't tried to connect through wire to see for myself but I hear this resolves any skipping issues.

On that note, the unit comes equipped with USB-C cable, but no convenient way to wire this into your existing 4runner ports. My old USB/Aux port is now dead. If someone has an easy way to convert this into a new port for the USB-C cable, I'd love to hear it. (I don't have a 3d printer or C&C so something relatively easy DIY, or off-the-shelf would be perfect)

Overall audio quality is significantly improved. I didn't realize just swapping the head unit could be so impactful on the sound volume and clarity, but it is.

Loss of GPS and Sirius - I never used Sirius, so I can't speak on losing the functionality. I tried using the old GPS once and it was so bad I decided waiting to get into cell reception was the better route. That said, I wish it included GPS just as a fallback.

Rearview camera - it looks like ass on the new screen. If anyone is aware of a way to upgrade the rearview without too much hassle, I'm all ears.

Overall, it's a gorgeous addition and it looks very clean and OEM. Will report back after a few weeks to let you all know if I encounter any more issues.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Installed the 10" 8600NEX this past weekend. Definitely want to use OEM metal brackets because the plastic Metra brackets will not hold it in place. Was able to do so, and use the screws supplied w/the radio and the plastic metra brackets, w/out drilling new holes.

I did the same with my Alpine Halo, used metal brackets because I couldn't stand the thought of using plastic radio brackets. Good choice

 

[Whippersnapper02]

I've had the unit for about 2 months now. It's alright but wish I could have gone with Kenwood. I have a Kenwood unit in my GTO and it just works unlike this Pioneer and the one before it.

 

[stonewall55]

Bump - have had unit installed for several weeks now.

Just the other day I started noticing a creaking sound coming from the screen. As far as I can tell, it's not from the DIN slot or the mounting kit, but from the actual screen. When I drive, I can hear the creaking sound and it seems to be coming from a loose feeling between the panels of the screen itself.

Has anyone else noticed this? Is this something necessitating a return to Crutchfield?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Bump - have had unit installed for several weeks now.

Just the other day I started noticing a creaking sound coming from the screen. As far as I can tell, it's not from the DIN slot or the mounting kit, but from the actual screen. When I drive, I can hear the creaking sound and it seems to be coming from a loose feeling between the panels of the screen itself.

Has anyone else noticed this? Is this something necessitating a return to Crutchfield?

Call Crutchfield and see what they say, their support is great

 

[Sagi28]

Silly question- with the pioneer head unit, does all the factory speakers, factory Subs and possible factory amp work? I have a 2016 4unner limited with JBL and wanted to retain all those working components. anyone find an oem adapter that actually works with the stock USB/aux port? I’ve seen two options so far but not sure if folks have found the right solution so far.

AXXESS AX-TOYUSB
Metra AX-TOYUSB USB Port Cable

Also I’m thinking of purchasing iDatalink ACC-SAT-TO2 to retain the factory gps in addition to CarPlay gps, not sure if that’s a good option or if it ends up working. Interested to hear from those that have tried.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Silly question- with the pioneer head unit, does all the factory speakers, factory Subs and possible factory amp work? I have a 2016 4unner limited with JBL and wanted to retain all those working components. anyone find an oem adapter that actually works with the stock USB/aux port? I’ve seen two options so far but not sure if folks have found the right solution so far.

AXXESS AX-TOYUSB
Metra AX-TOYUSB USB Port Cable

Also I’m thinking of purchasing iDatalink ACC-SAT-TO2 to retain the factory gps in addition to CarPlay gps, not sure if that’s a good option or if it ends up working. Interested to hear from those that have tried.

The iData will make things much easier so definitely get that but remember you'll need the module along with the harness.


I forgot what USB harness I used but the new headunit didn't like wired carplay through the factory USB.

 

[arouth]

Just out of curiosity, how often do car stereos like this get updated? This looks to have been out about 16 months or so now.

Also, everyone still liking this Pioneer stereo?

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Just out of curiosity, how often do car stereos like this get updated? This looks to have been out about 16 months or so now.

Also, everyone still liking this Pioneer stereo?

They do get updated maybe every other year. I purchased a new flagship Pioneer unit in 2014 for full price and not 6 months later a new one came out and mine was discounted in half.

I love the display of mine but I have had wired connection issues just like with my old Pioneer. It just says "Connection Failed."

 

[codyHTX]

8600NEX installed for about 2 weeks now and so far enjoying the updated tech in this old pig

sound quality with stock speakers is greatly improved, wireless apple carplay has worked great with fast boot up/connection, a lot of other cool features but these were the two I was really looking for

mounted in lower din, may adjust the height 1 more notch down.

 

[chester4Run]

I've had my 8600NEX in for over a year now with no issues. I just updated the firmware to the 2.0 release too. It's a great option, and you get used to the floating screen quickly.

 

[arouth]

I've had my 8600NEX in for over a year now with no issues. I just updated the firmware to the 2.0 release too. It's a great option, and you get used to the floating screen quickly.

How would you say the non-carplay or regular radio aspect of this is?

I've read reviews saying there is lag for CarPlay connecting and that if you are just using regular radio stations or Sirius XM the software isn't the best. I've been tempted by this radio over the last year though, it looks pretty nice.

 

[chester4Run]

In my experience the carplay hookup is quick and reliable. My phone connects within 15 seconds of starting the car, so usually before I have it in drive. I don't have XM for mine, but the FM and HD FM also work within 15 secs of turning the car on. This was actually a point of concern for me when I installed it and I was pleasantly surprised. There is a setting that keeps the unit powered (from the constant 12v) when you turn from ACC to Start too, so if you're listening with key on ACC and start the vehicle it doesn't reboot the radio.

 

[Mr Rutherford]

I've had my 8600NEX in for over a year now with no issues. I just updated the firmware to the 2.0 release too. It's a great option, and you get used to the floating screen quickly.

V2.01 is out. Not sure what is different from 2.0 as I was on like 1.3. The resolution was changed and CarPlay is visually better. Still love my unit, had it little over a year now. I replaced all speakers and added a 12" sub at the same time.

 

[arouth]

Do you guys miss having a volume knob at all? Or is that like a non-issue.

I'd get the 9 inch version. There is an open box one on BestBuy's website so slightly tempted to order it.

 

[Mr Rutherford]

Do you guys miss having a volume knob at all? Or is that like a non-issue.

I'd get the 9 inch version. There is an open box one on BestBuy's website so slightly tempted to order it.

Yes, I wish I had a volume knob but I can live with steering wheel buttons or the touch screen soft buttons.

 

[Coklondike]

So two questions, first, how's this hold up on rough roads? Any risk of breaking off?

And second, anyone figured out if there's an option for 2022s yet? Something changed between 21 and 22, both harness and software. I even contacted maestro and they said they don't have support for the 22's yet.

Entune just sucks. They even dumbed down CarPlay itself...you can't see all your playlists.