Pioneer Avic Z120BT is on the way!

[olsen_karl]

That looks great!

I have bits and pieces coming together for an install of a Pioneer 920BT in my 4R. AFAIK it's the same bluetooth wired mic.

A couple of questions if you don't mind:

1) Which Scosche kit did you use? What don't you like about it? It looks pretty good to me, in those photos.

2) Are you happy with the placement of the bluetooth mic? If you were doing it over again, would you place it anywhere different?

 

[RevoRunner]

That looks great!

I have bits and pieces coming together for an install of a Pioneer 920BT in my 4R. AFAIK it's the same bluetooth wired mic.

A couple of questions if you don't mind:

1) Which Scosche kit did you use? What don't you like about it? It looks pretty good to me, in those photos.

2) Are you happy with the placement of the bluetooth mic? If you were doing it over again, would you place it anywhere different?

Thanks olsen_karl.

I used this kit that I bought from newegg for $15.00 Newegg.com - SCOSCHE TA2079B Double DIN Installation Kit for 2006-up Toyota 4-Runner

The first thing I didn't like about it was it uses its own brackets to secure the trim AND secure the h/u to the opening. Not bad but since the pieces are plastic I wasn't too happy about that. The Metra kit (which didn't fit my h/u... I'd probably have to do some trimming to get it to work) used plastic to secure the trim to the h/u BUT it lets you use the factory METAL brackets to secure the h/u to the opening. To me, that seems more ideal. Lastly, the workman ship leaves a bit to be desired. Nevermind that the matte black doesn't look too great with the glossy black face of the Pioneer unit. What I'm really talking about is where the mold comes together the plastic has obvious blemishes which kind of detracts from the overall look. Yeah, it's just a 15 dollar piece of plastic, but when you put it around an expensive h/u you want it to look pretty good. The Metra was a little better in build, but again, it didn't fit mine. It might fit yours though.

I thought a bunch about my mic placement. First off, the placement I have now has VERY good sound quality. I've used various hands-free units over the years and everyone I test by calling an answering machine. I talk normally in the recording... then loud and soft. Plus I try revving the engine or anything else that could cause sound quality issues. Then I go back and listen to the recording... noting how everything sounds. I can honestly say that this mic in this position makes it very hard to tell that you're even on a hands free device.

I thought about trying to place it in the "oh shite" handles next to the windshield. Or somehow inside the "oh shite" handle covers that are to the left of the driver's head. But ultimately it seemed most natural right where I put it. I'm very happy with the placement. If you're not sure... just use the clip bracket and attach it wherever and move it around if you're not satisfied.

Hope that helps.

 

[PharmSCRunner]

awesome! that' looks great. i'll be doing the x920bt install soon and have the PAC-SW and backup camera to install too. i'm very new to car audio install, so was there any wiring harnesses you had to purchase also to make it an easier install?

 

[olsen_karl]

The first thing I didn't like about it was it uses its own brackets to secure the trim AND secure the h/u to the opening. Not bad but since the pieces are plastic I wasn't too happy about that. The Metra kit ... lets you use the factory METAL brackets to secure the h/u to the opening. To me, that seems more ideal.

Thanks -- much appreciated. I'll try to figure out if the Metra kit will work with the 920 head unit.

I did some searching, and can't find the Metra part # that's supposed to fit the 4th gen 4R, for a double DIN size head unit, except for the one that Metra describes as for the JBL/"Limited" version only. Was that the one you tried? (do you have a Limited version?)

 

[RevoRunner]

awesome! that' looks great. i'll be doing the x920bt install soon and have the PAC-SW and backup camera to install too. i'm very new to car audio install, so was there any wiring harnesses you had to purchase also to make it an easier install?

Thanks PharmSCRunner. BTW... you're referring to the PAC-SW, I'm assuming you mean the PAC-SWI-PS (PS stands for Pioneer Sony)... so I will refer to it as that but just making sure we both mean the PAC-SWI-PS. When I did mine I had the PAC TATO (to integrate my JBL system with the H/U) AND the PAC SW (to integrate the steering wheel controls). The best thing about that is the TATO comes with a wiring harness to use with your PAC SW that is preconfigured for our 4Runners. If you don't use (or don't need) the TATO then you will have to pre-wire the "generic harness" that comes with the PAC SW. Not a difficult thing, but I remember thinking... "whew, glad I don't have to do that".

Anyways, the SW comes with instructions that need to be followed. OR it comes with a website that narrows down the instructions depending on your car/head unit. Here are some of the sites so you can get a feel for what it is like.

http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogramming/swixprogramming.asp

http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogramming/showstepbystep.asp?InterfaceChecked=3&RadioGroupPioneer=1&mmSearch=Toyota&Submit2=Search+Vehicles&ID=65

If you're fairly new (which I am) then one thing you can use to tap into your fuses for power are these little mini fuses http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-HHH-ATM-Add-A-Fuse/dp/B000GKEXK2 They plug into an existing fuse and has a wire to crimp your new power line. 2 fuses for the existing power line and the power line that you crimp. Shop around because you can find decent deals. They sell at autozone for about $6.99. Make sure you get good connections when you wire these up too. After my install, some things didn't work and I retraced my issues back to 2 of these MiniFuses that for some reason weren't giving power.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

Hope that helps out a bit.

 

[RevoRunner]

Thanks -- much appreciated. I'll try to figure out if the Metra kit will work with the 920 head unit.

I did some searching, and can't find the Metra part # that's supposed to fit the 4th gen 4R, for a double DIN size head unit, except for the one that Metra describes as for the JBL/"Limited" version only. Was that the one you tried? (do you have a Limited version?)

olsen_karl, I ordered the kit from Crutchfield. It didn't list it as the Metra but when I got it in the mail that's what it ended up being. Metra Toyota 4-Runner Limited 2003-2009 95-8210. Yes, I have a Limited JBL 4Runner. I think the bezel sizes might be different between the Limited JBL and SR5/Sport Editions non-JBL. Not 100% sure but it's possible.

 

[olsen_karl]

Thanks - Crutchfield just emailed me an ad saying "free shipping on everything," so I might just order the bracket(s) and wiring harness from them to make it all easy.

 

[PharmSCRunner]

Thanks PharmSCRunner. BTW... you're referring to the PAC-SW, I'm assuming you mean the PAC-SWI-PS (PS stands for Pioneer Sony)... so I will refer to it as that but just making sure we both mean the PAC-SWI-PS. When I did mine I had the PAC TATO (to integrate my JBL system with the H/U) AND the PAC SW (to integrate the steering wheel controls). The best thing about that is the TATO comes with a wiring harness to use with your PAC SW that is preconfigured for our 4Runners. If you don't use (or don't need) the TATO then you will have to pre-wire the "generic harness" that comes with the PAC SW. Not a difficult thing, but I remember thinking... "whew, glad I don't have to do that".

Anyways, the SW comes with instructions that need to be followed. OR it comes with a website that narrows down the instructions depending on your car/head unit. Here are some of the sites so you can get a feel for what it is like.

http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogramming/swixprogramming.asp

http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogramming/showstepbystep.asp?InterfaceChecked=3&RadioGroupPioneer=1&mmSearch=Toyota&Submit2=Search+Vehicles&ID=65

If you're fairly new (which I am) then one thing you can use to tap into your fuses for power are these little mini fuses http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-HHH-ATM-Add-A-Fuse/dp/B000GKEXK2 They plug into an existing fuse and has a wire to crimp your new power line. 2 fuses for the existing power line and the power line that you crimp. Shop around because you can find decent deals. They sell at autozone for about $6.99. Make sure you get good connections when you wire these up too. After my install, some things didn't work and I retraced my issues back to 2 of these MiniFuses that for some reason weren't giving power.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

Hope that helps out a bit.

Thanks - Crutchfield just emailed me an ad saying "free shipping on everything," so I might just order the bracket(s) and wiring harness from them to make it all easy.

thanks Revo! that's really helpful info. i'll be sure to post up my pics when i do my installs.

Revo and Olsen... did you have to order this wiring harness for the install? Receiver Wire Harness For select Geo, Lexus, Scion, and Toyota models, 1987-up at Crutchfield.com

 

[RevoRunner]

SCRunner... you might have to. I have the JBL system so my h/u needed to hook up to the amp. So my harness was basically the PAC TATO. Whereas yours would be different. Unfortunately I don't know what that would entail. You might want to do a search for upgrade non jbl to see what others have done.

 

[RevoRunner]

FYI... selling my JBL head unit and USA Spec on ebay. 85 and 75 respectively. Sorry mods if I'm not aloud to post this.

 

[olsen_karl]

I haven't ordered any of the installation stuff yet, but I'm planning on this:

Scosche TA1465b for the head unit -- looks like it's just a trim piece (small plastic bits on the sides of the HU); doesn't look like it replaces the OEM metal brackets, so I'll re-use those. (Good.)

Scosche TA02B appears to be the proper wiring harness for the head unit, for a non-JBL system.

 

[c17flyer]

I installed my AVIC-Z120bt last Thursday night ... AMAZING!!! I have NEVER and I repeat NEVER done a stereo install before (let alone a unit like this) ... I have to admit I had some help from my neighbor who generously volunteered to help out, but overall I'd say it went rather smoothly.

I installed it in my 2006 SR5, which I've owned for about 3 weeks now. I've done a few modifications already ... Added a spoiler - LOOKS AWESOME! Then I tinted all the window's 20% and that looks really great too.

Finally, I added the AVIC ... PAC-SWI steering wheel control adapter/Sirius Tuner/iPod and iPhone cable in the center console ... All went smooth and it took us about 5 hours. Honestly though, it would only have taken about 3 1/2 had we been able to find the VSS wire in the fuse box ... We wasted about 1 1/2 hours looking for that thing alone! Finally found it with the help of Crutchfield (I was glad I used their kit because it allowed me to get service help and I called them 5 times!!!) I ordered most of the stuff off of Amazon (amazing deal) and then the wiring harness/kit from Crutchfield.

I might add that Amazon had a $100 rebate, but when I went back yesterday to print it off --- it was GONE!!! Ouch!!! So, I called them ... Guess what? They credited my account $100 ... AMAZON ROCKS!!!

Anyone interested in pics, or have you seen enough from others that have installed?

 

[PharmSCRunner]

I installed my AVIC-Z120bt last Thursday night ... AMAZING!!! I have NEVER and I repeat NEVER done a stereo install before (let alone a unit like this) ... I have to admit I had some help from my neighbor who generously volunteered to help out, but overall I'd say it went rather smoothly.

I installed it in my 2006 SR5, which I've owned for about 3 weeks now. I've done a few modifications already ... Added a spoiler - LOOKS AWESOME! Then I tinted all the window's 20% and that looks really great too.

Finally, I added the AVIC ... PAC-SWI steering wheel control adapter/Sirius Tuner/iPod and iPhone cable in the center console ... All went smooth and it took us about 5 hours. Honestly though, it would only have taken about 3 1/2 had we been able to find the VSS wire in the fuse box ... We wasted about 1 1/2 hours looking for that thing alone! Finally found it with the help of Crutchfield (I was glad I used their kit because it allowed me to get service help and I called them 5 times!!!) I ordered most of the stuff off of Amazon (amazing deal) and then the wiring harness/kit from Crutchfield.

I might add that Amazon had a $100 rebate, but when I went back yesterday to print it off --- it was GONE!!! Ouch!!! So, I called them ... Guess what? They credited my account $100 ... AMAZON ROCKS!!!

Anyone interested in pics, or have you seen enough from others that have installed?

awesome and congrats! yes definitely post pics! :hungry::hungry:

i ordered my kit from amazon too and still waiting for my HU to arrive. i've NEVER installed any stereo stuff too, so i want to have everything ready for when my HU comes. can you post a link to the wiring harness/kit from Crutchfield that you got?


Revo - have you considered getting the Urban Runner trim kit? It's supposed to fit better and look more factory than the Metra/Scosche kit. I'm considering getting that but it's almost like $50

 

[Smalldog]

I just ordered the AVIC-X920BT and XM tuner from Amazon for my wife's '06 4Runner SR5. The stock radio was not the JBL one.

I am replacing a Pioneer AVIC-D1, Sirius Connect SCC1 and Bus adapter. I didn't install the AVIC-D1, but I did install the bus adapter and Sirius Connect SCC1, so I know my way around the inside a little bit.

I plan on taking out the Sirius Connect SCC1 and bus adapter and isntalling only XM because the Sirius support on Pioneer units seems to be poor as far as what information you see on the screen. So I thought XM w/ Best of Sirius, and she gets what she had before (she loves Howard Stern) and a beautiful interface to boot.

When the AVIC-D1 was isntalled, the installed used some aftermarket kit (not sure if it was Scoshe or Metra, but it's basically 2 plastic pieces on each side of the HU to fill in the space.

Do I need to order a different installation kit? Also, which wiring harness should I order? I looked at the link to Crutchfield that was a few posts up. Is that the one I want?

My wife has an iPhone 3gs and an iPod of some kind. I've read mixed things about buying a cable. Some say don't buy the pioneer cable and just use the cable that came with the iPod. She doesn't play any video (if that matters)

Are there any other tips or advise that anyone can offer?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[RevoRunner]

Smalldog, I would use whatever wiring harness that Crutchfield recommends after you do the "fit my car" wizard. They'll steer you right and will give you a ton of documents to show you how to hook it up correctly.

As for the iPhone/iPod cable. I honestly don't know if using the "iPod cable" would work. If your cable interface is like mine on the Z120BT then it is a propietary cable that ends in a usb and 8mm plug (head phone "like" jack). If you just plugged the USB portion in then maybe it would work and just play music but I can't be certain. The Pioneer cable is $50 bucks but you can buy others on ebay for much less (I actually have a Pioneer cable and an ebay cable). Both my cables work fine. But others have had issues with ebay cables. I think if you follow this thread's advice you should find one that works and works for cheap (Less than $20... bought mine for about $15.00)

AVIC411.com • View topic - Pioneer iPod Cables Purchased On eBay

One other note if it makes a difference, the actual Pioneer cable is fairly short (maybe 24") whereas the the ebay cable is usually twice that length.

 

[ramoine]

Rearview camera wiring


the red wire on the camera should go to the red wire from the head unit.

The black wire from the camera should go to the black wire on the head unit or other ground source.

The reverse wire on the head unit should go to the reverse light circuit of the vehicle.

Then you should be able to use the rear view whenever you want .

 

[Bassman]

AVIC Z120BT in '99 SR5

Just had a Z120BT installed in my '99 SR5. Anyone know if the radio antenna is supposed to pop up at turn on? With original head unit, it only popped up if I turned on the FM tuner. The installer said that's the way it is. Pioneer tech support couldn't tell me one way or the other. Any experience here would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[javendan]

i can't speak to the Z120BT but the 2 different alpine head units that i installed into my wife's 2k 4runner only raised the antenna when the am/fm radio was turned on.

cd and ipod would lower the antenna.

the key is the blue wire - lol.

joel

Just had a Z120BT installed in my '99 SR5. Anyone know if the radio antenna is supposed to pop up at turn on? With original head unit, it only popped up if I turned on the FM tuner. The installer said that's the way it is. Pioneer tech support couldn't tell me one way or the other. Any experience here would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[4runnerlabr]

PharmSC or anyone else,
Where exactly are the VSS and reverse wires in the fuse box? On the 06 4runner what colors are they?

 

[PharmSCRunner]

PharmSC or anyone else,
Where exactly are the VSS and reverse wires in the fuse box? On the 06 4runner what colors are they?

hey there, check out this thread. it should provide the info you're looking for.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/audio-electronics/65992-what-vss-reverse-harness-do-i-need-one.html