Pioneer Install

spongerx

spongerx

Member
I'm doing an install of a Pioneer HU and I'm wondering what these two wires are. I'm assuming the bigger one of the two is the antenna. But what is the smaller one? It is grouped with the bigger wire and runs in the same direction back into the dash. But they is no place to insert it in the new HU. Any ideas?

cdinstall.jpg~original
 
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They are both antennas. There are 2 antennas, regular and diversity, i think. But don't ask me why or what the difference is even though I should know seeing as I'm studying EE.

I'm pretty sure most after market units will only take one of the antennas. When I put in my pioneer, i just used the one that fit and called it good. Radio reception is fine.

I would also recommend installing a switch in the antenna signal line. Unlike the factory radio which only raises the antenna when the radio is on, pioneers raise the antenna whenever the HU is on which is annoying. With a switch, keep it off and the antenna never goes up. Then just flip the switch when you want the radio.
 
The diversity antenna is embedded in the the rear glass on the passenger side. Someone on here posted about an adapter that allows you to use both the plugs which gets you better radio reception. I'll try to find it. . .
Ok here it is and hope this helps even though this is on a 4th gen. Click
 
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Thanks you guy's. Interesting...
Well, it turns out I have another issue. Apparently I have a factory amp which requires a different kind of wiring harness. By different I mean NOT the one that came with the HU. Oh well. I'll have to wait till tomorrow to install, that's if someone in town has the correct harness. Will update when complete. :bash:
 
check ebay for that harness to go with the factory amp. i got my new harness for like, $5 plus a little shipping.

you can take the amp out if you want, but your speakers get waaaay more power with it in. its worth it
 
i had the same problem w/ the amp. just unplug it, remove it and i promise everyrthing plugs right into pace.


your new HU probably displaces more power than the stock amp anyways.
 
Agreed with not using the factory amp. An aftermarket hu will supply between 40 and 50 watts per channel which is definitely more than your factory amp supplies. When I changed out my factory radio for an aftermarket hu, I noticed a huge difference in my factory speaker output. What I don't know is whether or not one of the antennas would get a power boost from the factory amp.
 
Thanks everyone for all the feedback. I'm working all day but I'll look at removing the amp when I get home. I guess that you can only use one or the other, not both the amp and the HU's power?
 
004Gunner said:
Agreed with not using the factory amp. An aftermarket hu will supply between 40 and 50 watts per channel which is definitely more than your factory amp supplies. When I changed out my factory radio for an aftermarket hu, I noticed a huge difference in my factory speaker output. What I don't know is whether or not one of the antennas would get a power boost from the factory amp.
Click to expand...

x2. Just replacing the head unit with an after market one made my speakers sound brand new or even better. Once I upgraded from OEM speakers to Infinity ones, the difference was even more noticeable and it sounded great.
 
Yep, you just need to bypass the oem amp. And in case, your new wiring harness still doesn't work, stop by your local Best Buy store (if you have one in your area) or any car audio shop. Those places sell universal toyota aftermaket wiring harnesses.

BTW, what model HU you installing?
 
Ok lads. I pulled out the amp and got everything back in like you said. Thanks for your help. I installed a Pioneer DEH-P6000UB. I'm really stoked so far. I've never bought a new HU before. I am having a hard time trying to fine tune the EQ to my liking so that will most likely be a long process. So far I can't get the bass how I want it. Oh well. Gotta start somewhere. :bigok:
Pioneer.jpg~original
 
it was easier to do than to picture doing it after reading, right?
way to go dude. good luck with your settings.
 
benormous said:

I would also recommend installing a switch in the antenna signal line. Unlike the factory radio which only raises the antenna when the radio is on, pioneers raise the antenna whenever the HU is on which is annoying. With a switch, keep it off and the antenna never goes up. Then just flip the switch when you want the radio.
Click to expand...

My pioneer HU doesnt do this...It's actually got a wire for power antenna, as do (IIRC) most other HUs these days
 
my power antenna broke along time ago i replaced it a few weeks ago with a tacoma whip works way better now
 
LINY4Runner said:
My pioneer HU doesnt do this...It's actually got a wire for power antenna, as do (IIRC) most other HUs these days
Click to expand...

Mine has a power antenna signal line as well, but it is just always on. But you have an AVIC so it is likely more thought out than the one I have
 
Elton H said:
my power antenna broke along time ago i replaced it a few weeks ago with a tacoma whip works way better now
Click to expand...

I've read that you can't go through a car wash with the whip antenna. Is that true/annoying?
 
spongerx said:
I've read that you can't go through a car wash with the whip antenna. Is that true/annoying?
Click to expand...
id be more worried about that 4ft cb antenna :D ive yet to take any of my trucks through a car wash
 
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