Retrofit GPS nav head unit in older 5th gen

[shock003]

I've seen the older posts on this topic, but still curious.
I have a 2016 Trail Premium (Now called: TRD Off Road) and HATE the Entune head unit. It is useless. I would like to integrate my iPhone via Carplay. (I've never used it, but seems like a better option and maybe mirrors my iPhone)

I read that folks are finding 2020-21 head units and harnesses (from autoharnesshouse), but read issues about Hazard switch and mods to use original (UGH). And a few other issues like steering control buttons not working. Maybe there is nothing new to report.

Also, when I look on eBay there is a company in CA selling this for a LOT of money $2499 with harness adapter. I read about avoiding someone on eBay (maybe same guy?) Others get units for $800 plus harness cost.

What year head unit do I look for? (2021-2022 only?) Maybe I need to find a salvage vehicle to get for a decent price. Any issue updates on install/usage?
Is this retrofit worth it and what works well and what doesn't? This forum site has become painful to search and load pages with all the advertising, so forgive me if there are additional threads that I haven't found.

I hate the 2025 4runner that was just announced...I mean come on Toyota...the fold down rear seats is an AWFUL design change. No longer lay flat for storing and sleeping. deal breaker right there (and other things). So I am holding on to mine.

 

[fkheath]

I've seen the older posts on this topic, but still curious.
I have a 2016 Trail Premium (Now called: TRD Off Road) and HATE the Entune head unit. It is useless. I would like to integrate my iPhone via Carplay. (I've never used it, but seems like a better option and maybe mirrors my iPhone)

I read that folks are finding 2020-21 head units and harnesses (from autoharnesshouse), but read issues about Hazard switch and mods to use original (UGH). And a few other issues like steering control buttons not working. Maybe there is nothing new to report.

Also, when I look on eBay there is a company in CA selling this for a LOT of money $2499 with harness adapter. I read about avoiding someone on eBay (maybe same guy?) Others get units for $800 plus harness cost.

What year head unit do I look for? (2021-2022 only?) Maybe I need to find a salvage vehicle to get for a decent price. Any issue updates on install/usage?
Is this retrofit worth it and what works well and what doesn't? This forum site has become painful to search and load pages with all the advertising, so forgive me if there are additional threads that I haven't found.

I hate the 2025 4runner that was just announced...I mean come on Toyota...the fold down rear seats is an AWFUL design change. No longer lay flat for storing and sleeping. deal breaker right there (and other things). So I am holding on to mine.

Some thoughts:
1. Get a quality ad and pop up blocker. I use Ghostery and never see any ads. (Right now, as I compose this message, Ghostery reports that there are nine pop ups on this page alone that it has blocked).
2. There are other things you need besides the head unit to have integrated navigation. One I know of is the GPS antenna and the associated wiring. Thus you cannot just swap head units (plus wiring adapters) and have navigation.
3. A good head unit with just CarPlay (no GPS navigation) would go a long way to solving your issue. I use Google Maps via CarPlay on my RAV4 and the maps are shown on the car screen, and verbal instructions come over the car speakers.
4. Another way is to get a good phone mount, or if you have a tablet such a an iPad, a tablet mount. That way you see the map on your phone/tablet screen, and the hands free Bluetooth connection will provide the verbal instructions over the car speakers.

 

[shock003]

Thanks fkheath. I wonder where the GPS antenna is located and seems I should have one already or maybe that is why the seller differentiates between the GPS and non-GPS. I forgot to mention, I am not happy with the aftermarket head units. I want to keep the stock look but also the aftermarket seems to require a significant 'boot up' every-single-time the ignition is started. Toyota just comes to life immediately.
Well, it seems it may be a hassle (as I suspected when reading years ago)
Or I go nuclear, and buy a new 2024 that has ALL the extra features like lane departure and collision sensors like a real modern day vehicle, and zero mileage (last longer years). LOL! hmmm... Lack of Carplay has always bugged me. My iphone syncs a little bit for phone calls and text messages, but getting maps is a pain when simply using the iphone directions through the speakers. awful experience. iphone wants to autoplay any music or podcast I have loaded but that is an Apple/iphone issue.
but that would be a total nuclear option and $$$$....because everything else is set up on my rig (mainly lights), so I'd have to tweak all over again. If I did buy a new one, not sure I would do the lift kit this time around. Way to much body roll on corners. I had the dealership install that and not sure what parts they replaced in order to un-do the lift. If I ever wanted to. But that is a different conversation.

 

[osugsxr]

I've seen the older posts on this topic, but still curious.
I have a 2016 Trail Premium (Now called: TRD Off Road) and HATE the Entune head unit. It is useless. I would like to integrate my iPhone via Carplay. (I've never used it, but seems like a better option and maybe mirrors my iPhone)

I read that folks are finding 2020-21 head units and harnesses (from autoharnesshouse), but read issues about Hazard switch and mods to use original (UGH). And a few other issues like steering control buttons not working. Maybe there is nothing new to report.

Also, when I look on eBay there is a company in CA selling this for a LOT of money $2499 with harness adapter. I read about avoiding someone on eBay (maybe same guy?) Others get units for $800 plus harness cost.

What year head unit do I look for? (2021-2022 only?) Maybe I need to find a salvage vehicle to get for a decent price. Any issue updates on install/usage?
Is this retrofit worth it and what works well and what doesn't? This forum site has become painful to search and load pages with all the advertising, so forgive me if there are additional threads that I haven't found.

I hate the 2025 4runner that was just announced...I mean come on Toyota...the fold down rear seats is an AWFUL design change. No longer lay flat for storing and sleeping. deal breaker right there (and other things). So I am holding on to mine.

I did the retrofit about a year ago and Ive had no issues. It brought new life to 4runner to me larger screen and car play. The hazard switch is simple trimming to fit the old one in. Just be patient and careful while following the guide someone posted. The steering controls work fine , I mainly use car play 95% of the time and no issues.

Part:
search: search NON jbl headunit , whatever you find at a good price (gps or non gps) I hardly use the toyota gps since I use car play (Waze, google)

Car part . com ive seen a few listed from $200-600 range, I picked one up off ebay for $250 with minor hairline scratches on the bezel.

I sold my old head unit for $200 since I didnt plan on changing it out nor wanted to store it. If I sell or trade it in I might pick up a cheap one off ebay. Its a 5 minute job to swap out headunits now. I did have a sony 8100 and enjoye the extra volume/power but wife didnt care for the floating look and the stock look is good.

 

[shock003]

Thanks for the info. I am having trouble finding the correct unit (maybe none are available currently). I did find some with various part numbers - but not sure which number I need or maybe the different numbers define the color of the plastic. And maybe the part numbers are printed on the units that I can have the seller confirm.
Is the Carplay an app preloaded on the OEM head units? And how is that accessed (so I can check videos of the parts for sale).

 

[osugsxr]

Thanks for the info. I am having trouble finding the correct unit (maybe none are available currently). I did find some with various part numbers - but not sure which number I need or maybe the different numbers define the color of the plastic. And maybe the part numbers are printed on the units that I can have the seller confirm.
Is the Carplay an app preloaded on the OEM head units? And how is that accessed (so I can check videos of the parts for sale).

Look for the following to see what you need.
quick search on car part .com site pricing ranges from 500-1500 with most in the $600 range. On the front bezel of the screen area look for ones without the "JBL "

I think the difference between the navigation models is there is an additional metal box attached on the back.


Just find one that looks in good conditon with or without navigation and buy it. Car play & android are preloaded and uses the usb outlet to the phone

 

[shock003]

Does anyone know the differences between all the head unit numbers? I see stuff ranging like this:
86140 35480
86840-35013

86100-35631
86100-35632
86100-35633
And a few others.
I've also see some dates associated with those numbers. some say 2014-2022, others say 2019-2022. Not sure if they all are compatible with my 2016 and the special harness...or what to expect. (Maybe extra menu items that won't work on my older model...like setting something I do not have)

 

[OPS CHIEF]

After Market Head Unit

Does anyone know the differences between all the head unit numbers? I see stuff ranging like this:
86140 35480
86840-35013

86100-35631
86100-35632
86100-35633
And a few others.
I've also see some dates associated with those numbers. some say 2014-2022, others say 2019-2022. Not sure if they all are compatible with my 2016 and the special harness...or what to expect. (Maybe extra menu items that won't work on my older model...like setting something I do not have)

Hey,
I'll put on my flame suit..... I have a 2017 TRD Off Road. I, too hated the radio/Nav unit (especially since, at 68 Y/O the screen looks smaller every year. After researching replacements, I purchased/installed the Dasaita Max 10 unit ( you can check them out on Amazon) - in the $6-700 range. Wireless Carplay or Android. True - it's a China made Android unit, but for me it works, looks OEM, is MUCH bigger screen-wise, and has plenty of features. Doesn't cost anything to check it out.

 

[Calimander]

I have a 2019 Premium. I found a non JBL head unit out of a 21 with the nav box on eBay,. Sent a picture of the wiring on my head unit and the newer one to Autoharnesshouse.com and they sent the right harness for a 1/2 hour plug and play changeout. I also bought a Carlink 5.0 wireless adapter on Amazon. Works flawlessly. All the steering wheel controls work. Night and day upgrade. Well worth the $900 total I have into the upgrade.


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[Calimander]

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