It's adjusted to the second to lowest height position. Mine is mounted at the bottom portion of the metra kit. I believe yours is mounted at the top on the lowest height position?
Upgrade 2018 to Support CarPlay?
- Thread starter mstgkillr
- Start date
It's adjusted to the second to lowest height position. Mine is mounted at the bottom portion of the metra kit. I believe yours is mounted at the top on the lowest height position?
jthoms1
New member
Correct. Now that I’ve seen both...I think you might prefer it the way I have it. It really doesn’t impact airflow from the vents that much. Probably 40% of the vent has screen in front of it...but the air blows well around it. Totally a matter of personal preference I know....I just wouldn’t personally like my controls obstructed.
adam4running
New member
Looks Awesome @Clo-t4r
Hi Clo-t4r. I've been contemplating this exact unit and install all weekend. I've got a load of questions, but I'll start with the simple ones.
What was the final rundown of the pieces you purchased?
Did you install the unit yourself? For someone that's never installed a radio before, is it do-able?
Did you loose any steering wheel controls in the process? What about the reverse camera?
Finally, how did you mount the microphone?
Thank you in advance for the advice! This seems like a daunting task going in blink.
Hi Clo-t4r. I've been contemplating this exact unit and install all weekend. I've got a load of questions, but I'll start with the simple ones.
What was the final rundown of the pieces you purchased?
Did you install the unit yourself? For someone that's never installed a radio before, is it do-able?
Did you loose any steering wheel controls in the process? What about the reverse camera?
Finally, how did you mount the microphone?
Thank you in advance for the advice! This seems like a daunting task going in blink.
Finally got around to it on Friday. I was able to install it on the bottom of the metra kit using the double din mounts, which i prefer since it doesnt cover the air vents. The pocket does not fit on the top and need to rig something to cover the hole, you can't tell unless you really look behind it. I installed hdmi/usb and usb plugs in the glove box. I have Chromecast plugged into the hdmi port. Also changed the startup image to a photo i took last week. Overall easy install and love the headunit. Definite increase in sound quality, especially with Carplay, and not feeling forced to wanting to change the speakers so soon.
jthoms1
New member
Read back through the thread. There are links to most of the installation parts. The best deal I found, with the simplest setup for install was from Crutchfield. Buy the ready wire harness and it’s basically plug and play. The mic comes with a clip you can clip under the headliner and put it in the top left corner of the windshield. On the Crutchfield site when you checkout you will be presented with an installation bundle that includes a unit that retains your steering wheel controls called the Maestro RR. Order the bundle and pay for the ready harness upgrade. If you want the black painted dash surround you will need to order that separately from the link to Metra that I provided previously. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would put the installation at a 4. I’m pretty handy though. Watch videos about how to disassemble the dash. It’s VERY easy...just don’t be afraid to pull on the components to remove them. With the ready wire harness it really is plug and play. You will need a PC to “flash” or program the Maestro unit. That is easy and takes 5 minutes. Crutchfield has great tech support to help if you have questions during installation. Also come back here and we’ll be happy to help as well.
adam4running
New member
Cool. Thank you jthoms1. So to sum it up, you pick up the pre-built package from Crutchfield and hook up the Maestro RR, wire up the mic, and you're done. So overall cost would be for the:
Crutchfield unit: Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309FRN Custom-fit digital multimedia receiver with 9" touchscreen for 2014-up Toyota 4Runners (does not play CDs) at Crutchfield.com
and the Maestro RR: iDatalink - Maestro - Maestro RR
I though I could save a few buck installing this myself. Car Toys had me quoted at $1,550 (they of course don't plug and play. They rewire a bunch of the components including the backup cam). Looks like this is almost identical price but I've got to do all the labor myself. I'm surprised at how costly this home build is.
I'm wonder if it's better to skip the pre-fab unit and pick up these: New Maestro Radio Solution - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
plus the unit from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-iLX-F309-Receiver-9-inch-Mech-less/dp/B0794TGCGG
Or if this approach requires substantially more install time. Total cost down this road is about $500 cheaper.
Crutchfield unit: Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309FRN Custom-fit digital multimedia receiver with 9" touchscreen for 2014-up Toyota 4Runners (does not play CDs) at Crutchfield.com
and the Maestro RR: iDatalink - Maestro - Maestro RR
I though I could save a few buck installing this myself. Car Toys had me quoted at $1,550 (they of course don't plug and play. They rewire a bunch of the components including the backup cam). Looks like this is almost identical price but I've got to do all the labor myself. I'm surprised at how costly this home build is.
I'm wonder if it's better to skip the pre-fab unit and pick up these: New Maestro Radio Solution - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
plus the unit from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-iLX-F309-Receiver-9-inch-Mech-less/dp/B0794TGCGG
Or if this approach requires substantially more install time. Total cost down this road is about $500 cheaper.
Have a link to unit you chose? Also, how did you get the tire pressure readouts? Maestro Datalink?
jthoms1
New member
All in I believe I spent about $1350. For $200 more I would have it done. Your description of the install does make it sound a bit too simplistic but it’s not far off from that.
jthoms1
New member
As unsub mentioned for his Kenwood...it does also display it on the Alpine.
Sorry for the delayed response.
What was the final rundown of the pieces you purchased?
Overall I spent below $1k, spent some time doing research and finding the best deals for most of the below.
Alpine ILX-F309 ("Refurb" but arrived as new with slightly damaged box) - $650 (you can find deals on this headunit for around this price)
idatalink Maestro RR (New) - $65 (Ebay)
Metra Dash Kit 99-8227CHG - $79.99
Maestro HRN-RR-TO2 Plug and Play T-Harness - $33
Maestro Acc-USB-TO2 Factory USB to Male USB Adaptor - $30
Maestro Acc-SAT-TO2 Sat Radio and GPS Antenna adaptors - $30
Metra Antenna Adapter 40-LX11 - $14
Optional
Toyota Car USB Socket Port with HDMI Socket - $15
Dual QC3.0 USB Fast Charger Socket Power Outlet - $17
Installation
I had a bunch of butt-connectors, solder, heatshrink, etc. The only extra thing I bought was Tesa Black Fuzzy tape to help cable manage and clean everything up which was about $5.
Did you install the unit yourself? For someone that's never installed a radio before, is it do-able?
I installed everything myself.
Headunit: It's pretty simple and straightforward if you have a general idea of how to connect wires together properly. The install guide from idatalink helps alot. I'm sure there is a bunch of youtube videos on this. If you were local, I would have been glad to meetup to help.
Glovebox Connections: This was optional and required a bit more work but overall pretty simple as well.
Did you loose any steering wheel controls in the process? What about the reverse camera?
I was able to keep all my steering wheel controls using the Maestro RR. The reverse camera works as it should.
Finally, how did you mount the microphone?
I mounted the microphone on the driver's side A-Pillar, ran the wire's down the left side behind the weather stripping and behind the steering column. I'll try to take more photos later (been so busy).
Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
What was the final rundown of the pieces you purchased?
Overall I spent below $1k, spent some time doing research and finding the best deals for most of the below.
Alpine ILX-F309 ("Refurb" but arrived as new with slightly damaged box) - $650 (you can find deals on this headunit for around this price)
idatalink Maestro RR (New) - $65 (Ebay)
Metra Dash Kit 99-8227CHG - $79.99
Maestro HRN-RR-TO2 Plug and Play T-Harness - $33
Maestro Acc-USB-TO2 Factory USB to Male USB Adaptor - $30
Maestro Acc-SAT-TO2 Sat Radio and GPS Antenna adaptors - $30
Metra Antenna Adapter 40-LX11 - $14
Optional
Toyota Car USB Socket Port with HDMI Socket - $15
Dual QC3.0 USB Fast Charger Socket Power Outlet - $17
Installation
I had a bunch of butt-connectors, solder, heatshrink, etc. The only extra thing I bought was Tesa Black Fuzzy tape to help cable manage and clean everything up which was about $5.
Did you install the unit yourself? For someone that's never installed a radio before, is it do-able?
I installed everything myself.
Headunit: It's pretty simple and straightforward if you have a general idea of how to connect wires together properly. The install guide from idatalink helps alot. I'm sure there is a bunch of youtube videos on this. If you were local, I would have been glad to meetup to help.
Glovebox Connections: This was optional and required a bit more work but overall pretty simple as well.
Did you loose any steering wheel controls in the process? What about the reverse camera?
I was able to keep all my steering wheel controls using the Maestro RR. The reverse camera works as it should.
Finally, how did you mount the microphone?
I mounted the microphone on the driver's side A-Pillar, ran the wire's down the left side behind the weather stripping and behind the steering column. I'll try to take more photos later (been so busy).
Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
RoryDS
New member
Buddy I can’t thank you enough for the pictures in this thread. I’ve been on the fence about buying a 2019 as the radio situation is very, very behind. I’ve seen the Halo9 stuff online but have been unable to get any direct info. Also, I can’t start a thread on here because I don’t have enough posts lol
I live in Tennessee so it’s brutal here in the summer. My wife would murder me if I blocked the center fans. The lower din placement looks like what I would want to do. I actually don’t mind the hvac controls being semi hidden. We pretty much always have the ac cranked to the coldest setting and only mess with fan speed. My wife is one of those people that NEVER uses climate control which drives me crazy (we may get a limited).
We will be getting a SR5 Premium most likely. It looks like the kit you got was glossy for the TRD Off road. Could I source a normal SR5 trim bezel one?
Thanks again
cacarter126
New member
For those looking for a more OEM look, this just hit the market. No idea if it is any good, but it is running Android 8.0 and has plenty of power. All Android head units can run Apple CarPlay. It is plug and play with a dongle. I think it looks great, thinking about giving it a go. What do you guys think?
YouTube
9.8" Android Headunit for Toyota 4Runner 2010 / 2019 Autoradio | eBay
12V USB Dongle for Apple iOS CarPlay Android Car Navigation Player Black- US$35.99 online shopping | NewFrog.com
YouTube
9.8" Android Headunit for Toyota 4Runner 2010 / 2019 Autoradio | eBay
12V USB Dongle for Apple iOS CarPlay Android Car Navigation Player Black- US$35.99 online shopping | NewFrog.com
ForgetYourMap
New member
Very interesting! Really wanna see this installed and hear a review...... shotty not
Watching this and the droid thread. The stock system sucks ass but looks right, and I like things to look right as well as function.
I sent toyota a nasty email about removing the premium pandora account from the stock radio.
Reply: You can just download the app to your phone and blutooth
Me: Yes, but that is not a premium account, like I had. Are you going to pay for a premium account or replace the missing app with car play?
Reply: You can upload the app to your phone and stream pandora.
Me: sweep the leg cocks****r, no mercy.
I sent toyota a nasty email about removing the premium pandora account from the stock radio.
Reply: You can just download the app to your phone and blutooth
Me: Yes, but that is not a premium account, like I had. Are you going to pay for a premium account or replace the missing app with car play?
Reply: You can upload the app to your phone and stream pandora.
Me: sweep the leg cocks****r, no mercy.
Lhshockey24
New member
Alpine halo 9 review
I see a lot of talk in the thread about the Alpine 9in floating unit. I have been running this for almost 6 months and thought I would share some feedback.
So far I have experienced zero issues with the unit. I had it installed professionally with the harness from Metra. It works best in Apple Carplay mode. I say this because the stock interface is a little messy and can be hard to navigate / get used to. A quick example - making a phone call requires pressing the middle menu button, then phone, then recents/favorites, then the contact, THEN the call button...!
Siri eyesfree integration is amazing though. Whether using it in Apple Carplay mode or stock, siri response is quick and works well. As I mentioned from the get-go, I use this in Apple Carplay mode 99% of the time and I can't think of any complaints. The fact that you can use Google maps within Apple Carplay is about the best most underrated thing that happened in tech last year. I typically just have Google maps up and running like you would with a car's stock GPS. I can tap to go home or work in 2 seconds, or tap the microphone within Google maps and speak an address naturally and it pulls up the navigation immediately.
Steering wheel controls are fine, but using up+down to change tracks took some getting used to. The middle button on the left side doesn't do anything anymore though. I'm not sure if that's the installer's fault or Alpine's.
One tiny complaint would be - because the stock 4runner backup cam isn't great to begin with, it looks pretty terrible on the screen given the unit's disappointing resolution.
Considering how GREAT this unit looks and its massive screen size, I would not make my decision any differently even knowing Apple Carplay and an 8in screen will come standard on the 2020 lineup. We had a rental Sequoia with this setup and it sucked.
10/10 Looks (people ask me all the time if it's stock since it doesn't have that crap aftermarket look)
8/10 Functionality (10/10 in Carplay mode)
x/10 install (didn't do it myself)
10/10 Reliability (unit has never frozen or restarted itself)
7/10 Value (given its still high price compared to models with similar functions)
I see a lot of talk in the thread about the Alpine 9in floating unit. I have been running this for almost 6 months and thought I would share some feedback.
So far I have experienced zero issues with the unit. I had it installed professionally with the harness from Metra. It works best in Apple Carplay mode. I say this because the stock interface is a little messy and can be hard to navigate / get used to. A quick example - making a phone call requires pressing the middle menu button, then phone, then recents/favorites, then the contact, THEN the call button...!
Siri eyesfree integration is amazing though. Whether using it in Apple Carplay mode or stock, siri response is quick and works well. As I mentioned from the get-go, I use this in Apple Carplay mode 99% of the time and I can't think of any complaints. The fact that you can use Google maps within Apple Carplay is about the best most underrated thing that happened in tech last year. I typically just have Google maps up and running like you would with a car's stock GPS. I can tap to go home or work in 2 seconds, or tap the microphone within Google maps and speak an address naturally and it pulls up the navigation immediately.
Steering wheel controls are fine, but using up+down to change tracks took some getting used to. The middle button on the left side doesn't do anything anymore though. I'm not sure if that's the installer's fault or Alpine's.
One tiny complaint would be - because the stock 4runner backup cam isn't great to begin with, it looks pretty terrible on the screen given the unit's disappointing resolution.
Considering how GREAT this unit looks and its massive screen size, I would not make my decision any differently even knowing Apple Carplay and an 8in screen will come standard on the 2020 lineup. We had a rental Sequoia with this setup and it sucked.
10/10 Looks (people ask me all the time if it's stock since it doesn't have that crap aftermarket look)
8/10 Functionality (10/10 in Carplay mode)
x/10 install (didn't do it myself)
10/10 Reliability (unit has never frozen or restarted itself)
7/10 Value (given its still high price compared to models with similar functions)
Thanks for the brief review.
I don't think I could fully get over having to choose between partially blocking the vents or partially blocking the climate controls but that's just my own personal opinion. Unfortunately, even if I could look past that, that shit would get ripped out of the car in the first week by some heroin addict here in Seattle thinking it was just a free tablet.
Lhshockey24
New member
If it makes you feel any better,
1. It barely blocks the vents. Hasn't bothered me yet.
2. It has survived 6 months in the SF Bay Area. I don't think you could rip it out if you tried. The thing is bolted in there pretty well.
detailersdomain
New member
awesome thread thanks for sharing I'll be picking this up.
daytonaviolet
New member
I had the Alpine ilx-107 in my limited 4th gen. It’s the only true wireless CarPlay as it has both wifi/Bluetooth connection. I plan to install the same alpine in my 5th gen [emoji56]
