Stereo Upgrade BASIC How To... (2nd Gen)

[CableTec]

Just installed an Alpine 6886 with the TacoTunes dash kit to go with my Pioneer TSA's already installed...

In retrospect, I kind of wish the fit and finish of the TT/Metra Electronics dash surround was a little better, but it'll do.

[dieselstaco]

I recently installed a new clarion HU that has dvd capability and i think i did the wiring a bit wrong. it will only play dvd's when the parking brake is activated, which i gather is illegal in the u.s. anyhow, i have read a few remarks here that say to splice the parking brake wire to the ground wire, and have read several other places that say a toggle switch of some kind is needed. any advice as to which is right and which will work? any help is greatly appreciated.

[Chickenmunga]

You installed it correctly. It's illegal to play DVDs when the parking brake is OFF - this allows you to watch DVDs while driving, which can cause traffic accidents.

[NuovoTech]

Anyone here do a stereo upgrade on a 2009/10 Taco? I had a question about the wiring of the OEM aux-input connection, the one down by the 12VDC outlet.

[DaytonLax14]

Where's the 1st gen tutorial?

I think I may write up a 1st gen tutorial with pics and directions. Would that be beneficial? Yes? No?

[glandnut]

Originally Posted by tim920

Umm.........I noticed your controls lit up at night. Your "OFF, LO, (and the other 2 in between), HI, the word TEMP and the blue and red colors, and all the other controls on the right of it." Do our Tacomas come that way? I've been driving around for 2 years and thought they were different and did NOT light up at night. Was I wrong for the past 2 years?

Happen to check your dimmer control to the left of your steering wheel?

[insanetaco09]

dude, whats up? i got to say, those step by step instructions on how to hook up that radio were pretty good. I am just now starting to really modify my taco and i was wondering is hooking a radio up all that complicated? send me one of those message deals or something and let me know please. thatnks.

[rdewey07]

Hey all, I'm pretty new here so I am sorry if this has already been covered. Can anyone tell me how the crossover works for the front door speaker set? So basically if I buy a 6X9 speaker that has a tweeter on the speaker, will the tweater that is higher still work?

Also, what would I need to consider if I purchased a component system instead? I have a stock 6 disk and really don't want to change it yet.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[DonL]

Originally Posted by Stuck

Hey folks. This one thread is the reason I decided to register and start posting. Awesome data mine on this subject. I have some clarifying questions I hope you guys might help me with.

Here's what I want to do:

I'm trying to get an AUX input for both Apple Nano and other devices with the standard jack. I want to keep the standard look, no drilling holes, no replacing head unit, etc.

Looking at the owner's manual of my 06 crew cab TRD-Off Road I believe I have the Type 2 radio/6-disc changer with steering wheel controls.



1) I notice you folks talk about JBL and non-JBL...I assume since I don't see the JBL logo anywhere my system is non-JBL? I guess I'm also unsure as to why it's important which I have.

2) I was told by Best Buy that, for the Apple Nano/ipod etc, to have the songs/artists show up on the screen that I needed a device by iSimple: http://isimplesolutions.com/CES/GateWay.asp This would also allow me to use the standard controls on my steering wheel or console and would also charge the Nano. If I use this device, is it still possible to run another cord for a standard jack? I realize I would lose song/artist information if I used the standard jack with something else.

3) I've read here that people really seem to like the Metra device. I understand the song/artist information wouldn't be on the screen and that the only control that would work from the wheel or console is volume. Okay, you pay less, get less, understood. But do you maintain the steering wheel controls while using FM radio or CD changer? I also understand I could install both interface for Apple Nano and standard jack with the Metra?

4) This thread is pretty long-running, and since it's beginning a good source for this Metra or other equipment, Circuit City, is gone. What are other good sources for this equipment?

This thread is likely to save me a few hundred bucks. I'll post a thorough explanation and pics on my little twist of this upgrade when I'm done. Thanks for the help.

I have the same type 2 unit on my 08 and would like any info on if a satellite radio could be hooked up to this unit without using a Sirius display? Thanks

[JoeSchmuck]

I'm looking for a remote power on and hoping someone knows if the factory radio has a connection for remote power on? I may have to modify the HU to add this connection, should be an easy job but if one already exists I'd rather use it.

Thanks,
Joe

[dtrch_bb]

I just installed a new Pioneer DVD,navigation unit. Its all hooked up, working awesome, looks awesome. I still need to hook up the last wire Which is the vss wire(vehichle speed sensor). Does anyone know where this wire is located? Thanks.

[TorenApart]

Originally Posted by dtrch_bb

I just installed a new Pioneer DVD,navigation unit. Its all hooked up, working awesome, looks awesome. I still need to hook up the last wire Which is the vss wire(vehichle speed sensor). Does anyone know where this wire is located? Thanks.

There are threads on this. Try a search and I am sure you will find what looking for pretty quick!

[dtrch_bb]

I'm new to this Tacoma forum stuff, I was looking for a related thread, I think I was close to finding one but never did. Thanks for the reply.

[george3]

If you tried to find the answer and can't and no one comes back with it, PM someone who has done it. This is a friendly site I'm sure they will get back to you with the answer.

Originally Posted by dtrch_bb

I'm new to this Tacoma forum stuff, I was looking for a related thread, I think I was close to finding one but never did. Thanks for the reply.

[SemperFI2Toyota]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[chanes8cwu]

Completed install with help from this post. Highly suggest going through Tacotunes for additional harnesses and your dash cutout.

Eclipse AVN 2454

[671taco]

will i be able to run the stock tweets on aftermarket 6.5s?

[Chickenmunga]

Originally Posted by 671taco

will i be able to run the stock tweets on aftermarket 6.5s?

Two problems:

1. They aren't tweeters, they are just really small midranges
2. You are going to taint the sound of your good speakers with the sound of the bad stock speakers.

Other than that, yes you can.

[671taco]

Originally Posted by Chickenmunga

Two problems:

1. They aren't tweeters, they are just really small midranges
2. You are going to taint the sound of your good speakers with the sound of the bad stock speakers.

Other than that, yes you can.

about #1, i figured cuz i can barely even hear its output as a tweet.

and about #2, so itll effect the sound quality of the aftermarket 6.5? or youll be able to hear both speaker sounds mixing? hope that made sense.

reason behind it is because i dont really need a crazy system, i dont really need component speakers. i just want to change the 6.5s, the headunit, and be done with it.

[Chickenmunga]

Originally Posted by 671taco

and about #2, so itll effect the sound quality of the aftermarket 6.5? or youll be able to hear both speaker sounds mixing? hope that made sense.

You are mixing bad sound with good sound. If you take a dump between two pieces of artisan bread, it's still a crap sandwich.

Hope you don't mind the bluntness, but I couldn't come up with a better metaphor at the moment.