I installed the Sony XAV-AX100 HU in my 2011 TRD DC

A few days ago I installed the Sony XAV-AX100 HU and Kicker Punch component speakers in the front and Prime in the rear in my 2011 TRD Sport DC. I bought this truck brand new and it always irritated me that Bluetooth was standard starting in the 2012 models. I’m happy to finally have a powerful HU that includes it. I installed and ran the wiring for the microphone and also ran a USB cable/input into a blank below the A/C controls. This is great to utilize the CarPlay function on the HU. Wiring the front speakers was “slightly” difficult. Although I hoped it would be plug and play, I actually needed to clip the stock tweeter harness according to the Crutchfield tech on the phone. Bottom line is it works and it’s a huge improvement from the stock speakers. I’m happy with the bass for now, but MAY consider a small sub in the future. The HU EQ will still need to be tweaked as the speakers slowly break in. I have only one concern so far and I’m hoping someone might be able to help. I’m not sure if it’s HU specific or steering wheel harness control specific. Included in my order I purchased the harness for my steering wheel controls. When plugged in the unit will “auto program” itself. This part worked flawlessly. The standard steering wheel controls worked perfect. However, the HU has a feature where you can set “custom” controls and assign buttons however you like. Here’s what’s happening: I set the “mode” button to actually enable Siri voice activation. While continuing to assign buttons I’ll have to reassign volume up/down, channel up/down. After assigning these buttons it doesn’t exactly work, haha. It doesn’t matter if I press volume up or down on the steering wheel.....it increases the volume either way. The same thing happens for channel up/down. I haven’t called Crutchfield yet. As I said before, I’m not sure if it’s HU specific or steering wheel control harness specific.

 

Thanks for the write up thinking of of doing the same to m 10 TRD sport Double cab. Does the AUX plug under the AC still work?

 

Nope, there is no AUX source on the HU. I guess they decided just to rely on Bluetooth and USB. It’s a great HU, I recently updated the firmware. Pretty painless. I haven’t called Crutchfield yet to ask about the steering wheel controls.

 

Hello sbates,

Looks very good and clean install. I am about to purchase the same Sony XAV-AX100 for my Tacoma 2006 TRD Sport which is factory and I already purchased the Scosche TA2053B Double Din but I look at yours and looks much better. Was wondering if you could share which one you purchased. Your picture looks like it fit like a glove and looks great. Thanks in advance!
David

 

Thanks, David. The kit is great, things are just a tad off around the hazard button. Other than that, it looks pretty clean. Nobody else notices, it's just something I noticed after the install. Also, I'm a perfectionist so that doesn't help! This is the kit I purchased:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_12095...Dash-Kit-Gray.html?search=120958214G&skipvs=T

 

Hello and thanks for the quick reply. I did not notice it until you mentioned it so as you say, looks pretty good and no one will notice. Hope mine ends up like yours. Will share pictures when finished. Thanks again.

 

Man, it looks good. I just bought the XAV-AX200 for my 05. I am waiting to see what I can find as far as the lower dash trim panel so I can have some ports for the USB. I will also look to see what kind of rear camera I can install as well. It's going to be a new truck to me if I can get all this done. Search button here I come.

 

To answer the steering wheel control question, I'm guessing its not HU related. I have the same HU, and it programs just fine, but I'm also using the Sony cable and not the SWC cable that Crutchfield provided.

 

Well, it's good to hear that Sony cable works for you! Can you provide a link to it? I still have to contact Crutchfield to let them know what I'm experiencing. I'm not sure what they're going to say. Thanks!

 

I had this head unit about a year ago and HATED it. Maybe it was the shop that installed it but i had horrible luck with it.

1st issue.
-constant static. Even at volume level 0. Checked the ground, everything looked to be done right. Stereo shop told me it was the factory amp and headunit paired together causing the static. I could either remove the factory amp all together or replace it with an aftermarket.

2nd issue
-at volume level 1, the volume was annoyingly loud to have a conversation over. At level 3 was my "normal" cruising around level.

3rd issue
-when listening to the FM/AM radio with your phone plugged in, if you went to instagram on your phone, the head unit would automatically switch modes and go into apple CarPlay killing the radio. Super annoying

4th issue
-EVERY TIME YOU GET IN THE TRUCK THIS STUPID WARNING MESSAGE POPS UP. This alone was annoying enough for me to want to shoot the head unit. I read reviews complaining about this before I bought it, didn't think I'd care. Trust me. It will drive you crazy

Glad to hear others are having better luck with theirs. I loved the look and functions on it. I'm blaming the shop that installed it LOL

 

That Scosche one is actually better. I've had both. The Metra was junk--you can see in OP's pictures how nothing is really flush.

The Schosche one fits better and feels more solid.

 

I agree with this also, as I've had both too.

 

I linked to it in this thread a while back:

Sony XAV-AX100

 

It's amazing how these things are made to be compatible, but are slightly off on the dimensions. It's good for now, doesn't bother me as much anymore.

 

Do either of yall have pictures of the scosche one installed?

 

Not handy...

 

I don't have my Tacoma anymore, so this is the best I've got:

 

thank you! just ordered mine.

 

some may not care about this...but the only thing about the Soche dash plate is that it's not textured....I know some don't like the texture...but I do & the Metra seems to be the only one that offers the textured plate

 

I'm about to order a dash kit....do you find that you have good access to the volume knob with the metra dash kit...& where did you get the 'black' ac control back panel? that looks great