2012-2015 Pioneer Headunit Qs

Fits in the dash better. Both the metra and Scosche kits I have used were a fraction too small/large, and didn't quite line up with the dash lines up top and the texture was a bit different. The metra kit I had also didn't fit the hazard button correctly. The button would get stuck if you pushed it in, despite numerous attempts to tweak how the assembly was screwed in to the kit.

Overall, the fit and finish on the Best Kits is just better.

 

Thank you.

 

Do you have a picture of your bestkit? I'm curious now. I have the Scosche kit and like you said, its just a fraction off but not enough to bother me until you commented.

 

Looks like the "best" kit is $28 on ebay https://www.ebay.com/p/American-International-2012-13-Toyota-Tacoma-Install-Kit-TOYK973/710128976 I'm curious as well because my metra kit just doesn't lineup and it's impossible to get it to fit in the dash with all the wiring so I'm hoping the best kit will make it easier to take on and off and look better.

 

The pioneer does NOT fit into the space where the harness is in the picture. And this harness is thick so I also have NO idea how to bend it around and route it through another hole...

 

This installation has been like fitting an elephant in a smart car.


Still gotta route the microphone and figure out a bypass for the parking brake.
Android auto won't load unless it's engaged, and it is engaged, so I guess I just need to do the work around.

 

Get one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/MicroBypass-ALL-AVH-X-Interface-Receivers/dp/B00A9AQPUU

Install how to:

https://youtu.be/fcRvTMldW0g

 

I am 1000000% not taking the dash apart again.
There are no software bypasses?
No button I push X times to go around it?
No setting somewhere that I can use?

I cut up my hands real bad and broke some clips taking the whole dash off the first time just to get all the wires in there. Also id have to completely disassemble the head unit again just to get at any of the wires.
Real ironic that I spend all this money and time to get Android and now I can't even use it lol.

 

Either way you'll have to take the head unit out again. You can either install the bypass I linked how they show in the video and unlock the settings of the radio. Or fish a wire through the dash to the drivers side kick panel and have to set and take off the emergency brake twice every time you want to unlock the radio....Or not have Android Auto.

 

Unfortunately for Pioneer headunits, they require those micro bypass relays.

 

Heavily dissapointed in Android auto right now.
I even hooked up the e brake wire, but I guess Toyota doesn't incorporate the ebrake sensor into the infotainment harness.
Very frustrating.

 

I don't have one on my phone, but will take one here in about an hour when I get off work. Keep in mind I am running an 05-11 kit though.

 

You easiest and best bet is to use a micro bypass.

I have never run my radio without one so I never even realized Android Auto was dependent on bypass. I just wanted to be able to play movies for my kids while driving and have all access to the radio settings while in motion.

 

Looks easy to me? Did you get the harness that matches from crutchfield? then you splice the head unit harness to the crutchfield harness and boom. plug n play. If you were local I'd wire it for you for some Whiskey. I enjoy this kinda stuff.

EDIT: looks like you got it taken care of.

 

You watch 5 star also? good videos they make. They did one on a Tacoma too.

BTW PAC makes a better kit than metra or scosche for the tacoma. When I finally get a head unit and speakers I'll be going that route.

 

Dean and Fernando always kills it. I picked up a lot of good habits from them when i went to install my now 3rd headunit in the truck. Still using the same Scosche dash kit. I took a look at the bestkit Tacoma dash kit, while I don't doubt it fits better overall, i didn't like the dimple look so i may stick with my current setup. Just trying to find another reason to buy something I don't need.

 

Yeah they did copy the factory dimples like what's in my truck. PAC is good about matching the stuff to factory. I've installed probably 20 or so but that was all back in the 90s and early 2000s haven't had a newer vehicle worth putting a newer stereo in so all this steering wheel retention and all the new speaker tech has me researching and learning. Plus I like the way they do things and the little tips they give are priceless for making sure things are right.

 

There is a software bypass for it. This should apply to most/all NEX units.
https://youtu.be/LxQDe0osxUA
As for mic location, I installed mine at the top of the driver's A pillar.

 

Sure do! Learned a ton watching their videos!

Dean and Fernando crack me up...especially when Fernando starts singing!

I wish they were closer, but even still give them business by calling in to the store and ordering tools and supplies through links on DandFtooldrawer.