Aftermarket radio questions

I'm considering dumping my Entune system for an aftermarket radio. I've had so many issues with messaging working intermittently and the nav sucks anyway. When switching out the head unit for an aftermarket, do the steering wheel volume/station controls still work and does the backup camera still come on in reverse? Is a new microphone required or does it use the one built into the Tacoma? I'd hate to upgrade to nice unit and then lose those functionalities.

Considering a head unit with wireless Car Play. Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

All that depends on the HU you get. But yes, most will support all those features, you will probably need to buy an adapter for the steering wheel controls. So far I don’t think anyone has worked out the wiring for the mic (but I haven’t followed all the threads), so you may need to use an aftermarket mic.

What I haven’t seen from aftermarket HU’s is are the other vehicle configuration functions being supported, like door lock settings, light settings etc.

 

I’ve got the Alpine ILX-F309 with a Maestro setup. It’s pretty nice, keeps most of the functionality, but you lose the OEM mic. It’s still a pretty good setup. Be warned- it rattles occasionally.

 

I’ve yet to see a way to use the factory mic. Once there’s a way, I’ll probably replace mine.

 

Following as I’m considering the same thing soon. Just the head unit, keep OEM controls, and JBL system with Subwoofer.

 

Crutchfield is your friend...

 

Like above, crutchfield is your friend. You’ll need a maestro kit to retain your steering wheel controls. I have a pioneer avic-8400nex which they discontinued as their flagship model(8500). I am very pleased with it since my entunes premium unit was garbage. You do lose your compass in the instrument panel however, if you’ve soldered the correct wiring, backup camera should work when in reverse.

Eta: you’ll have to use the aftermarket microphone because nobody has figured out to how make a wiring harness adapter for the factory mic.

 

I have done the research on Crutchfield. Some things I don’t see get answered is the OEM settings for the truck itself like locks, lights, etc. They also don’t have anything that retains the factory navigation and I watched a YouTube video that the installer has a harness that retains it. Just haven’t found it. So from what I found right now is those two items and then what everyone else is saying.....you can’t use the factory mic.

Then it comes down to the best head unit for the money and work flawless.

 

Update on the research. Looks like they do sell all the adapters, they just didn’t have it included in what is needed to fit as default. So now its just the OEM options for the locks, lights, etc and the mic.

 

https://cartrimhome.com/head-unit-for-Tacoma-2016?search=T9

Skip all the bullshit...this has everything you want and more. Alpine and kenwood does not have half the shit this can do. Plug and play...you lose no features, actually gain more features. Yeah im watching avengers while i drive, but it could be netflix or youtube or porn. Skys the limit here. Tell me the halo can do this?

 

maestro kit covers those OEM settings. Door lock functions, lights, TPMS monitor, Gauges, etc.

 

The Android unit looks good, but I've had bad luck with those budget head units. I just watched an install that it took a while to get all the features figured out and you had to drill/customize the factory brackets to work. Sounds like you lose the factory mic on that as well, which I'm ok with, but I just want something to run smooth. I had one of those units in a different vehicle and it was always a headache to get it to work right.

 

Crutchfield has a Taco specific Alpine unit setup. Unit is the same but they pre-set and adjust all the other stuff for you.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-nCtSI9Uwsq4/p_500ILXF3TC/Alpine-Halo9-ILX-F309TC.html

 

cruxx - any issues using Apple CarPlay or installation? I like the larger screen that actually NOT floating outside the din.

 

Its not perfect but once you get used to it, issues are minimal

 

The alpine units are way overpriced. They rebadge them yearly and don't really upgrade their internals. The halo ones are still running the hardware from when they launched. They update the software. With the alpine system you might as well gut and start over since the speakers and the amp don't work well with aftermarket headunits.

 

Let me say it again. Plug and play. You use the old brackets from ypur stock unit