2015 Tacoma factory stereo replacement

Long time reader, first time posting.

I recently bought a Kenwood DMX906s to replace the factory head unit. I haven’t been able to find a thread for my specific situation.

Here’s a little background info:
I have a 6 speed manual
Non JBL
Factory unit does not have nav
I want to retain my factory steering wheel controls
I want to retain my factory back up camera
I want to be able to add an amp and/or sub in the future
I am not interested in getting the iDatalink maestro (if my truck is even capable) unless it is an all in one connection for the factory backup/steering wheel controls as well as the option for the OEM gauge/sensor functionality integrated into the Kenwood (via iDatalink)


Although I have never installed an aftermarket stereo, I’ve done a fair amount of research on what wires are responsible for certain functions

I currently only have the Kenwood DMX906s in my possession. Before i buy any dash kits/adapters/wiring kits, I’d like to know what options i have available. I’m trying to spend as little as possible, but I want to yield results of a professional install.

Any help on this would be appreciated including how-tos, pictures, testimonials, etc.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

Kudos to you for attempting this, I would be scared I would bugger up the install and kick myself later.

 

Welcome to TW!

Whether you buy the equipment from them or not, Crutchfield provides pretty good install info. I couldn't find a convenient way to link their dynamic content, but you should get the same results by visiting the product page for your new HU, click on the "Does it Fit your car?" link, enter your vehicle details, click on the resulting "See the installation gear you'll need" link, click on the "See all packages & details" link. You should get about 5 options, ranging in price from FREE to $220, depending on what features you want to retain/enable. I have no first-hand experience with it because I kept my stock HU when upgrading my truck's sound system, but the complete setup (that's supposed to retain/enable the most/all the features you want) includes iDatalink Maestro RR Interface Module, iDatalink HRN-RR-TO1 Factory Integration Adapter, Metra 95-8235 Dash Kit, Metra AX-TOYUSB USB Port Cable, Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adapter, and Crutchfield RCA Y-adapter.

If you buy at least some of the parts from them, you should be able to get a copy of their vehicle-specific "Custom Instructions" for free. (FWIW, I've found these to be detailed and helpful.)

 

Did my 15' a few years back with a Kenwood HU as well. Crutchfield supplied everything I needed. Only thing I thought was odd was the plug for the original harness. I had to solder every wire to the Kenwood HU. Not a big deal but it's definitely not plug and play.

 

Crutchfield for sales.........doesn't get any better !

Install......? Find someone more qualified if you don't dare......

 

Agree with the Crutchfield recommendations. I would call them since it looks like they carry your HU model along with the install package accessories. When I bought mine, it was literally plug and play. I paid extra for them to even connect and crimp the wire connections for me.

 

I've never seen that w/ them. I know now they offer to do it for you for a fee. Crutchfield will supply everything you need to make it plug and play.

 

Maybe they did,must've missed it. Like I said it was easy,everything was labled so you really can't mess it up.

 

UPDATE!!

Everything went well. I got the iDatalink Maestro RR with the TO1 harness, even managed to make it work with factory dash and looks great!!

CAMERA DOESNT WORK

Yes, this is not completely plug and play due to the fact i had to make connections from the TO1 to the factory camera wiring.

The on screen information tells me the maestro cannot detect when I switch gears due to having a manual transmission, and it can’t tell if I have my e brake engaged. I tried just about every setting in the HU I believe, and before I tear this out I want to know what I did wrong!!

I plan to reflash the maestro and update the Kenwood firmware anyway, but I’d like to solve my factory camera retention issue

 

I installed the same HU in my ‘15 a few months ago and had the same E brake issue. I ended up grounding the HU E brake wire and solved the issue. As far as the BU camera, I have the auto trans, and it worked fine as long as that function was turned on in the menu.

Steve

 

I have to connect the reverse wire from head unit to reverse trigger wire in my truck due to being a manual transmission..thanks to @Do58 for the breakdown