Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX Information Thread

The purpose of this thread is to consolidate information for anyone wanting to purchase the Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX. The discussion thread about this unit can be found here and should be referenced for posts from users who have installed the unit.

While many users have purchased the head unit from Crutchfield (recommended), it's not always readily available in stock.

Instead of waiting for Crutchfield to restock, I decided to purchase the necessary items individually from Bestbuy, Crutchfield (for accessories), and eBay. Bestbuy does offer the optional 4-year GS protection plan, which is pretty damn awesome for only $59.99.

Buying Options

Crutchfield:

• DMH-WC6600NEX (Accessories added at checkout with recommended options).

Alternative Buying Method

Bestbuy:

• DMH-WC6600NEX
• USB Retention (AX-TOYUSB)
• Metra Antenna Adapter (40-LX11)
• GPS Antenna Adapater - Maestro Acc-SAT-TO2

Crutchfield (Accessories)

• American International TOYK974 Dash Kit
• Crutchfield RCA Adapter
• Wiring Harness (I bought two packs)

Ebay:

• iDatalink MAESTRO ADS MRR + HRN RR TO2 T Harness

Optional:

• Premium Entune Bezel (I'm sure you can find one off hand. This was not needed for my TRD OR)
• $59 SiriusXM Satellite Radio Vehicle Tuner, Add to Any SiriusXM-Ready Car Stereo SXV300V1
  Sirius XM

Details about the DMH-WC6600NEX

This is a near perfect fit for the opening on a third gen Tacoma. Offering wireless Carplay/AA, this unit outshines most competitors with it's performance, display quality, ease of use, and ability to retain steering wheel/information cluster communication. While this unit is indeed expensive, the pros out-way the cons in my opinion.

Firmware Updates:
This head unit uses the CarAVAssist application for Android and Apple devices. You must use this application to install the latest firmware, however, the process isn't exactly easy to understand initially. I was able to update the firmware after following the steps outlined below.

DMH-WC6600NEX User Guide

Connect your head unit to your Phone's Hotspot


Once the unit is connected to the Hotspot, download the Firmware update on your phone and connect them both via USB.



Installation Tips:

*Illumination Dimmer
When installing the unit, make sure you connect the Orange wire with the Orange/white wire for the screen to dim when turning on your headlights.

*Antenna Cables
When connecting the rear GPS and SAT/XM cables, it's important to distinguish the correct wires. These cables have the same connection and are commonly switched around.

GPS = White

SAT/XM = Black

*Mounting Brackets

*Old*
I was able to mount the unit and have it sit as displayed in the picture above using the American International kit. Some members have commented stating that the OEM brackets work as well, however, I wasn't able to align it correctly and was happy with the AI bracket, though, some modifications were required. The AI brackets have a strange inward-facing piece of plastic that gets in the way. I twisted these off from the brackets and everything now sits well.

*New*
I was able to finally have the unit sit completely flush by modifying the OEM bracket from the original Entune radio. After overlaying the OEM bracket on the AI bracket, I marked the spot for where the additional hole was needed and drilled myself a new mounting point. I then added 4 hex nuts behind the screws for where the bracket sits, and bolted the unit down. The end result was exceptional.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nformation-thread.672425/page-2#post-23680249

@daveeasa has a better setup here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sh-mount-install.668580/page-53#post-24088191



Thanks @svermilyea
Camera Mod & VSS Wire

RCA Splice & Blue Wire Info

Personal thoughts:

I'm very happy with this unit. After recently returning the Joying Android-based unit, I was hesitating on trying another aftermarket radio. While I did first enjoy the Joying unit for its ease of installation and features, I quickly discovered how horrible it was in the real world while driving. After reading some of the posts from other users, I decided to give the DMH-WC6600NEX a try, and I must say, I'm very happy.

Pros:

• Wireless Carplay/AA is amazing, using Waze (with it actually being accurate) is awesome.
  
• The UI that Pioneer created is streamlined, unlike the complex mess the Joying was.
  
• I have OEM speakers, and they sound REALLY good now compared to the older Entune unit. Some members have commented that adding the Subaru kicker tweeters have also improved things with this radio, and I'm inclined to try this eventually.
  
• The provided Mic seems to also work well, I've called a few people and the consensus has been positive so far.
  
• The display is gorgeous, large, and really fits in well with the truck. The screen glare is also not as bad as some other units I've seen. For example, the Joying unit I returned almost looked like a mirror in very bright conditions.

Cons:

• I really hate not having a volume knob anymore, and that's something I'll just need to get used to the more I use this.
  
• This is a very expensive upgrade, I feel like the price should have been a few hundred dollars less.
  
• Getting the firmware update to work was annoying at first.
  
• The CarAVAssist app isn't designed well, and I'd expect a more intuitive and informative app for the premium price point Pioneer offers. Apps are always subject to changes, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that they have something lined up to improve their app.
  
• Being a pretty powerful system, I find it strange that you have to set and then download a URL from your phone to the unit in order to access a website.

If any of you have the unit, and if I've missed something, please let me know. If you're on the fence about this unit, visit the discussion thread and browse through some of the pages to see what other members think of it. Also, a big THANK YOU for everyone who answered questions and contributed with helpful information for all of us see.

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How long to install, in beers?

 

Installation time may vary, it took me just about a bit longer than an hour and a half to install everything and have it sit the way I need it to. I'd say about 3 beers during install, and another 2 after.

 

There’s no parking brake bypass currently. As discussed in the other thread the ones found on EBay/Amazon don’t work. I’m one of those that wasted money on one. Good thing they’re cheap.

Coming from a OE head unit I didn’t have the option to pause SXM. You can with this unit & SXM adapter.

The CarAVAssist app isn’t good at all. As Pioneer did with the first firmware update for the HU, I hope they release a much improved version of the app.

This HU rocks the cheap Kicker speaker upgrade. There’s no need for that Kicker Key I was going to add to the OE head unit.

@ClubSoda good job consolidating multiple pages of info into one post.

 

Is your screen sitting flush or is it sticking out a little bit @ClubSoda ?

 

It’s not going to be completely flush. This is a modular head unit so I’m sure you could figure out a way to mount it flush if you really wanted to.

He’s a pic of how much it sticks out mounted as a single din unit

 

My sticks out like that too. Just making sure I did it correctly. Thanks.

 

Mine sticks out, though its kind of angled, which I don't mind at all. Viewing it actually looks great, fits in with the design of the truck.

 

Thanks for the pictures

 

Thanks for posting this, I caught the other thread. I just got back from a long ass road trip (2650 miles) with a buddy. I use an Android phone, he uses an iPhone... and I was wishing I had a head unit with AA and CP, so I hopped on TacomaWorld and found that thread right at the top. This head unit looks great! I'm definitely going to order one, though I'll probably wait a bit to see if Crutchfield gets them back in stock. I'll keep tabs here, and will update when I make the order and do the install.

 

@Ch78 Which model are you using? Im running the 7600 and was able to get it within 1/16" from sitting flush. The 6600 should be able to sit completely flush as the op posted. If you are ok with it sticking out then cool. If not, you can definitely get it almost completely flush. Just curious.

 

6600. The way the brackets are I’d have to modify them for a flush mount. I’m good with how it sits.

Isn’t the 7600 a floating unit? How were you able to get it that close?

 

Since the parts list has an SAT radio antenna adapter (Maestro ACC-SAT-T02) do you need get the XM tuner with the XM antenna in order to have XM radio?

 

Yes

The antenna will come with the tuner. You don’t need that antenna though. Get the adapter and you will use the factory antenna.

 

I had to modify the stock brackets. Was able to get it. Took more time than wiring. Lol

 

Great write up!

For the issue: I am using a front-rear camera anytime mod. The controller for the mod is using one of the unused keys (mode key). I have seen people build shortcuts on their display for the cameras but not the steering wheel buttons. Good luck on this one.

Per 12VoltData.com forum, "Just a little update: Pioneer has stated that the camera update will be on the firmware update release that is planned for September, just so you have an idea of when it may be released."

There is also a wealth of info on this 12VoltData forum around Maestro, specific vehicles, and Pioneer firmwares dropping.

 

That looks awesome

 

Thanks!

 

Looks really good. I don’t have the patience to do that. Feel free to stop by anytime and do mine.

 

No problem bro. I’ll be right there. Wait for me! Lol