Stock head, all new speakers & amp.

The surround is off just a bit, as some others have said. Personally, I wouldn't let it stop you if considering a stereo in a 2012.... It's an easy swap once they make an updated version.

 

BTW- Piss on Sirius Xm--- Really?! They want like $150 per year right now! I should have bought that lifetime subscription back in 2004(?) when it was $300. The fading in and out sucks too... My free trial has been more of a reminder of why I ditched Sirius three years ago.
Pandora all the way... You can skip songs you don't like, create your own stations, and I am still on the free version... I haven't paid my $36/ year for commercial free yet.... Proabbly once this new head is in, I will. I listen almost exclusively to Pandora over regular radio, Sat radio, or my own collection of music.

 

If you call to cancel XM they will offer you a better deal. Turn that down, and they will offer an even better one. At least that's what they did when I called to cancel my wife's. Got a deal that I thought was good. Like $5 a month. The thing is it's pure profit for them. The satellite is always sending a signal, so it doesn't cost them anything for them to let you use it. So they'll usually wiggle quite a bit to keep you.

Plus its kind of a toss up for me. Cuz even if I wanted to go Pandora, I'd have to pay an extra $10 a month for the 2 gig data plan. Right now I just have the 200 MB plan, cuz I mainly use my phone where wi-fi is available.

 

I hope they make one in piano black like the stock radio.

 

On another note, are you gonna do the mod to be able to use the factory aux/usb location with the aftermarket HU? There's a write-up about it somewhere on these forums. Easy to find with a quick google search. I think its written to use a part from the Tundras but now that the Tacos have the usb it looks like the same piece the 12s come with. If so let me know how it goes.

 

NICE! Thanks for the info. I'll look for that write up.

CrutchfieldDarren- got any input on this???

 

Well, you have to look at it this way, most new radios have USB and aux on the front panel anyway.

So this mod would really only apply to rear panel USB radios, with rear aux inputs. I think video models when this mod is mentioned.

 

Taking advantage of lunch break at home!!! Hoping it is done tonight!

 

True. Didn't see that his model had the front inputs. At first glance I thought it was the X996 which has the rear inputs.

 

Sad... Maybe later I will figure out how to power it so my wife can charge her phone while I'm plugged into the radio.

 

Hey!! It's in!!!



But wait...





What's this????



Sonummafaragingbinch!!!

The RCAs hit! It's too deep for the hole!!

Darren, you're gonna get it! I'll call you tomorrow. I'm gonna need three pair of 90degree RCA thingamajiggies.

 

So, I know this is going to get worked out. I will tell anyone considering keeping the stock head and going with a sound processor; don't do it! I changed NONE of my amp or sub settings when i first powered up the Kenwood and the sound quality is leaps and bounds better than the stock head with the sound processor. This is so much easier too. I tried to be tricky with this vehicle and learned that it is still best to go with the new HU right up front.

20+ stereo installs under my belt. VW, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, domestics, and nothing has fought me like this 2012 Tacoma. Even my 2008 FJ got a double din touchscreen with nav and a backup camera and I didn't spend this kind of time or encounter this many problems.
It will all be worth it in the end!!

 

Oh no! There's always a solution! I have a suggestion in the meantime if you are open to that?

I would try to unsnap the kit face and see if you can tell exactly where the RCA's/wiring is getting in the way. with the front of the kit off you will be able to see much more. Have you tried that yet?

I will be in the office 8-4 tomorrow if you would like to give me a ring!

 

Nice! You will have to give up a key and hide it in a transponder bypass box. Toyota came out with a whole me level of encryption for their 2012 models, across the whole line from what I have heard. I hope we see a data integration solution in the future for the new 2012 Toyota, this would keep you from having to give up a key.

Other than this, it not too bad on these trucks. I have done several on the Tacoma and 4Runner up to the 2011 models.

But that's a whole new thread!

 

There is a hard plastic channel that runs across the back of the opening. Looks like it houses the main wiring harness. This is where the RCAs hit. If the surround kit had the storage bin over the radio, it would probably work.

 

Just like to tell the OP, thanks so much for this thread. It will save me much heartache in the end, cuz I was seriously considering a processor rather than HU. I will probably wait till the end of the year but I'm a planner when it comes to these things.

Going on a vacation with the fam over the summer, so a tonneau to keep our luggage dry is higher on the list than the radio. Tint is getting done today and will need a step tube soon for my short ass wife and the kidlets.

 

BTW Darren, do the adapters for SWCs work for the phone buttons too? Or is it just for the stereo?

 

Some vehicles support this feature with the ASWC, some do not. Honestlly, I have not received any feedback from anyone with a Tacoma that actually had the BT/Phone button.

CanSitStill, Does your SWC have a phone button, if so, any action from it for BT mode?

 

My phone buttons work the same as the up/down select on the other side of the wheel. No biggie, the on/off hook is easy to reach on the head unit.

 

Couldn't get mine working either. Originally the ASWC programmed itself to control volume/skip/mode, etc., to the right side of my steering (B/T controls). Finally figured out how to reprogram it to the left side. Couldn't get bluetooth going even after following the programming steps for...on hook, off hook, etc., like the Axxess instructions guide you through. Happy with just the left side.