What would you lose when replacing 2016 head unit?

I've got a 2016 TRD OR w/JBL.

I'm happy with the sound quality of the system, but absolutely despise entune. Somewhere down the road I would like to do a simple head unit swap. Metra already makes the dash kit...but what features would I lose with the factory head unit? Is the MID between the gauges driven by the head unit, or anything else like that?

I know there are thing like lights and door locks that are controlled through the head unit, but I'm confident someone will come out with a controller box for that sort of thing like they've done with other vehicles (Canyon/Colorado).

I know I'll probably never get song metadata back on the MID, but honestly I only use it for speed, miles to empty, and tire pressure 99% of the time.

 

There are several threads on stereo upgrades where guys have kept their factory HU because of the factory integration. Not sure if there's anyone out there who's replaced a HU in a 2016 yet.

 

Seeing as the ONLY mention of a 3rd gen head unit swap I could find after a good bit of googling was some random photo on yelp from an audio installer in Seattle with no details (http://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/P-YcvyMEhO7zw8drwdGYyA/o.jpg) - I decided to take one for the team and D/C my JBL entune head unit and see what the MDI does.

IT WORKS

You lose the things you would expect to lose (Song metadata, phone/messages, and I'm pretty sure the compass - That might come back once you start driving though).
The customizable driver info screen still works and the TPMS/gyroscope work....which are the only screens I use anyway.

No error messages/lights or anything....the screens on the MDI that no longer work just stay blank.

You also lose the customizable options you get through the entune setting menu (Lights, chimes, etc)....but It's only a matter of time before somebody comes out with something to address that (Metra/Axxess did it for the canyon/colorado last summer with a glovebox controller for the exact same problem).

It's a SUPER straight-forward install too - Multiple companies already make dash kits, disassembly of the dash is a breeze, and there is plenty of room for a double-din. Give it a few months and I'm sure there will be wiring harnesses and everything else you'll need to be plug and play.

 

Did you ever replace it? I'm doing a stereo overhaul this weekend and currently am just going to keep the entune head unit but I think it sucks.

 

Negative - still waiting on a carplay head unit that meets my standards (JBL legend looks promising....delayed indefinitely though).

My casual google research says that by using existing late model toyota adapters and whatnot it should be a fairly clean, seamless install - you should be able to keep the backup camera, stearing wheel controls, etc. like i said before though, you'll lose the screens on the MID having to do with navigation, song data, etc but in my limited testing those screens just remain blank rather than causing problems. And by using a $12 wifi OBD adapter and the Carista app, you should be able to change the options normally hidden in the entune head unit like door chimes and whatnot.

 

Thanks for the info! I have decided to pull out the entune. I really dislike the interface it offers. While I think I'll be okay using Android auto for navigation I can always get a Garmin if I need something off the grid

I have decided to go with the Kenwood ddx9903s. This thing offers an awful lot I'm looking for and I believe I will be able to plug my fire stick into the HDMI input on the back which would be a pretty fantastic bonus feature to be able to have Kodi mobile.

 

I am totally fascinated. Where are you with your with your install? I was looking at the Kenwood head units on the Crutchfield site, they do seem to fit the bill nicely. I was very pleased with my last Kenwood head unit purchase from them. I will follow along for your results.

 

I need to get a thread posted on the whole build I am finishing it's fantastic.
The Kenwood ddx9903s is an excellent alternative. We did a HDMI/USB flush mount for any HDMI input needs ( so I can change it between stiff without having to get to the back of the unit) and the android auto runs off the usb via phone. It's a pretty slick set up I highly recommend it. You do loose off the grid navigation since it runs off your phones Google maps but I can use a TomTom if needed

 

Sounds as if you are very close, would love to see a follow up thread with install info. I agree, no nav 99%, phone nav .99%, Tom Tom or Garmin .01% (1 trip a year- usually on motorcycle). Just so many limitations to sound quality with most stock head units that at some point aftermarket is cleaner than add-ons designed to correct them.

 

Ya man, I was looking at the JL audio fix 86 DSP, but the options the Kenwood gave me was well worth the money.

Idatalink maestro has a hookup that plugs in all vehicle info, but more importantly steering wheel controls. Highly recommend pulling the trigger.

 

Please post thread link here so I can follow along.

 

I did an install. Here is the thread. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/16-jbl-headunit-replacement.446793/

I have since replaced the Kenwood with a Pioneer and was able to keep the radio information in the cluster display. I am also using the sharking fin antenna for Sirius and nav

 

Here's my updated thread on my super close to done install.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/upgrading-stereo.438866/

 

I added a new head unit about 4 months ago with carplay. I love it. But i noticed 2 days ago that i dont have the song/radio come up anymore. I only have 4 settings.
here is a pic. Is there anything i can do to get the other options back? What about being able to control how long my lights stay on or power door locks etc?

 

I have. It turned out well and I retained all functionality, GPS, steering wheel controls, voice activation, Android auto, apple car play, etc