Double-Din monitor deck recommendations?

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and new to Tacomas, I just purchased my 04 xtracab a couple weeks ago as my first car and I am looking to install an aftermarket deck as the screen that is currently installed is not working. I am not sure if the screen is just burnt out or if there could be some issue with the wiring harness that is preventing the screen from turning on and radio from working. If anyone has any recommendations for a double-din deck that they have or know is good could you please let me know, Thanks! I have been looking into the pioneer AVH280BT and am planing to buy it soon. Bluetooth and auxiliary is definitely something I am looking for and preferably something with a monitor.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/DVD+Receivers/AVH-280BT

Here are some pictures of what is installed right now

OFF
ON, buttons are illuminated, but screen gets no power and it wont even play CDs

Also if I was to purchase a new deck similar to the pioneer one is it likely that the harness used by my current deck would fit the pioneer? or will I have to purchase one specific to the pioneer deck, sorry guys if these questions are dumb, I am still a bit of a noob lol.

 

Hi there Ihaveataco,
I too am looking to upgrade, although I'll be replacing the stock head unit in my '00. My biggest "want" is Andriod Auto and a volume knob vs button.

I'm a big Pioneer fan (Pioneer HU's in 4 other cars) but, so far this Sony XAV-AX100 at Crutchfield seems to be the best bang for the buck for something that will fit my needs. Android Auto (mostly for Google Maps), Backup cam capability, Hands free, Bluetooth and a few other features I currently don't have. Although, having a monitor/touch screen may not be ideal due to the low mounting location/position in the '00. I have been attaching my phone (Velcro) over the stock radio just to see if the location is to low. Wish it was a bit higher but so far it seems to be okay.

Also, if you absolutely have to have a aux input, this unit is not going to work for you. I have never used the aux input in my other car so it's not really something I need.

Good luck with the search, Taco-Bender

 

Thinking about doing the same for my '00 Prerunner. Want touch screen/double din/BT. On a budget-any suggestions on nice lower end stereos that are reliable with the accessories I want? BOSS? Soundstream? Blaupunkt? Axxerra? Any of the chinese ones?

 

Hi, everyone thanks for the replies and contribution I haven't logged on in a while but I finally installed a deck myself about 2 weeks ago. I ended up going with the Pioneer AVH-280BT which was my original decision mainly based on its price and its availability in stores near me (bought mine at Walmart for $290 CAD plus tax) so far I am definitely not disappointed with it, price considered. It has all functions I wanted such as radio,bluetooth connectivity,usb connection,auxiliary connection. The usb and aux connection is in the rear of the deck but i just used the usb extension cable that the kit came with and fed it through into my glove box and did the same with an aux i had laying around. The installation was a bit of a problem as it was my first time doing any sort of wiring. I started with removing the plastics on the dash around the radio and ac controls. It's quite simple,plenty youtube videos on it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ0-KrKdJTQ) then took a couple hours to figure out how to connect all the wires due too poor labeling and instructions that came with the pioneer deck. After a couple hours of playing around with wires (battery was disconnected) and looking at videos and wiring diagrams it all made sense and i wired it up quick using the factory harness, aftermarket harness and some plastic wire butt connectors. Everything works great and music sounds pretty good, although i cannot compare it to anything because i bought the car without a working radio. The problem with the old deck which was in when i bought the car seemed to be poor wiring and installation but it needed a upgrade anyways.

Ill post some images that someone might find useful as far as wiring goes.

 

This is only my suggestion but go with Pioneer. The last two Sony electronic products I have bought have been garbage. My Sony laptop constantly overheats and shuts down after 15 minutes of use and I bought a Sony digital camera that broke after two years and I didn't even use it that much. Sony has gone downhill since the 1990s. IMO, when it comes to headunits, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine are the three best brands available today.

 

I'm very happy with my Pioneer 4200 Head unit

 

Thanks for the tip NIU. I'll keep in mind.

Seems like a lot of company's are hit or miss these days. I remember when Sony was the ONLY TV to buy. Bought a 25" XBR back in '86 and paid a bit over $800 for it. That was a lot of dollars for a freakin TV. Also had a couple pieces of their ES series of audio gear which were phenomenal. I miss the old days

 

will you tell me which aftermarket wiring harness you used?

 

I had that Sony in my last car and loved it, I bought it for the android auto, I still have it in my garage, it may end up in my Taco. Plus I think Crutchfield dropped price on it

 

Apple CarPlay?

Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer & Sony sell aftermarket units

https://www.digitaltrends.com/apple/what-is-apple-carplay/

 

I used the harness that came in the pioneer box. I imagine you could use a different one but the plastic plug would have to be able to fit into the back of the unit and also it would need all the wires for the connections. They might sell Toyota harness adapters which would be nice because you would just have to plug the new harness to the factory clip and plug the other end into your unit, avoiding all the individual connections, but I am not sure on that.

 

I have a Kenwood DDX9702S (new model is the

Kenwood DMX Series 6.95" Resistive Touchscreen Digital multimedia receiver with Bluetooth (does not play CDs) | With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Gravity Phone Holder Bundle

DDX9703s) that I love. I used the Maestro RR to allow gauge displays. The RR replaces your steering wheel control unit (Usually an

AXXES Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Interface

AWSC-1 or Maestro SW).

The 9702s is a 7" DDIN with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
I love the amount of settings you have for audio, especially since I have a Kicker Hideaway sub, Alpine PowerPack 4ch amp powering 4 Kicker KS speakers. Definitely recommend it!

As for harnesses, this is what was used on my 2013 Base (No Entune)
Dash Kit:

$29 Metra 95-8235CHG Double DIN Dash Installation Kit for 2012 Toyota Tacoma Vehicles (Charcoal High Gloss)

Metra 95-8235CHG
Vehicle Harness:

$5 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker

Metra 70-1761
USB Harness:

$10 Metra AX-TOYUSB-2 2010-Up Toyota USB Adaptor

Metra AX-TOYUSB-2 (Retains factory USB plug near power outlets)
SW Controls:

$138 Maestro ADS-MRR Universal Radio Replacement and Steering Wheel Interface

iDataLink Maestro RR (You may use the

$60 Maestro ADS-MSW Universal Analog Steering Wheel Interface

Maestro SW if you don't want gauges, or radio doesn't support it)

Speaker sizes are as follows:
Front: 6x9 (requires the

$949 METRA 82-8146 6" x 9" compatible for Toyota(R) Multi 2002 & Up Speaker Adapter Plate Accessories Electronics

Metra 82-8146 to mount) I used the Kicker KS 3-Way coax
Rear: 6.5 (Requires the

$17 Metra Electronics 82-8148 6" to 6-3/4" Speaker Adapter for Select Toyota/Lexus/Scion 1998-Up Vehicles, Black

Metra 82-8148 to mount) I used the Kicker KS65 components
Tweeters: 3.5 - left these plugged in for now.

Hope this helps anyone looking for suggestions! I've also attached a Directechs wiring manual for 2nd gens for anyone looking.