Questions about my head unit....2010 TRD Sport

I'm confused on my new to me 2010 head unit. I've read the manual and still confused because it basically shows two units...the basic and the 6 disc. I have the 6 disc. It has the AM/XM button. I see an antenna at the back of the roof that I assume is the XM antenna.

1. When I read the manual it looked like this unit should have bluetooth but the bluetooth icon does not show on the screen. Are there variations or is there a module that Toyota sells?

2. I see the AM/XM button but when I push the button XM does not come on...that part I gathered means I don't have the XM receiver but is that the XM antenna on the hood? Is the receiver something Toyota sells?

Sorry for the nube (only had the truck 2 days) questions but I've searched hear and other places and not figuring it out. Thanks.

 

Going to need a picture showing all the connections on the back of the radio.
The XM tuner is separate (bolted to the bottom of the radio).
You will need a microphone plugged in or the Bluetooth won't work.

 

Oh I have pics...also not figuring how to post to my profile yet....because, well, I'm a nube. I've come over from the dark side (GMFullSize) so this is all new to me. I'll get it.

So I need to pull the HU and take a look. Helpful info...so there's just two non-JBL HU's right?
So you're saying if I plug in a mic the bluetooth will be there or do I still need to confirm by pulling the HU. I'll check the DIY for HU removal tutorial.

 

Exactky, if the mic is not plugged in the head unit the blue tooth will not work.

 

Heads up, before diving too deep into the stock unit, i THINK the 2010 had a recall on the stock headunit. It would turn off and on by itself and show characters instead of letters for song titles or something.

 

To follow up I did a vin decode that the unit has a prewired antenna but you have to buy the XM module and install kit (in case anyone else is wondering). Looks like about $250 if you shop around. Looks like you have to mount the module in the back and run the wiring to the driver kick panel.

On another note...am I the only one who thinks the stock stereo doesn't totally suck? I've had the truck for a few days now and sure, there are some weaknesses but overall I'm not unhappy with it. I've always gone overboard on the stereo systems in most of my vehicles but this one I think I'll hold off for now.

 

I felt my 2013 headunit was the worst I'd seen that year. That being said I was going from a good not great factory optioned system in a Nissan Juke I was trading in and my work truck that had Fords Sync 2 with Sony speakers. I changed the head unit in my Tacoma out for a cheap Sony unit with Apple Carplay, added a basic 4 channel amp, and threw in some Alpine type R speakers and the difference is unreal for only about $600 CAD spend. IMHO it's never worth it strictly from a logical standpoint to throw a couple of grand into a car stereo system unless you're an audiophile. Buy the time you rip it apart, deaden the outside noise, select top tier audio components, and follow through with a perfect install you've blown several grand on a truck that'll still rattle with windshield noise lol. With the amount of money that's similar to adding in the XM unit to the stock stereo and having it installed you can install a far superior system with more functionality, like Carplay, Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius/XM, Navigation (through Carplay), etc etc. To me it's a no brainer to upgrade to a now basic set of functions like that.

 

All good points. The old 20% of the money for 80% of the sound is true. Got to spend the other 80% of the money to get that last 20% of sound. I've been down that road and here's what I learned. Sitting in my garage listening to music on those systems was fun...but as soon as you start the vehicle and head down the hiway that 80% is pretty much out the window. Last truck (GM) I went with the near top of the line double din, Apple car play, touch screen and it was more novelty for me. I soon lost interest in the gadgets.




I've about abandoned XM anyway. I listen to my phone most of the time and the stock unit does that fine with the AUX. I do miss the bluetooth thing. Still not sure if whether I hook up a mic that the bluetooth icon will magically appear on the screen but I may try. Nothing in the VIN decode showed anything about BT.

 

I find now that Audible and Google Maps are Carplay supported apps that Carplay is a necessary feature. Having hands free navigation that works awesome and direct access to my audiobooks is a huge feature for me.

I found the mic in my 2013 wasn't great, which is typical given its mounting point just above the rear view mirror but recessed behind a plastic grill. The included mic with my headunit is a lot better.