1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX Information Thread

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by ClubSoda, Jun 20, 2020.

  1. Jun 20, 2020 at 5:59 PM
    #1
    ClubSoda

    ClubSoda [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #274800
    Messages:
    270
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harry
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Tacoma TRD Off-Road
    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:
    Crutchfield (Accessories)
    Ebay:

    Optional:

    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
    Wifi.jpg

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

    Firmware.jpg

    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

    modified Screw.jpg

    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.

    :cheers:

    20200629_221254.jpg

    20200620_163940.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 4, 2020
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #1
  2. Jun 20, 2020 at 7:40 PM
    #2
    mrCanoehead

    mrCanoehead Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2017
    Member:
    #235493
    Messages:
    745
    Gender:
    Male
    Ottawa
    Vehicle:
    2018 DCSB Sport manual 3.5 l
    How long to install, in beers?
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2020
  3. Jun 20, 2020 at 9:23 PM
    #3
    ClubSoda

    ClubSoda [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #274800
    Messages:
    270
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harry
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Tacoma TRD Off-Road
    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. :thumbsup:
     
    mrCanoehead[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jun 21, 2020 at 5:52 AM
    #4
    Ch78

    Ch78 GBO!

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2016
    Member:
    #185006
    Messages:
    2,313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Tomball, TX
    Vehicle:
    17' Taco Supreme
    Tuned By D3 Performance
    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.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #4
    deputyd0ng69 likes this.
  5. Jun 27, 2020 at 6:08 PM
    #5
    Khoadattran

    Khoadattran Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2019
    Member:
    #298519
    Messages:
    766
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Khoa
    Is your screen sitting flush or is it sticking out a little bit @ClubSoda ?
     
  6. Jun 27, 2020 at 6:46 PM
    #6
    Ch78

    Ch78 GBO!

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2016
    Member:
    #185006
    Messages:
    2,313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Tomball, TX
    Vehicle:
    17' Taco Supreme
    Tuned By D3 Performance
    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

    D8191A70-50B6-469C-9F6C-220C15602D8B.jpg
     
    gsubioguy and jimbro like this.
  7. Jun 27, 2020 at 6:54 PM
    #7
    Khoadattran

    Khoadattran Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2019
    Member:
    #298519
    Messages:
    766
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Khoa
    My sticks out like that too. Just making sure I did it correctly. Thanks.
     
    Ch78[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Jun 27, 2020 at 7:48 PM
    #8
    ClubSoda

    ClubSoda [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #274800
    Messages:
    270
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harry
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Tacoma TRD Off-Road
    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.

    20200627_194421.jpg 20200627_194425.jpg 20200627_194428.jpg
     
  9. Jun 27, 2020 at 7:48 PM
    #9
    Khoadattran

    Khoadattran Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2019
    Member:
    #298519
    Messages:
    766
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Khoa
    Thanks for the pictures
     
  10. Jun 28, 2020 at 5:09 PM
    #10
    FrayAdjacent

    FrayAdjacent Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #226135
    Messages:
    375
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matthew
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    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.
     
    ClubSoda[OP] likes this.
  11. Jun 29, 2020 at 8:02 AM
    #11
    dwillhere1

    dwillhere1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2019
    Member:
    #284029
    Messages:
    429
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Surprise, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD OFFROAD
    @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.
     
  12. Jun 29, 2020 at 4:18 PM
    #12
    Ch78

    Ch78 GBO!

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2016
    Member:
    #185006
    Messages:
    2,313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Tomball, TX
    Vehicle:
    17' Taco Supreme
    Tuned By D3 Performance
    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?
     
  13. Jun 29, 2020 at 4:44 PM
    #13
    dmun2

    dmun2 New Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2016
    Member:
    #187714
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    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?
     
  14. Jun 29, 2020 at 5:34 PM
    #14
    Ch78

    Ch78 GBO!

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2016
    Member:
    #185006
    Messages:
    2,313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Tomball, TX
    Vehicle:
    17' Taco Supreme
    Tuned By D3 Performance
    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.
     
    MGMDesertTaco likes this.
  15. Jun 29, 2020 at 6:21 PM
    #15
    dwillhere1

    dwillhere1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2019
    Member:
    #284029
    Messages:
    429
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Surprise, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD OFFROAD
    I had to modify the stock brackets. Was able to get it. Took more time than wiring. Lol

    image.jpg
    image.jpg
     
    vettencle, JasonT87, drizzoh and 8 others like this.
  16. Jun 29, 2020 at 6:24 PM
    #16
    cameleon50

    cameleon50 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2014
    Member:
    #120593
    Messages:
    203
    Gender:
    Male
    Weatherford, Tejas!
    Vehicle:
    YotaWerx'd 2017 TRD PRO CEMENT
    Hammer Hanger, Kings 2.5, ICON Leaf + UCA, Marlin, OEM Audio Plus, OVTune, Nitro 5.29, MESO, Victory 4x4
    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.
     
    ClubSoda[OP] likes this.
  17. Jun 29, 2020 at 6:40 PM
    #17
    Khoadattran

    Khoadattran Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2019
    Member:
    #298519
    Messages:
    766
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Khoa
    That looks awesome
     
  18. Jun 29, 2020 at 6:49 PM
    #18
    dwillhere1

    dwillhere1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2019
    Member:
    #284029
    Messages:
    429
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Surprise, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD OFFROAD
    Thanks!
     
  19. Jun 29, 2020 at 7:35 PM
    #19
    Ch78

    Ch78 GBO!

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2016
    Member:
    #185006
    Messages:
    2,313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Tomball, TX
    Vehicle:
    17' Taco Supreme
    Tuned By D3 Performance
    Looks really good. I don’t have the patience to do that. Feel free to stop by anytime and do mine.
     
  20. Jun 29, 2020 at 7:46 PM
    #20
    dwillhere1

    dwillhere1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2019
    Member:
    #284029
    Messages:
    429
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Surprise, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD OFFROAD
    No problem bro. I’ll be right there. Wait for me! Lol
     
    Ch78[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top