How many OEM Radio options will plug and play in gen 2?

You know when I first got my Taco I was all about an aftermarket radio. But after getting to know the OEM one in my truck, well I like it. It is starting to glitch a little, like when I turn the volume up at the knob it does not track properly.

So if you know and will share,

I would like to know which OEM offerings (any year) will work as designed in my 2nd gen. I would like to have apple play and a screen of respectable size but this is not a deal killer. Also Is there anyone who offers quality remanufactured units or reconditions them?

The unit that is in my truck is very nice looking has a CD on top and a really neat medium size screen that lights up its information in gray. I confess I am just now looking into what all of its capabilities are. On the right side dial, it has some sort of spongy dot that reminds me of the old eraser tip type of mouse navigation in laptops.

Is it a good one out of all that was offered or compatible for that year? Is it compatible with a conservative amp and aftermarket speakers?

 

in regards to the little glitch where you experience with the volume knob, I had similar issues and was able to address the problem quite easily. my issue was that spinning the volume would cause it to jump quite a few notches on the screen in either direction even when its being turned up or down. to fix it, you would need to pull the knob straight out and clean it with electrical contact cleaner. spray some on the interior of the knob (plastic side) and also on the actual metal shaft side of the knob as well. let it soak and freely spin it around to clean up the gunk/dust over time. after doing this, the problem was fixed for me on my 2012 JBL oem deck.

$11 CRC QD Electronic Cleaner 05101 – 4.5 Wt. Oz., Plastic Safe Cleaner, Safe for Sensitive Electronics

Electronic Contact Cleaner

 

Personally I think the 2014 OEM Entune units w/ Nav aren't too bad and will likely provide a lot of extra features you're looking for. However, I don't know how "plug & play" friendly it would be with your truck given the changes to the steering wheel controls and other features, such as the reverse backup camera display being shown on the 2014 head unit instead of the 2012 rear view mirror.

At the end of the day it might be quite a bit easier to just go with a nice aftermarket unit instead of trying to get an OEM unit from another year to work in your 2012. My vote is you just pick up a nice Kenwood or Pioneer HU, pick up a Maestro signal converter for your steering wheel buttons and call it a day.

Lastly, you might want to pass this question on to the audio section of the website. They're probably much more informed on this issue than I am. Good luck!

 

When I had my 05 4runner, a scion XB stereo plugged right in and fit perfect.

 

If this works, I owe you one. My radio has been doing this for 10 years

 

Trying this sorcery tomorrow for sure.

 

All controls on the steering wheel work properly?

 

I don't know about compatibility, but I do know that OE NAV isn't worth the SD card it's written on and updates aren't free.

Apple play and Android auto didn't appear until late 3rd gen, and I'd not hold my breath that one of those would be an easy adaptation.

I'm thinking you may need to love the one you're with, or go aftermarket if you want a more feature rich model.

 

I like the way you put this. I wouldn't be the least bit disappointed to do just that. May need to add an amp and speakers though. Think of it like keeping mama, only getting her a BOOB JOB.

 

@trakmasterrs thanks for the cleaning tip. I had a can of that in the shop and never thought to use it on the radio. Worked like a champ!

 

Well know it or not your statement offers a little peace of mind in just learning that it's a normal glitch and not on its way out.

 

It works!

 

i think OP is torn that the fix works and he no longer has a reason to buy a new deck /sarcasm

 

I've got to find a couple of videos on how to remove my head unit so I can clean it. I may as well give it a good once over. Did you spray the CRC behind the dial to repair the issue?

I'm thinking I may need to do a good once over on the entire thing. I got in the truck the other day pressed the button and it wouldn't come on at all. My wife was with me and she asked what was wrong? So I did a Fonzie bump and right on queue, it fired right up. A pretty good indicator that more than one connection may need attention.

 

You don't have to remove the head unit. Pull the volume/on-off knob off (straight out) and you can see where to spray the cleaner. You don't need to "put out a fire" just some small sprays and turn the knob back and forth. Mine's a 2010 and it didn't take much to remedy the problem.

 

My stock unit would constantly reboot, updated the software and eventually the screen would misbehave. Ended up going with the Joying Head Unit and while it claims to be plug and play a little modding and cables are needed to keep all the stock features like backup camera and USB ports. Still happy with my purchase.

 

ive been wanting one of these for awhile now but have been holding back, so it runs smoothly no lags to it? i have a backup camera in my rear view mirror so i dont plan on rewiring it to the unit but how was it with the steering wheel controls?

 

Heres the mega thread on that unit. You should browse through it. General consensus is most people like theirs however the units act up from time to time.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-joying-head-unit-thread.706997/

 

what size is that Joying?