New Head Unit Install

Hey all,
Went through several pages of forum and tried search but just did not have luck.

Installing a used (new to me) Kenwood Exceleron DDR9906XR and am trying to figure out what connections from a plug and play standpoint to use from Crutchfield or another place if you have good experience.

Crutchfield doesn't make it very clear online or makes it sound like it will retain factory Amp which I don't want. My system is a non JBL radio. I want to use the Kenwood for power for my aftermarket door speakers. What items do I actually need to get this thing fully running right without losing reverse camera, steering wheel controls, etc? Here is what I have to this point. :

TO1Harness
Antenna Adapter
USB adapter
Steering Wheel Adapter
....... What else needed?

 

I actually have a DNX996XR in my truck. I’ll see if I can dig up my complete list of stuff I bought. Your unit & mine use the same harnesses

Off the cuff, you’ll need to add a Maestro module, GPS adapter, AUX line in adapter. Your rear camera will plug right in to the head unit and should work without modification.

Also, be aware there isn’t shit for room behind the head unit. You would be wise to pare back your T01 harness to give yourself more space. You’ll need to tap your T01 harness for remote signal for your after market amp too

 

Thanks so much for looking for your list and the tips.... Just don't want to order a bunch of stuff not needed and vice versa. I do have an aftermarket Amp already so setting up the remote should be pretty straightforward for me as well. Thanks again. MP

Did you run your door speakers off the Kenwood head unit or use an aftermarket amp... How did your door speakers sound versus OEM stock power supply?

 

I only ran the stock speakers off the head unit for a short while. The stock speakers are wired up in parallel from the factory so they use less power. As a result, the Kenwood was a huge step up in sound quality and volume.

I highly recommend sound deadening your doors. That made the biggest difference with the stock speakers in my case.

 

Hey, following up on this. I couldn't find my list of gear but I will post this here to HOBO.

This is the iDatalink website link for entering your vehicle info. Plug in your data and you should be able to get a pretty decent list of things you need for your Taco. Just be sure to identify which items you'd like to retain beyond steering wheel controls (IE - gps, sirius XM, aux inputs, USB, etc)

https://www.idatalinkmaestro.com/en

Crutchfield isn't a bad resource either, I'd just double check their recommendations to be sure its accurate info (which you're doing here lol)

Lessons learned from my experience installing the stereo -

- Buy the crutchfield custom built harness for your head unit & the Maestro RR. It will save you a lot of space behind your stereo and save you a lot of time during your install.

- Ground your Parking SW cable to your head unit or the main ground wire. Watching Death to Smoochy on DVD while you're driving to the coast is an awesome thing and only possible if your head unit thinks you're parked while using it.

- If you're going to install a front mounted camera, install it while you're installing your new head unit. Trying to install the camera after your stereo and amp are installed sucks balls. Do it right the first time, don't be like @tacoman45 lol

 

That is great feedback and much appreciated. I will check it all out and love the DVD tip for grounding.. Thanks again.

 

OK here is the list I have so far. (If you see anything I am duplicating or missing please let me know)

iDatalink Maestro RR2 Interface Module

iDatalink ACC-HU-KEN1

iDatalink HRN-RR-TO1 Factory Integration Adapter

$11 Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adaptor Cable - Select 2009-Up Lexus/Toyota

Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adapter

Metra

$16 AX-TOYUSB USB Adapter for Select Toyota & Lexus OEM USB Female 30CM

AX-TOYUSB USB Port Cable