CarPlay/Android Auto module - $270 solution for pre-2020 trucks

About to pull the trigger, but for a few $$ more I can get the cartrimhome, just wondering how you have been liking this unit?

 

I like it a lot. For basic CarPlay functionality it works great for me. Love the wireless connection, great screen resolution (unlike some other options out there)...pretty much works like factory CarPlay as far as I'm concerned. I don't know what 'cartrimhome' is so can't comment on any comparison to that.

 

Just received my unit in the mail today. Will install in a couple weeks when I get some time off work.

Unit also came with a USB thumb drive in case you have to update the firmware. I was not expecting this, a nice little surprise.

 

Well, it’s on and working

 

Newtime Tacoma modder here, really wanting to get carplay in my 2016 Tacoma but not really willing to spend $800 on a new headunit. I'll post back with my results when I can.

 

Just got mine. How are you disconnecting this flat cable. I have tried pulling the black plastic wedge away from the wire. I cant seem to get this off and I dont want to break it.

 

It is a little tough to pull up and it does feel like it can brake lol

I was afraid also lol

 

did you pull the cable up? usually on these theyre no problem and you slide the plastic out to release the cable

 

got it, the bar lifts up like a breaker on the cable in case anyone else has that issue

 

I just installed the Carsynctech unit in a 2019. Install went well but some settings were messed up and android auto wasn't available. Contacted their tech support and they sorted it out immediately. Great Tech support.

A question for the audiophiles...

The truck is new to me... I just installed new speakers and an Amp in conjunction with the Bluetooth unit. When doing sound tests, the sound is light years ahead of OEM. Yet the audio level seems to be substantially higher when using radio as source vs Bluetooth. Is this common? Will the head unit read files off a USB or connected by wire to the phone? Would that give a higher audio level?

Also of interest for those looking for better sound, the limits of the entune 2.0 head unit are quickly reached. The rear speakers are severely restricted by the head unit. I had read so previously but now have measured it. When setting the gain for the rear channel on a 50 per channel amplifier, the head unit signal is so weak that the most voltage I can get being output to the rear is 6 volts. The fronts are set at 14 volts with no distortion.

 

I am wondering where the OP purchased the decoder for $270? This is currently not available in Carsynctech.com and priced $299 at Amazon.

 

Great write up OP. Installation went smooth and the product works great.

Things to mention:
-The little black tab on the ribbon cable needs to flip up to remove the cable. Then the cable needs to go over the humps to remove from harness.
-The only real way to keep xm receiver is to dangle it behind head unit. It is too fat to stack. (Edit: looks like you can stack if you put the CarPlay module on the bottom, however not recommended from supplier)
-I have the anytime front and back camera and it works with this device. Only thing is it takes about 15 seconds to respond from starting truck. Backup works instantly and is no issue.

Overall this is a nice upgrade, the quality is great (Much better than the ABC module), responsiveness is great and all factory buttons work. Factory Nav also works. Definitely expensive but for me worth it.


Edit: Most annoying part

After a bit of use I noticed while in car play mode the volume level does not show on screen. The buttons/dials work but now instead of keeping it on 20 I keep it at “not too loud”. No more bumping it up to 50 I just call it “won’t get any louder”. You can exit car play mode to see the volume level on screen again however that seems like a basic functionality that should be included for the price.

 

Maybe you figured this out already but yes it does work with anytime backup camera. Takes a few seconds to respond now, maybe because of all the harnesses….

Factory Harness>Anytime BU Harness>CarSyncTech Harness—-Headunit

 

So I went and did my install this weekend, did not go very smoothly. So far I was able to get car play kinda working, but without audio I tried to use the Firmware to reflash or reset the box, but to no affect. I am probably doing something wrong but will publish my results so far once they respond to my email.

Couple of notes from today:

• The actual hardware install was easy, following the video was pretty straight forward.
• Minus my audio issues, until I bricked it somehow, the display was very responsive.
• The ribbon cables did take some finagling to removed, just took some effort just as others had mentioned.

It was on sale for $270 for a while there on Amazon.

 

Got it working! The team behind this got back to me this morning, I had a software update required to get my truck working and I was doing some user error, there was some confusion on my end if you needed to be connected twice via bluetooth for the truck and carplay, and I believe the answer is yes.

Past that, super easy install, screen works well and carplay and siri are responsive. Love it so far.

 

Has anyone tried this with an Android?

What do you mean by connected twice via bluetooth? Does your phone connect to both? Is one just for phone calls and other for audio?

 

I'lll be honest and say it sorta just "works", by connecting twice I mean the name of the bluetooth changed connection.

You need to have your phone connected to the truck normally using the regular method, and then connect it again during the install and from there it sorta just magically works. It sounds a little weird but it really didn't change anything from the iPhone side, could have just been an install thing.

 

Does your anytime BU harness also allow for a front camera? My harness allows me to setup a front camera and by default, after going from reverse to drive (I have a manual so nuetral/1st) it auto switches to front camera. I also can control the cameras from the Mode button on the steering wheel. Is your harness similar? Does it work fine with this CarSyncTech unit?

Follow-up question for anyone.... does this unit allow mirroring of your phone? Like if I have a video streaming app, can I display it on the stock unit (this is mainly for kids while we're parked waiting for wife/mom in a store or something).

 

Does anyone know if SiriusXM works with this CarSyncTech and the stock antenna? Or would I need to get the

$59 SiriusXM SXV300V1 SiriusXM Satellite Radio Vehicle Tuner, Add to Any SiriusXM-Ready Car Stereo SXV300V1

SiriusXM SXV300V1 adapter plus a new antenna?
Oh and follow up question: Does Sirius work through Android Auto via the app?

 

Correct I have the front and rear cameras and they work fine. I have them on a switch not sure about steering wheel controls. I assume it’ll be fine based on my experience.

it says it has mirroring but I haven’t tested it out. As far as I know it doesn’t work but they’re “working on it”. (Same with other competitors)