2ndGenTacoma Aucar T-Style head unit not connecting to “CarAuto”

So I purchased the Aucar “Tesla style” head unit for my 2009 2nd Gen Tacoma, and it looks great. It’s running Android 11 and when it does connect to CarAuto (I guess the generic AppleCarplay) the system sounds great. But it started losing connection after the first few times I drove around. Now when I start the truck, the “connecting to Bluetooth” screen will automatically pop up but it never connects to my phone. At least not in the CarAuto app that looks exactly like AppleCarplay. If I connect to my phone directly from the Bluetooth app I can play music, although it’s slightly delayed and the quality isn’t great. I’ve tried connecting and disconnecting, forgetting the devices and repairing, switching on WiFi and updating the app, which it says it’s running the latest version. The only thing I’ve found that works is if I go to Factory Settings, put in the code 7890, click OK and it takes me to a hidden menu where I can reboot the system. If I do this, once the system comes back on it will automatically connect to the CarAuto app and pretty much has all the AppleCarplay features. Its pretty annoying actually because I’ve gotten lots of compliments on the screen and I really like the look and capabilities of the unit, but this kinda sucks. Has anyone else experienced this? I’ve watched a few videos about using a thumb drive to update the units firmware but I feel like mine is up to date based on the date on the “About” page. Perhaps it’s just a faulty unit? Any help is welcome, and I happy to answer any questions about the unit too. Thanks!

 

Does it work ok with wired CarPlay?
Have you tried another phone?

 

Do you have an option to connect via USB? That may be more reliable than BT and may help narrow down the problem. If you can use a cable, make sure it’s a good quality one that meets whatever specs are provided.

 

I've experienced this with my Aucar headunit and my Samsung flip (android).

But unlike you, I had the problem upon initial install and it seemed to have rectified itself and has been stable for me. I had attributed it either firmware updates to my phone/app or updates to Aucar. I did do the most recent Aucar firmware update (Nov '23?) but didn't notice any changes.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tesla-style-head-unit.737247/page-64#post-29310537

I can only think of suggesting trying to connect it physically via USB cable. And yes, this thing is picky about the USB cables that are used so try a few and make sure you wiggle the connector end to make sure it's snug, etc.

And obviously make sure all firmware is up to date especially on your Android device. And unpair and repair the BT connection between Aucar and your phone.

I have a theory that this is device related and not aucar because when I've noticed the problem that you described in the past, my phone would have a firmware update soon after and the carplay connection fixes itself.

Hope this helps

 

I do have the option to connect via USB cable, but I haven’t tried it yet. And honestly for over $1,000 I just want it to do wireless connectivity. I’ve contacted Aucar and they asked for my WhatsApp so maybe they can help somehow. I’ll keep yall posted.

 

I'll be interested in what they say and how it's resolved. My hunch still points to the BT/Carplay interaction on the device(s).

 

I received a strange message from an account on WhatsApp, and eventually realized it was the technical support for Aucar. I sent a picture of my current firmware and they sent me this link to update it https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZuzR3VZMauuwEkd3umlc1O4jS4QsB9Ie93V downloaded it to my computer and then copied the .zip folder over to a thumb drive. Plugged the thumb drive into the usb ports that come with the kit, mine run into the glove box. I just chose one, but I think one is for data transfer and the other isn’t, I started the taco and they system went to an Upgrade screen. Clicked upgrade, let it do its thing, and when the system finished, I turned the truck off and unplugged the usb stick. Waited a few moment and started the truck back on. This time the system took about 15-20 seconds to power on, but once it did, I noticed the CarAuto app looked different. I had to re-pair the unit to my phone but so far it’s connecting without any issue. The only problem now is that it will not connect automatically like it used to try to do, now I do have to click on the app to start it, but I can live with that. Hope this helps anyone who is facing the same issue. Now on to the next gripe, Why can’t I download Netflix? The Google play store says Netflix won’t work with my device. ‍♂️

 

I think the firmware upgrade could have reset some settings. Make sure that "Carplay" is one of the apps that auto launch on start up within your settings. It could have reset to default.

 

so I did try to change this, but on the User tab of Settings, under where you can choose which app to auto launch, CarAuto is not an option. I’ll check under the Android Settings tab but I don’t think there’s an auto launch option here.

 

Sorry, I don't drive my truck as often these days, but I did today and can confirm that Carplay auto launched and established the BT handshake afterwards. It reverted back to default after my latest firmware upgrade but auto launch of Carplay was a selectable setting change somewhere.

 

Do you remember where that setting was changed?

 

@TacoTom281
Check the CarAuto app. I think it's a setting for 'Open By Default".



To get there, press and long-hold the CarAuto app and select App Info.