AUCAR INSTALL NEED INFORMATION.

Hello all,
I am installing the 2nd Gen Tacoma Aucar head unit and have run into the sort of snags a sub novice installer will.

Everything is pretty clear with the exception of the Sirius XM / GPS antenna. My OEM head unit has Sirius XM but did not come with GPS. So there is a shark Fin Antenna but if I understand correctly it is unless as a GPS antenna for the GPS needs of my Aucar unit. Sadly leaving me to have to abandon its use for the one that comes with the Aucar unit.

The other issue I am experiencing is the use of the OEM backup camera. I have the factory self-dimming rearview mirror with the backup camera on board and I am wondering if this is causing a compatibility issue etc...

My truck is a 2012 SR5 Prerunner, has anyone overcome these install issues? If so would you please share with me the needed information I am lacking?

Many Thanks, Pearson

 

If you read this thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tesla-style-head-unit.737247/ it has all that information posted there including the adapters for the sharkfin gps antenna with links as to where to get them. As far as sirus xm radio goes you will need to access that by downloading an app to the head unit.

 

Thanks, we actually found this information since the outreach posting of our thread. Where we are now, is in the attempt of confirming that the Shark Fin antenna in Trucks that had only use for it for Sirus XM and not a factory GPS unit which in our case are not compatible. Leaving one to use the aftermarket antenna that comes with the unit in its place. The other issue we are experiencing is the video signal for the backup camera reaching the unit. Our truck has the old smart mirror display and we are looking for options on how to share or move that signal from the rearview to the actual head unit.

 

As far as the backup camera I had the same setup amd used this https://camerasource.com/accessories/2013-tacoma-mirror-to-radio-camera-conversion.html
To move the camera from the mirror to the head unit. There was a guy in that other thread who took the guts out of the gps antenna that came with the head unit and mounted them into his sharkfin rather than sticking it to his windshield.

 

While emailing this company https://www.discountcarstereo.com/xms-toy.html?category_id=273 for a correct connector for my gps in the sharkfin antenna the guy told me that both the gps and xm radio antenna in my truck used the same connector. It might be possible to use the xm antenna for gps but you would have to order the correct connector for your truck to see if it would work.

 

We all busted out laughing when we clicked on your link. We had just found the adapter ourselves and were wondering if it was the proper one for the job. So you offered the confirmation we needed to move forward with the purchase. Really appreciate your taking the time to respond.

 

Not a problem good luck with the rest of the install.

 

I would love to use the same connector with an adaptor but all indication is that it is not compatible with my configuration. That it only works with trucks that have factory GPS shark fins and not Sirius XM only units like mine. Learning as I go, but it did take information from three different installers for me to give up hope as to this being the case.

I was holding out for a "yes, it will work" since they all were somewhat unsure of the answer to my question. The best install idea I have heard so far was here where it was shared that someone gutted their shark fin and placed their aftermarket GPS antenna under its housing for the best reception and factory look. I am considering this myself.

 

The gps they send with the unit works well and if you run it across over the glovebox and up the passenger pillar then under the headliner to beside the mirror in the middle it hides well and really not that noticeable, I used it until I got my adapter.

 

I asked the same question of Aucar and they suggested this cable for moving the camera from the mirror to the head unit, and they do not carry this cable. Good luck with the install. I'll watch, but would rather just drive.

 

Yeah, I'm considering that cable and self-install vs. a local shop that has been through this the mirror to unit thing a few times and hand-makes the proper harness, so I'm weighing my options. Is this unit capable of stand-alone LTE data service or does it have to have a wifi signal available to have an internet connection?

 

In the e-mail they sent, they wrote that they received the information on that cable from one of their customers and were passing it on. Sounds best to support the local economy and wiring shop. I'm sure it completes the wired connection between camera and head unit. Aucar naturally tries to upsell their own (higher quality picture) rear view camera...

 

I've seen a few people post that the OE camera lacks good res when blown up to the AUCAR screen size. I think the people at the link you sent me sell an upgraded rear latch handle with a better camera in it as well.