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

It looks like this. I’ve had a pioneer in it for the last 5 years. But I’m sick of the the after market radio not working every once in a While

 

That’s exactly how my buddy’s looks like. They said it would work. Might need a small update to the system but they’ll just send you a usb stick with the update. Send them this pic with your model/year and they’ll help you out. Honk@carsynctech.com.

 

My empty slot is hooked up to the LED light bar button. Wonder if the OEM USB A + AUX is still connected to anything now? If not I'm thinking to remove that one and add the one you linked instead

 

The OEM USB A + Aux is still connected. You don't actually remove anything from the stock unit (unless you elect to remove your XM module which I did). The OEM USB A + AUX will be the connections you would use if you were to choose this source within the Etune interface. However, if you never plan on using the Entune interface again, I guess you could remove it? I think the whole point of this CarPlay module is to be able to retain the stock setup and just add wireless CarPlay.

Some folks are using a similar socket and just installing it in their glove box (cutting a square hole and inserting it some how in there).

I know it's additional work but do you have space on the left of your steering wheel to put your light bar button? I put my scoop light button on this side. I replaced the little cubby with a switch plug plate to allow more options.

 

Thank you for your suggestions. I guess my only option now is to put in that switch plug plate Will see how often this Carplay module require firmware updates.

 

This is really tempting. It looks the same in the pictures, but that can be pretty meaningless on Ali. My assumption is that the manufacturer in china just made some off label ones to sell for themselves, but then you don't get the tech support from CarSyncTech that seems to be very necessary.

Has anyone used the Ali Express model and are willing to share their experience?

 

Agreed, having support from a more local reseller was worth the extra money to me especially with firmware updates being required for some head units. Still, if the out-of-the box firmware works fine (as it did with mine) maybe worth the gamble?

 

Anyone that bought and installed the decoder from carsynctech having OEM Head Unit GPS issues? Mine was working fine at first but then I've been getting this error since. I troubleshot the issue by unplugging and replugging in all connectors and made sure my MicroSD card was pushed in. I event went to the extent of purchasing a new MicroSD map card form Toyota but nothing is solving the issue.. I reached carsynctech support and they said they are investigating it... no answer still.

 

Mine would do that for a while before it started turning off while driving repeatedly. I think my SD card slot is going bad. Popped the card out and it seems to have settled, but I can’t use the gps now.

 

I'm having this issue intermittently, and I'm also having an issue where it takes up to 5 minutes to connect to android auto which is extremely frustrating.

On a plus side, I contacted them about the 5 minutes to connect issue and they were prompt to respond and have asked me to do some troubleshooting. They said if we can't figure it out they'd send out another unit so I'm happy with their customer service so far.

 

Just bought this. Want to add an anytime front camera. What kits/brand are people using?

 

I've also acquired one, but haven't installed it yet. For camera, I have the Car Solutions.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/car-solutions-reverse-anytime-front-camera-install.604733/

 

SO i got a Carsynctech unit on Amazon and it was delivered today. They're $299 direct or on amazon right now, by the way. I left my XM unit attached and shoved it down the back because the ribbon cable wasn't long enough from the CST unit to the head unit to have the XM module in the middle. Works good, looks good. Looking forward to having it on my trip to the shore next weekend. added like 45 minutes to the install because i pushed the one clip off the head unit and struggled to get it put back in place. I think that the only issue i have with it is that it takes a good while to connect on startup. but after that it's very responsive.

 

So I just installed this and everything is working well except the PTT doesn’t seem to bring up Siri in CarPlay.

also for those with the front camera car2play does it work when in CarPlay? Mine doesn’t but if I go to home and out of CarPlay it works fine.

 

Finally got feedback from Carsynctech that the OEM GPS issue was due to a faulty PC ribbon band that needs replacing. They sent me a replacement band which I just swapped out. GPS was working fine and then... back to square one, the OEM GPS is not working again. Guess we'll wait and see their response

 

@nattykanari I just install the CarSyncTech and had this issue. I purchased a new Toyota 2024 maps SD card on Amazon. After the the system upgraded to the latest code included with the new maps, the problem went away. I received this tip from another TW thread.

 

I tried this already, it didn't work for me and the new GPS card actually made the GPS obsolete. When I switched back to the older GPS card it was able to intermittently pick up and work with the oem GPS. Might give it another try though now that they sent me a new ribbon cable

 

I just installed this in my 2019 and it’s working great. The USB cable was ran backwards from the little hole in the glove box to the back of the unit with ease. I don’t intend to use it to connect my phone but just update firmware when needed. Glad I found this thread.

 

I just installed this unit. It seems to be working fine. I do need to hold the Home button each time to switch it over to Android Auto. The benefits are great! I like the news feed, programmable commands, texting and answering calls, recent maps, etc.

There was some lag with the Android Auto startup, but it wasn't that bad. The truck is a 2019 off-road with the Tech Package and the JBL head unit. I was actually able to fit the XM receiver under the carsynctech unit. The fit was tight, but I sandwiched it in there.

The truck has a carsolutions anytime camera installed, and everything works fine. Android Auto was a little slow when sending text messages and "hey Google" commands. I also dropped call, but it might be because of my location. The phone disconnects from my home wifi to join the carsynctech wifi, and the cell service is spotty at my house (not a good data connection).

Don't forget to remove the big factory ribbon. The small ribbon can also be tricky to set. I tried screen mirroring, but there must be a trick because I had no luck. I'll contact the company to see if I can get it working and report back.

Although it seems like there are a lot of wires behind my HU, it was doable. I too pushed the USB plug down to the driver's footwell and placed the wifi on top of the vent tube (back left). I have removed the shark fin from the roof a long time ago, and now it lives inside my dash if you're wondering WTF. AM/FM is spotty, but I rarely use it.





Additional pictures in Spoiler Link Below:

Spoiler: Pictures Can Be Found Here

 

Anyone else with this unit experienced poor sound quality? Not sure what gives. It sounds like low bandwidth Napster download and is happening in both xm and Spotify. Just checking. How is everyone contacting the seller? Thanks.