CARabc carplay

That's too bad, I got mine on Sunday and threw it in... everything works as it should!

 

I wanted it to. I solved a couple of the quirks, but couldnt fix the reverse cam. I liked it enough for the money too! Congrats and hope it stays solid for you!

 

Thanks for all the insight guys! CARabc says it is only compatible with Touch2 or Entune 2.0. So how do I confirm which system my 2018 Tundra has?

 

Just installed it into my 2019 Tundra... so far so good... will update with more details after I use it for a bit.

 

Used it for a few days now. Works great... I think the resolution isn't bad at all. I had some issues with the backup camera at first but the manual mentioned to change the setting to OE Camera and that made it work. Sometimes if I put the truck into reverse immediately after starting it the backup camera won't work. If I give carabc a minute to boot up then it works fine.

Worst thing so far is the brightness of the screen at night time. Had to turn down the overall brightness of the screen which helped somewhat.

Willing to answer any questions if people have them.

 

Installed mine a few days ago works ok, I just wanted to use google maps for more accuracy when I travel. Side note I noticed the sound quality isn’t as good as the regular factory system there is a lack of heavy bass but not too bad. They also mentioned on the Carabc website that the resolution is analog so that would explain the blurry screen resolution, looked at GROM audio they mentioned the same thing about the resolution, but I’m wondering if the sound quality would be better with the GROM if this one plays out I might just try the GROM

 

First post...My son installed this over the weekend- everything works..camera..etc. True on the graphics but it's the panasonic head unit limitations. On the sound quality for phone calls..the people on the other end of the line are saying the voice quality is muddled. Is there a setting or has anyone had issues with microphones?

 

Update....Carabc website...adjusted mic on white screen settings- basically raised the level of the mic and did the AEC test for 20 seconds in a quiet truck. Seems to be way better.
Very cool product...well done Carabc and silly Toyota for not making a head unit already set up for the carplay/android auto features.

 

Finally got around to putting mine in.

install was straight forward and took me maybe 45 min / 1 hour only because I was so slow on removing the plastics for fear of braking something.

Nice to have wireless CarPlay now. Backup camera works fine. And while you definitely know it’s a theirs party plug in, it does work and I’m satisfied with it. (So far). Only drove around on some errands with it.

 

2016 tundra, put carabc in, just wasn't for me, now the back up camera does not work but works if I put carabc in....... Any fixes for that?

 

Just installed and it's working mostly ok.

I have no idea why the factory Entune is so crisp and clear and this box produces such blurry video. Maybe this thing is just outputting the wrong resolution.

Another thing I noticed is the poor audio quality. Entune's audio sounds way better than anything that comes through device. I'm not sure why that is.

Does anyone have a link to the latest firmware?

 

Hey guys, have a 2017 Tundra and I'm looking into this product. Any updates? Do you have to switch from hijack mode to regular mode everytime you startup the truck? Thanks!

 

Hey Guys,

I started doing some quick research on this as I had a few issues with this product over the last few months since I purchased it (for my 2016 Toyota 4Runner Limited with Entune 2.0). This was definitely the best thread I found for this CARABC device, and it answers a lot of the questions and concerns we've all had. See below fo my list of issues using an iPhone 12 PRO:

Backup Camera Issue 1:

- didnt work initially
- FIX: went to Settings, set Camera to OE Camera and that worked like a charm!
​

Backup Camera Issue 2:

- issue when I start the car and immediately switch to reverse, backup camera doesnt show up, and the whole CARPLAY system won't load either
- this won't happen if I let the device load CARPLAY, usually takes about 15-20 seconds
- FIX: if you do get stuck in this screen, just press the VOLUME knob 2x and it loads CARPLAY properly! AWESOME!
​

Battery Drain Issue (Longer Drives):

- connected via WIFI but I also plug in to charge on both USB plugs (OEM and CARABC USB) and seems like it can't keep up with a charge
- I am usually using WAZE and listenning to APPLE MUSIC or Spotify
- FIX: No Official fix that I've heard for this, but I heard if you plug in another external charger in the cigarette lighter this works better? will try this out, anyone else can confirm this?
- FIXED: Bought a Fast Charging 12V plug on Amazon and now, with with the wireless carplay, all works great! Phone now gets fully charged while using WIFI CarPlay during long drives.
​

Phone Call Issue:

- People on other end can't hear me well (only sometimes), people say it sounds like I am in a tunnel or far far away
- this issue happens when I am calling someone and the connection is a digital connection (via an APP, like FaceTime Audio, Microsoft Teams (I do alot of conference calls))
- this does not happen when I call peoples phone directly (analog call)
- FIX: No Official fix for this that I've heard, but on the iPhone, if you switch back to the OEM Bluetooth connection it sounds way better, however, the CARPLAY screen changes to the OLD OEM and if you're using WAZE or GOOGLE MAPS it could be annoying
- I've also tried going to settings and raising the MIC level to max, still doesnt work​

LOW VOLUME ON SIRI VOICE ISSUE:

- SIRI voice was super low, barely hearable when playing music
FIXED: I did manage to fix the volume equalizer issue, where music was on high, then SIRI's voice was very low. Just go to the CARPLAY Settings and lower the sound levels to half (or lower up to you) and ensure all are at midpoint. Then increase the phone level so you can hear SIRI better. This seems to stabilize that issue.
​

Another thing you can try, which I am going to test out is the to go into your iPhone settings, then go to MUSIC and UNCHECK the Sound Check option, this should help with different audio levels, however, I am not sure how effective this is, will test out.

SOUND CHECK UPDATE: I undid this, it didn't do anything for me, it is now checked

Overall recommendation from me is that this device is a solid 4/5 for me, and worth the $ I paid for it. The 2 issues I have above that are outstanding (IMO) are not that bad and definitely worth the money. I am hoping they can come out with a new firmware that can fix these issues. Does anyone know how to do a firmware upgrade also? seems like the last one was in May 2023?

Anyways, hope this helps, if you have any feedback on the above MICROPHONE or BATTERY issue, please let me know. thanks!

UPDATE #1: updated fix for Backup Camera Issue 2
UPDATE #2: updated fix for Battery Drain Issue (Longer Drives)
UPDATE #3: updated sound check update
UPDATE #4: added fix for low SIRI voice issue

 

Thanks razer_to for the excellent synopsis!
I’ve been lurking since installing in my ‘16 Prius- working well for the most part- stable. Have NOT done the FW update, advised not to by CarABC. Still working on the audio- Prius is noisy at highway speed so audio sounds like- mud. Loud mud. Will look at the EQ settings and am also finding low volume on Mac voice and phone calls. Of note. System most stable when left alone- WAIT for it to finish booting to the CarPlay Home Screen or last used app. Issues seem to arise only after interruption ( and fixing) startup. I deem it worthwhile with no reasonably priced (for me) alternatives- though quirky, this is a well engineered product, and I feel developers are genuinely interested in improving their product AND serving their adopters-

 

Glad you enjoyed @Mrbillz

I just made a couple of more updates with my latest findings.

 

I just ordered one of these last week - I figure it’s a cheap option to try while I try to decide if I really want to shell out $$$ to replace the whole stereo. Thanks to everyone who’s figured out the bugs in advance!

 

Anyone else have issues with the colors just going crappy on you? This worked perfectly for months. I did a factory reset on the unit, their suggestion is to remove the headunit and unplug the unit and plug it back in. I will find some time to do that this weekend.

Unfortunately they are saying since i bought this on Amazon they can not use that order number as a proof of purchase and no warranty on my system. I am a bit upset about this, as I do enjoy the unit even looking past the small bugs it has.

 

Have you found an answer to this? I'm having the same problem. Took it out and lost the reverse camera. When I shift into reverse, nothing happens on the screen.

 

Yes can confirm OnX does work. Had all my pins and everything

 

So, stupid question time - how do you get out of CarPlay??

I literally just installed the unit, but the directions say hold the Aux button to switch back to stock. Well, my system came with Nav, so it doesn’t have an Aux physical button…
I can catch it on power on, and switch to another input before the carabc box boots up, but that’s not exactly an ideal solution…

 

Ok, if anyone else runs into the same problem, I learned that you can hit the volume button to get the audio source menu - who knew?
My experience so far:
- as others have said, the image isn’t the highest resolution, but it’s not bad.
- no issues with the stock backup camera so far
- it comes back up however I left it - if I was using CarPlay when I shut the truck off, it goes back to it after a short delay when I start it up again.
- haven’t made any phone calls yet, so can’t judge the call quality
- no issues with the Siri volume
- it’s not the same as a factory integration (eg, you can’t listen to a radio station on the factory radio while looking at google maps or something), but for the ~$110 I paid, it’s a “good enough” solution for now. I’m guessing if you’re listening to the factory radio, you’re not going to get audio notifications, etc either.
- oh, and I didn’t pull the satellite radio module - it seems to happily coexist with the carabc addon.

All in all, I’m happy so far.

 

I just watched a YouTube of that same unit installed into a Rav4, using the 'vocal command' button (2sec press) on the steering wheel to toggle on & off the unit.
You might want to try it out

 

Thanks for that. I did discover afterwards by digging through this thread that hitting the volume button gets you back to the audio source menu, so that also gets you out of it.

 

Here is my first review after one week of use:

1. Seller support and production documentation sucks, luckily there are plenty of YouTube videos regarding installation.
2. The device connects via Bluetooth and local wifi but I had to remove the original Bluetooth connection with the truck.
3. The steering wheel controls do not work with this unit except the audio volume.
4. Long press on OEM voice command toggles between Android Auto and OEM Entune mode. Short press on OEM voice command remains more or less functional.
5. The best way to switch between the two modes seems to be either the volume button or the choice of audio sources using the menu on the small dashboard screen (the MODE button on the steering wheel does not seem to act the same way)
6. You can adjust the settings to have Android Auto start automatically when you start the truck, the same for music, Spotify or other
7. Despite the product information on the
   $383 AUTOabc Wireless Carplay/Android Auto Adapter for Toyota with Entune2.0 2014-2019 Fits for Tundra/Highlander/RAV4/Tacoma/Camry/Corolla/Avalon/Prius/CH-R
   Amazon page, I haven't found how to use screen mirroring or even how to access Netflix

I'm adding some photos so you can judge the screen resolution.
Cheers
Phil

 

Installed mine Saturday. Purchased on eBay for $130...took about 2 weeks to come in from Hong Kong. Here are some notes for others and maybe some that yall can chime in on.

• No issues with backup camera, looked in CarAbc settings during initial setup and selecting OEM reverse camera wasn't an option so may be an updated unit. Regardless reverse camera worked as it should.
• Cranked contrast all the way up as someone had mentioned, feel like it helps with color but still seems a little washed and too dark. I think a lot of the wash is from the OEM screen and not CarAbc. What display settings are yall running both in OEM unit settings and in CarAbc settings?
• Audio took some time to get right. I feel like leaving CarAbc equalizer alone with all settings in mid range and adjusting the trucks sound worked better. Others stated the opposite, and adjusted CarAbc equalizer but that did not seem to work for me.
• Found this on Amazon
  $16 QIANRENON USB3.0 Male to Female Threaded Fixing Adapter - Waterproof Round Converter for USB Data Transfer & Charging
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C81FMD8M?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details, I had already used my blank switch spot for a toggle so I am going to install this for a more OEM/clean look for the USB where my 12v socket is. I did feel that USB connection started up faster than wireless, and I usually plug my charger in this port anyways so a cable wasn't a big deal for me. CarAbc seems to charge phone just fine.

I like it so far for what was spent. Planning on keeping. Audio & Picture help would be appreciated if anyone has any tips.

 

Did you have your OE audio settings changed at all or where they left in the standard configuration? Feel like mine is a bit distorted still but also being picky. To get rid of the stacking how did you reset the CarABC unit? For me I felt like it was opposite. Adjusted OE audio equalizer while leaving CarABC in the factory configuration sounded best.

 

Would this work on my 2016 TRD PRO non-JBL HU? It's only $56 currently

$50 Carlinkit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2015 to 2025), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB?smid=A1EE5VCGDAEB07

 

Hey @ATXHusker - that’s only an adapter to give you wireless CarPlay if you already have a system that does CarPlay. Unless you’ve upgraded the stock stereo in your truck, I don’t think the 2016 did CarPlay - at least mine doesn’t.

 

OK, thanks. I have stock non-JBL stereo since day 1.

 

Then to get CarPlay you’ll either need to grab the CarABC module like the other folks in this thread, or replace the stereo.