The Great HU Install of 2023

So, more than a few of us got pulled into another thread by this post and within hours it was like sharks when there is blood in the water.

Now, many of us are sitting on at least one brand new Alpine head unit and are working out figuring out how the hell we’re going to install it. (To be fair, many have already completed the install.) A few people have enough of them stock piled that they might be trying to start their own car stereo stores. There are a lot of questions swimming around that thread, and a lot of random answers. So I’m going to try to organize and summarize things the best I can in one place for everyone to use as a reference that is digging into this.

I’ll try to aggregate general info here, and then the next five posts are generation specific.

• Gen 1 (2000-2006)
• Gen 2 (2007-2013)
• Turd Gen (2014-2021)
• Gen 3 (2022-20??)
• Non-Tunda

Alpine ILX-5series head units (All three are basically the same unit with a different display):
ILX-507 (in-dash display)
ILX-509 (floating display)
ILX-511 (floating display)

Alpine firmware 5.0.0.001 is available here (download and install via USB to avoid spending an hour doing it OTA):
iLX-F511, iLX-F509, i509-WRA-JK, i509-WRA-JL, iLX507 Firmware Update V 5.0.001 (alpine-usa.com)


Kenwood HU’s we’ll try to incorporate as well
DMX-1037S (floating display)

Video in Motion
These things all have a lockout on playing video (and accessing most settings) while the vehicle is in motion. This includes the factory HU as well. The HU will have a specific wire that is supposed to be connected to the parking brake signal that needs to see that signal to activate/unlock those settings or video playback.

This post has details for how to override that lockout depending on the HU.

Radio Integration Components
i.e. "the shit you need to hook the HU up to your factory wiring"

For Gen 1 (2000-2006) start here or enter your specific vehicle info into Crutchfield’s website for more specifics.

For Gen 2 (2007-2013) and Turd Gen (2014-2021), go to this post.

For Gen 3 it looks like no one has started offering components for these trucks.

Satellite Radio
Retaining SiriusXM radio (or adding it) will require an extra module - see this post for more info.
This is because the factory SiriusXM tuner is integrated into the factory head unit - when you pull that out you remove the tuner. If the truck is equipped with SiriusXM already, you may be able to re-use the antenna by using the appropriate adapter (such as this one)

HDMI Ports
For mounting HDMI ports in the vehicle, there are a few options.

• $13 BATIGE USB 3.0 & HDMI to HDMI + USB3.0 AUX Extension Dash Panel Waterproof Car Flush Mount Cable for Car Boat and Motorcycle - 6ft
  This one can be mounted in place of one of the factory 12v sockets (cigarette lighter for older rigs). It also has a USB port extension, giving you 2-for-1 connection for your wired CarPlay/Android Auto. It can also be mounted to a new hole drilled in various places (like a second port inside the center console).
• $14 BESCOOS Toronce D R Series HDMI Passthrough Panel-Mount Connector (HDMI)
  This one can be mounted behind various body panels with two visible screw heads and leaves a clean install as well.
• This one will fit into a factory switch blank on Gen 2 and Turd Gen trucks, and has a USB charger port that can be hard-wired to existing accessory power wiring.
• $20 MOTONG Toyota Car USB Audio Port with HDMI Socket Car HDMI Port Socket with USB Audio Socket Port Compatible with Toyota(34 * 22MM)
  This one will also fit into the factory switch blank on Gen 2 and Turd Gen trucks, but the USB socket is a USB-A pigtail that can plug directly into the new head unit.
• $20 MOTONG Comaptible with Toyota Vigo Car USB Audio Port with HDMI Socket Car HDMI Port Socket with USB Audio Socket Port Compatible with iPhone 14/13/12/11/8/7/6 and More(40 * 22MM)
  This one should fit Gen 1 factory switch blanks (at least some locations), though I'm not 100% certain which spots.

Front Cameras

• This
  $40 NATIKA Backup/Front View Camera,IP69K Waterproof Great Night Vision HD and Super Wide Angle Metal OEM Style Reverse Rear View Backup Camera for Cars Pickup Trucks SUVs RVs Vans (Black)
  Natika is well reviewed and in use by a LOT of members on this site.
• Someone posted
  $27 iNewcow Car Front View Logo Embeded Camera for Toyota with CCD Waterproof IP67 Wide Degree (Middle)
  this camera that will fit into the lower hoop of the Toyota emblem (obviously won't work for 2018+ vehicles with TSS) - there is another version that will fit the lower side portion of the emblem.

Keeping Things Tidy

• $13 tesa 51608 Noise Damping PET Fleece Automotive Wire Harness Tape, Black, 19mm x 25m, 3 Rolls
  Tesa Tape 51608 is the go to for interior wire harness wrap.
• Tesa Tape 51036 for exterior harnesses
• Zip ties are your friend.

 

First Gen Tundras - 2000-2006
The OG. Some say the “best gen” (well, except those frame rust issues). Definitely the beginning of a legend.

Radio Integration Components
I plugged in a 2004 w/ JBL over at Crutchfield and it shows that the CRUX CS-TJ20 is the controller of choice for integrating with the steering wheel controls in this particular model. It looks like it comes with the necessary harnesses to connect to the vehicle wiring and supports the factory JBL amp (you do lose front/rear fade control though).

Dash Trim Kit
Double-DIN radio trim

• Metra 95-8202 plus you will re-use the factory radio brackets for actually mounting the radio in the truck
• $10 Scosche TA2158B Compatible with 2000-14 Toyota Multi-Purpose Double DIN w/ Pocket Dash Kit fits Select Toyota Vehicles Black
  Scosche TA2158B (includes a pocket for single-DIN install)

Single-DIN radio trim

• Metra 99-8207 trim kit (with pocket)
• Scosche TA2158B (same as for the double-DIN, but use the included pocket)
  
• Scosche TA2043B (no longer linked on their site)

 

Gen 2 - 2007-2013
Introduction of the 5.7L V8. An entirely new truck, bigger than any Toyota before...

Dash Trim Kit
The Gen 2 Tundra has a couple of different options for dash trim.

• Metra 99-8220 is available in three colors:
  • Gloss Black (piano black) matches the original radio trim of the 2007-2009 trucks.
  • Gloss Charcoal matches the original radio trim of the 2010-2013 trucks.
  • Matte Black which is not a direct match for any specific trim, but does avoid the predisposition of scratching that the gloss black has.
• Scosche TA2073B is the gloss black offering from this manufacturer
  • It appears that the Charcoal version from Scosche is model TA2108MGB but it shows as unavailable on Amazon and no longer links on the Scosche website.

 

Turd Gen - 2014-2021
It was Gen 3 to some before Toyota decided it wasn’t. But it’s different enough from Gen 2 that it needs it’s own section. So we affectionately call it the Turd Gen.

I am most familiar with this Gen and the rolling changes through production (from a wiring standpoint).
Specifically, 2014-15 have the same basic systems. 2016-17 are also essentially the same and are similar to 14-15. In 2018, they made major electrical changes to support the Toyota Safety Sense stuff, and then again in 2020 they made some significant changes to the audio wiring to support new HUs that have CarPlay and Android Auto. Finally, there is also the breakdown for Basic Audio, Premium Audio (with separate amp - in some years and trims), and JBL “Premium” Audio.

Crutchfield "Master Sheet" is attached for useful information.

Dash Trim Kit
You will need a dash trim kit for any aftermarket head unit. There are three that seem to be readily available:

• Scosche TA2116B - similar to the Metra, this has plastic side brackets and a single-DIN pocket.
  
• $32 Metra 99-8252 Multi Installation Kit for Toyota Tundra 2014 and Up,Silver
  Metra 99-8252 - this is the one Crutchfield will recommend, and it comes with a "pocket" for single-DIN radios. The side brackets are plastic.
• $31 Metra Electronics 99-8246HG Single DIN Dash Kit for Toyota Tundra 2014- (High Gloss Black)
  Metra 99-8246HG - this one is ALL gloss black (vs the factory brushed silver/black). It also has plastic side brackets and a single-DIN pocket.
• $34 Dasaita 2Din Dash Kit for Toyota Tundra 2014-2021 w/Metal Brackets & Multi Installation Kit - Upgrade Your Truck's Audio & Tech!
  Dasaita (model number unknown) - this one has metal side brackets, but no single-DIN pocket/blank.

 

Gen 3 - 2022-20??
Through model year 2036 if history repeats itself...

Doing a little digging today and it doesn’t appear that Metra or Scosche have developed dash kits or any wiring adapters for these trucks yet…

 

Other Vehicles
T100’s, 4Runners, 1958 Thunderbirds - whatever you’re trying to stuff an Alpine ILX-5series into, let’s see what it takes!

 

Reserved for who knows...

 

Video in Motion Bypass

Disclaimer: You are responsible for the implementation of this modification and any legal ramifications of enabling the device to display video/settings while the vehicle is presumed to be in motion.

Modern Alpine:

Parts Required: Select 1 of the VIM bypass modules, there might be more out there:

• PAC Audio TR1
• PAC Audio TR7
• Metra Axxess AX-TRIG1

Utilizing the Alpine Owner's Manual, verify and locate the "Parking Brake Wire", for the past couple of years it has been "Yellow w/ Blue Stripe" and Connect your respective module in an alignment with the below.

NOTE: Do not connect the “Yellow/Blue” wire from the Alpine to the “Light Green” parking brake wire from the Maestro unit.



If utilizing the Maestro PnP harness w/ "ACC-HU-ALP1"....



Kenwood:

Parts Required: None

Utilizing the Kenwood Owner's Manual, verify and locate the "Parking Sensor Wire", for the past couple of years it has been "Light Green" and simply connect it to any ground source.

Note: that a brand new Kenwood harness has a tag on labeled "PRK SW" and is a fair bit longer than the rest. Please take care not to confuse this with the left rear speaker + output wire.

Photo:
Park Switch vs Left Rear Audio


Kenwood parking brake sensing wire tapped into ground.





If utilizing the Maestro PnP harness "ACC-HU-KEN1" the below should demonstrate how to successfully complete the bypass modification.

 

You’re the man Casey. I’ll be the first to say “Thank you!”

 

Jason @BiggHertz deserves thanks too - a lot of what I post will be harvested from his data in the other thread. Hell - he’s already posted more useful information than I have…

 

Jason do you happen to have the time alignment numbers for any of the Tundras?

 

That’s a hundred percent

 

I'll second that.

 

Oooh
This thread could get really juicy

 

I don’t know what the fuck any of that means, I’m just subscribed for pictures and links

I appreciate you and Jason doing this.

 

I do not and there is a few reasons why....Nerd alert.

tough to account for every nuance of installation of different brands of speakers. even though speakers are installed in about the same position between multiple vehicles, each speaker itself presents a different "acoustic origination point". The better way to accomplish accurately compensate "Interaural time difference (ITD)" is to align the individual impulse responses to where the acoustic energy all stack on top of one another.

maybe I'll throw something out there, there is 20+ years of sound reinforcement in my head, most of which I can't recall as quick as I use to....

-JS

 

You may have just scared the hell out a few people.

 

Just turn it up to 11

 

Updated VIM bypass page, sanity check please!

 

Looks good.
In the past, on Kenwoods, I’ve simply connected the wire directly to the body of the head unit - there’s usually a screw in the back somewhere that works. Put a fork terminal on the wire and anchor it down.

 

Gracias, I just tap into the ground wire about 4 inches out of the head unit wire...

 

So really the difference in the TR7 vs the other two isn’t huge? Best Buy has the Axxess one for $9.99. If it’ll suffice, I’ll grab that. What am I missing if I don’t get the 7?

 

Radio Integration BIt

not a darn thing...TR7 is simply a multi-purpose module that for this application, a TR1/Axxess will be more than sufficient.

 

The TR7 can be programmed for other outputs/functions (one per TR7). The TR1 and Axxess are one-truck ponies.

As @BiggHertz said - all you need here is the simple one

 

Radio Integration Components

There are a wide variety of manufacturers that make various adapter components for vehicles. Metra, Pac-Audio, Scosche, iDatalink (Maestro)...Please do your own research but this should lead you in the right direction.

Maestro Module and Component Selection:



Manuals attached to this post. PnP utilizes the additional harness whereas the non-PnP does not.

AM/FM Antenna Adapter:

• Metra 40-LX11

SAT/GPS Antenna Adapter:

For Kenwood:

• Maestro ACC-SAT-TO2

Allows the OEM SAT Radio antenna (if equipped) to be adapted to aftermarket SAT Radio Receiver.
Allows the OEM GPS Antenna (if equipped) to utilized with Kenwood (maybe JVC) and Pioneer GPS receivers.

Casey’s Recommended Combo For Alpine:

GPS-
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/sumi-gt21.html

SXM-
https://www.discountcarstereo.com/sumi-smb.html

USB Adapter:

<2019 - could be either one.

More Common

• Maestro - ACC-USB-TO2
• Metra - AX-ToyUSB

Less Common

• Maestro - ACC-USB2

2020-2021

• Maestro - ACC-USB-TO3

 

Added Maestro Selection Flow Chart...

Sanity check...

 

Hate to continue to be a pain, but I have questions about the USB and the HDMI ports.

First, can I just plug in HDMI? I haven’t seen any port for it. Is there and added adapter to buy? It says rear HDMI input but I just haven’t seen it. Wanna plug in a FireStick.
Second, what about the USB? I thought the one below the climate controls already was both charging and data? Do we need to have that adapter? Is it an added USB port or does it just make the one already in the truck work with the new HU?

Again, my apologies. I’ve never installed a stereo of any kind before.

 

Not sure what model of head unit you're referring to?

If you plan to re-utilize OEM port, you must select the correct adapter that converts the OE harness behind the radio to a standard USB A to plug into the Aftermarket head unit.

 

Uploaded Maestro Manuals by year and Harness PnP vs non-PnP..