Alpine ilx-f309 install questions.....

Ok guys, I have searched the forum and online. Can’t find exactly what I am looking for so I am hoping you guys (and gals) can help answer a few questions I have. I purchased a used alpine ilx-f309 unit with maestro rr module on an incredible deal from a forum member. I have it installed and as it stands now I can only connect via Bluetooth (listen to Spotify) and listen to the radio.

My questions:
1. I understand that Apple CarPlay can only be accomplished by having the phone physically plugged in. I bought the USB adapter from crutchfield. Am i understanding correctly that I can simply plug this into the lower dash usb and use my lightning cable to plug in the phone and CarPlay will work?

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120TOYUSB/Metra-AX-TOYUSB-USB-Port-Cable.html?omnews=9012759

2. I don’t want to run a new gps antenna if I don’t have to.....would prefer to utilize the factory one. Will this allow me to tap into the factory antenna? Also, what color is the factory gps (I have a gray adapter that I think is the gps, but there is also a black and a white one that look very similar - I assume one is the factory microphone and one is for satellite radio?)can anyone clarify which is which?

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_794SATTO2/iDatalink-ACC-SAT-TO2.html?omnews=9012759

3. The previous owner of the unit accidentally cut the microphone cord. I don’t think I can use the factory microphone. I ordered a new alpine one - assume I simply run the wire to relocate the new microphone and plug into the mic in port on the maestro? Is this correct?

4. Finally, I assume the only way to get vehicle diagnostics is to run the obd2 cable. I already have a scan gauge 2 - will this head unit give me the same I for
Action as the scan gauge? Mainly looking to monitor transmission temperature during towing.

Thanks very much in advance for any help / advice you can give. These installs have gotten much more involved but learning as I go. Appreciate any feedback and Happy Easter.

Take care,
Shawn

 

In case anyone is interested:

1. I connected the USB adapter and it does retain the use of the lower dash USB port.

2. Also installed the antenna adapter - it allows to utilize the factory gps / sat antenna vs running the alpine antenna

3. Ordered and installed the new microphone - works perfectly.

4. I connected the obd2 harness, but there was an issue that the unit wouldn’t power down. Called maestro support - it’s a known issue with Toyota’s. The obd2 wire contains a resistor in heat shrink.....they tell you to clip the obd2 wires going into and coming out of that heat shrink.....essentially you bypass the resistor that backfeeds voltage to the unit and keeps it powered on. After bypassing that resistor it works as it should.

the only issues I have at the moment are that I cannot get the clock to display or adjust. When I get to the menu to set the time, the hour and minute are blank and grayed out so I can’t adjust. I thought plugging in the gps antenna would unlock that but it has not.

I can’t get transmission temperature to display on the gauge screen. When I try to scroll through and select it, it is grayed out and will not allow me to push the button.

Anyone have any ideas on these two issues? Also the firmware is 3.3.........anyone know if there is an update?