OEM radio

can you take an OEM radio from a 2018 tundra and put in it a 2012 tundra?

 

While it may be possible, I'm sure it would require a tremendous amount of work. For one, the dash trim is different, so you'd be having to figure out how to get the whole thing to transition correctly to the Gen 2 dash. And then there is the wiring...which would require some extensive research of the wiring diagrams to determine which wires, connectors, and modules all need to be positioned where to work.

I did the same thing in my previous 2008, but using a 2010 radio (the 2010 added BT streaming audio, and the USB port for media playback). Between the 2010-2013 and my 2008, the only difference in dash trim was the color (2010+ was the "charcoal" that I preferred as well). The wiring, however, required a pretty thorough re-work of the connectors behind the radio.

For the amount of effort and time (and cost), I think you'd be better off grabbing the idata Maestro and an aftermarket head unit. You'll get more/better functionality out of it anyway (things like CarPlay/Android Auto, likely better sound, etc.).

 

Thank you for your response. The previous owner removed the OEM radio and replaced with a DVDNav, which is not hooked up to the buttons on the steering wheel for volume up/down, etc. They even installed an after market backup camera which looks like a module that sits above the license plate (which does work with the radio).

 

Is the current HU compatible with a Maestro type device that would afford the use of the steering wheel buttons?

 

What @Thumper_6119 said - do you have details on the make/model/age of the aftermarket HU that is in the truck? I don't recall if the 2012 had the factory backup camera standard or not (if it did, it would have been in the rear view mirror unless it had the NAV head unit from the factory). That would be part of the explanation of why they did an aftermarket camera. Depending on when the HU was actually replaced, the Maestro might not have even been an option back then...

Either way, I'd probably still go the route of the Maestro control unit to regain the steering wheel controls, and upgrade the HU to a newer unit with CarPlay/Android Auto (then you don't need to bother with Nav, since it's built into your phone). Pretty much any of those current HUs are Maestro-compatible, and will support an aftermarket (or OEM) backup camera.

And welcome from the wet side of WA.