Wireless Carplay with the Kenwood DMX906S in a SR Loooooooooooooong bed

Please report back your findings. I called Kenwood a couple weeks ago and they wanted me to reset the unit. I haven't done it, as I figure that has a very low likelihood of working and I would have to set everything back up on it.

 

After updating the Kenwood firmware I also had a chance to reflash the Maestro with new firmware since I had to pull my HU to install my front camera. We’ll see how it does after the HU and Maestro both received a new firmware update.

 

Good deal...not exactly looking forward to pulling all that mess of wires out of the dash again, but I guess I will if I have to. I did just install mine a couple weeks ago, including flashing the Maestro, so I would think my Maestro has the latest firmware. Was an update released here recently? Thanks!

 

You should be good - i installed my Maestro over a year ago. I think the firmware was dated October 2020.

 

Another issue that I'm having is occasionally the tire pressures show "N/A" for all four tires. I called Maestro, and they advised that I reset the Maestro from the Kenwood when this happens. Doing that fixes the issue, but I've got to do it every couple weeks or so, which is a nuisance. Even after a hard reset on the Maestro, I still don't get fuel level (which has not worked yet since install). Anyone else experiencing this? Thanks.

 

New issue I had today. Last night I was playing music on FM and shut the truck off on that. Turned the truck on and CarPlay came on as usual. I opened pandora as I normally do and hit play. Pandora appeared to be playing music but fm continued to play music even in CarPlay. Maybe I’m missing something here

 

A few follow up questions...

1. For those that installed a forward facing camera, was it as simple as plugging into the Kenwood or is there splicing involved like the stock backup camera? What model camera did you use up front?
2. Is everyone’s unit still randomly rebooting like mine is?
3. Anyone ever solve the fuel level not displaying issue?

Thx!

 

1. The camera just needs a 12v power supply that turns on with the ignition. Then the video feed wire it plugs into the HU.
2. Unfortunately yes. I get a reboot about every week or two.
3. Not that I know of, but honestly I haven’t tried to address this.

 

Appreciate the prompt response man. Did you go with one of the Kenwood cameras up front, or another brand like Audiovox? Thanks!

 

I just went with this cheap one off Amazon. it’s been fine. You’ll want to read the instructions carefully as most cameras will need a wire or two cut (on the camera wiring) for options like parking line overlay and mirrored image.

NATIKA 720P Backup/Front View Camera, IP69K Waterproof Starlight Night Vision Full HD and 210 Degrees Wide View Angle Reverse Rear View Backup Camera for Cars Jeep Pickup Trucks SUV RV Van https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNRYHZ...abc_386AJN23FF9413F5M7ZY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

You happen to remember which wires you cut? Thanks.

 

Both. I think they were green and white on the wiring that comes attached to the camera. If you get a dedicated front camera it may not have the mirror image option/cut.

 

if you tilted the screen your ability to see it would be hindered due to the viewing angle.

 

Can you post a picture of your install and how you mounted it to/attached it to the grille? Thx!

 

I mounted it in the bottom middle of the grille insert just above the grille surround. I pulled the grille, positioned camera where I wanted it drilled two small mounting holes and bolted it through the lateral piece coming out of the center grille support. Hope that makes sense.

 

I was hoping to avoid removing the grill but not sure I can...thanks man.

 

Two additional questions...

1. Did you connect the red camera power and black camera ground wires behind the radio, or under the hood? Did you use constant or switched power?
2. Did you use either of the red trigger wires on the video cable?

Thx!

 

I tapped into the 12v outlet wires on the passenger side right below the climate control panel since that was along the path I used running the video wire to the head unit. These get powered on with the ignition.

I don’t remember anything about trigger wires on the harness. I do have the option activated which the HU activates the front camera at “parking lot” speeds. 2-10 MPH I Believe.

 

I wasn't able to get that camera to work. I have a '10 Platinum grille installed on my '08 Limited, and didn't see how I could fit the camera in there even if I took the Dremel to the grille (little apprehensive about that...). I bought this one from Crutchfield, which is much smaller but still a little big for my grille slats...

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_707VT601HD/Boyo-VTK601HD.html

I'm going to look at it a little closer this weekend and see what I can figure out. Anyone else installed a front camera on a truck like mine? Any pics would be appreciated...thanks!!!

 

Might try something like a camera mounted on your license plate or the lower space between the grille and bumper (if there’s room).

$19 GLK Car Backup Camera HD Rear View Camera License Plate Backup Camera with Wide View Angle 6 LED Night Vision Waterproof Front & Back up Camera, Guide Line On/Off

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y614KW5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9JRS5KWG6443846RHKFB

 

Thanks...I've got a Westin bull bar and Rigid light bar down there...not sure I have a spot there but will take a look. I think with a little mod to one of the grill slats, I might be able to fit this new camera in...just not sure how to secure it once the grille is modified other than JB Weld...which would be very difficult to remove if the camera ever failed.

 

I bought another camera off Amazon...one of these that fit into the bottom portion of the Toyota logo in the front grille. This thing doesn't get raving reviews (most of the concerns center around it's longevity and durability) so here is my question. Can I add a coupling in the video cable between the camera and the Kenwood?

If the camera does go out, I would much rather be able to unplug it in the engine bay to swap it out, than fighting these stupid grommets in the firewall and trying to force wires through them if it has to be swapped a couple times. However I'm not sure if the coupling will interfere with the video signal to the Kenwood.

Thanks guys.

 

Got it installed...turned out really good...you can barely see it in there. If I had to do over again, I would probably go one rung higher, but overall very satisfied with the result.

 

Hey- can you guys tell me how it’s going with the Kenwood HU’s?

I am considering upgrading from my non-jbl, and just want to see if you guys had feedback on the sound, CarPlay function, integration, etc...

 

Headunit and its functions are great, but the random, intermittent resetting is very annoying. I still have no idea if it is the Kenwood that's the root cause, or the Maestro module.

 

I am having one issue with my DMX906S. My truck displays the backup camera just fine but when I come out of reverse and shift into drive, the DMX906S swaps to the image from the front camera without me selecting it. The only way for me to get the front image to go away is for me to manually hit the Home button.

There is only one wire connecting the camera to the Kenwood, so I have no idea how the Kenwood is getting a signal to kick to the front image. I checked all connections, call Kenwood multiple times to troubleshoot, updated the Kenwood to the latest firmware, reset the Kenwood...I don't know what else to do. I have not re-flashed the Maestro yet.

Anyone else have this issue and if so, how did you resolve? Thanks.

 

Solved...contacted Masestro Tech Support and there is a low speed trigger buried in their settings that activates the front view camera until you get above 7 miles per hour. Turned it off and so far so good...

 

how did you wire the front camera? Did you put it on a switch? Where did you tap in to get power?

 

Wish I could give you details, but my dealer installed it. It's mounted inside the grill if that helps.