Replace factory radio with aftermarket headunit - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

mad212 · 07-27-2010, 11:28 AM

I am now the proud owner of an 07 Avalon limited. The only problem is the factory radio doesn't play mp3 CDs and no factory iPod intergration. I've been reading around but can't seem to find a definite answer. Can I replace the factory radio with an aftermarket headunit without issues? I have the jbl system with navi. If this is possible what exactly do I need to do this? If not what iPod adapter should I get? It must work with the iPhone.

***Tom in Tacoma*** · 07-27-2010, 12:45 PM

I also have an '07 with the JBL and Navi. I bought an iPod adapter that plugs into the back of the head unit and plays as if it were a sat radio. I ran the cables into the glove box and plugged the adapter into the cable and then plug the iPod into the cable coming out of the adapter.

It allows the scrolling display of title/artist when playing. The scrolling 'box' will be over the top of whatever display you select (it sits at the top of the screen). There are a few idiosycracies with it (after starting the car you might have to turn the radio off and back on again to get it to play, stuff like that). You can use the steering wheel controls to skip to the next/previous track but navigating the iPod menus is a pain in the butt! I set the ipod to 'shuffle' and let it play.

The one I have is this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_541PXDP...l+ipod+adapter and that one is listed as iTouch capable. The listed price is $99.

I happen to like the factory stereo. It provides a nice 7.1 sound stage and the overall music reproduction is nicely done. And if I'm not mistaken (somebody chime in here please), if you replace the head unit you're going to loose some of the integrated functions of the display.

That's my 3-cents worth anyway...

00avxls · 07-27-2010, 01:02 PM

I have the jbl system without factory nav and I installed an aftermarket radio with nav built in. I lost my steering wheel controls but that's it.

grandpapa · 07-28-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

I also have an '07 with the JBL and Navi. I bought an iPod adapter that plugs into the back of the head unit and plays as if it were a sat radio. I ran the cables into the glove box and plugged the adapter into the cable and then plug the iPod into the cable coming out of the adapter.

It allows the scrolling display of title/artist when playing. The scrolling 'box' will be over the top of whatever display you select (it sits at the top of the screen). There are a few idiosycracies with it (after starting the car you might have to turn the radio off and back on again to get it to play, stuff like that). You can use the steering wheel controls to skip to the next/previous track but navigating the iPod menus is a pain in the butt! I set the ipod to 'shuffle' and let it play.

The one I have is this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_541PXDP...l+ipod+adapter and that one is listed as iTouch capable. The listed price is $99.

I happen to like the factory stereo. It provides a nice 7.1 sound stage and the overall music reproduction is nicely done. And if I'm not mistaken (somebody chime in here please), if you replace the head unit you're going to loose some of the integrated functions of the display.

That's my 3-cents worth anyway...

do you think it will work on 06 limited?
how difficult is it to plug into the back of the head unit?

mad212 · 07-28-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandpapa

do you think it will work on 06 limited?
how difficult is it to plug into the back of the head unit?

I ended up ordering this one yesterday http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:L:OU:US:1123

Not sure if it works for 06 but there is an installation video and it looks very easy to install. I went with this one because it also has an aux input and says it's compatible with iPhones running up to OS4.

***Tom in Tacoma*** · 07-28-2010, 12:25 PM

I don't see why it wouldn't work with an '06. It's pretty easy to install. Took me about 20-minutes from start to finish.

You start out taking off the wood trim to the left of the instrument panel and work your way to the right. That will expose the hardware you'll need to take out in order to remove the head unit. Once you have access to the back of the headunit you only need to unplug one connector, plug in the connector to the adapter and plug that one you pulled out back in. Install is the reverse of the removal.

grandpapa · 07-29-2010, 11:47 AM

I have an iphone 3gs, I guess both units from Tom in Tacoma and mad212 will work?

mad212 · 07-29-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I have an iphone 3gs, I guess both units from Tom in Tacoma and mad212 will work?

I have the 3gs also and it should work with no problem. It has been shipped so I will let u know how it works as soon as it gets here.

***Tom in Tacoma*** · 07-29-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandpapa

I have an iphone 3gs, I guess both units from Tom in Tacoma and mad212 will work?

That I can't answer - mine is an old school 20gb iPod from about 7 years ago.

grandpapa · 07-29-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad212

I have the 3gs also and it should work with no problem. It has been shipped so I will let u know how it works as soon as it gets here.

Yes, please let us know how it goes. Also it would be nice if you can take some pictures and share how the installation goes. Thanks a lot.

rmike1991 · 07-29-2010, 07:46 PM

I installed one of this about a year ago. It was easy to install and it still works great. I also bought a 3.5 to RCA Cable and stream some radio stations of my blackberry.

Tarheels1 · 06-09-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

I also have an '07 with the JBL and Navi. I bought an iPod adapter that plugs into the back of the head unit and plays as if it were a sat radio. I ran the cables into the glove box and plugged the adapter into the cable and then plug the iPod into the cable coming out of the adapter.

It allows the scrolling display of title/artist when playing. The scrolling 'box' will be over the top of whatever display you select (it sits at the top of the screen). There are a few idiosycracies with it (after starting the car you might have to turn the radio off and back on again to get it to play, stuff like that). You can use the steering wheel controls to skip to the next/previous track but navigating the iPod menus is a pain in the butt! I set the ipod to 'shuffle' and let it play.

The one I have is this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_541PXDP...l+ipod+adapter and that one is listed as iTouch capable. The listed price is $99.

I happen to like the factory stereo. It provides a nice 7.1 sound stage and the overall music reproduction is nicely done. And if I'm not mistaken (somebody chime in here please), if you replace the head unit you're going to loose some of the integrated functions of the display.

That's my 3-cents worth anyway...

Can you Still use your XM? Some adapters will not allow it. I also have a 07 Limited w/JBL and NAV.

Thanks!

grandpapa · 06-09-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarheels1

Can you Still use your XM? Some adapters will not allow it. I also have a 07 Limited w/JBL and NAV.

Thanks!

USA SPEC PA20 stated it support XM. I got one from a forum member, planned to put on my 05 Limited with JBL and NAV but I ended up putting it on my other ride (07 Highlander Base with NON JBL head) it works great.

I suggest you do a search on the USA SPEC ipod/iphone adapter. Crutchfeild carries it.

***Tom in Tacoma*** · 06-09-2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarheels1

Can you Still use your XM? Some adapters will not allow it. I also have a 07 Limited w/JBL and NAV.

Thanks!

Don't know - I don't have XM.

TheUltimateBohab · 06-14-2011, 09:23 PM

Are there any adaptors that work good that are a little cheaper? With that and the iPod that I still don’t have, I'm looking at like $350 just to play music without packing my whole CD collection