HomeLink options.....Grrrrr

[Janster]

Been looking around for options to install HomeLink - and I'm a bit discouraged by the propriatarism (sp?) of the HomeLink itself.

I've seen the mirros - and I didn't want to spend that much on something I opted OUT of getting when I purchased the truck in the first place. But -it's a viable option.

I've seen & heard of the HomeLink being installed in your visors. I haven't seen this done on a Tacoma yet. No power to the visors.

I called an aftermarket company who sells the battery operated units as seen here:
http://www.opendoorsandmore.com/

Talked to a lady on the phone - very nice and very helpful. I didn't realize that HomeLink is somewhat limited in how they're sold. Apparently - they (HomeLink) don't want the average JOE DIY'er buying and installing these things. There's only a few ways you can get them outside of your OEM or factory installed units.... The mirrors, sunvisor mount, and battery operated units. That's it..... They don't sell just *the box w/ buttons* and the average joe can't buy them (only installers).

I was actually hoping I could just buy the 'controler/buttons' and install it where ever I wanted with a little cutting and test fitting. BUT........apparently I can't even get it that way. I could buy some visors off ebay and just remove the parts. I'm just not into buying something and cutting up my truck unless I aboslutely know what I'm getting.

On other Toyota vehicles - where is the homelink located? Are they all located in the mirror or in the overhad console?

The 2005+ tacomas never came with homelink - only auto dimming mirror? Is the wiring harnass there to install one? Can you get a aftermarket mirror and plug-n-play into factory harnass?

Or am I just chasing my tail ? Just trying to find other ways of doing this....

Thanks!

[TexnNC]

I purchased the homelink mirror with autodimming from Toyota. That's by far the easiest and quickest install while maybe not being the cheapest parts wise. Install: pop off old mirror, 3 screws for upper console, tap into 3 wires with supplied connectors, put console back and program. The one I picked up from my local dealer also has lights under the mirror that illuminate the lower console and drinkholder area, a nice plus. If you search on mirrors or homelink, there are other topics discussing this. I've been very pleased with the outcome and it has great range, too.

[fritzthecat]

The Homelink option for my 07 Tacoma was the AutoDim/Homelink Mirror.
There is no wiring harness in the truck, the mirror has three power wires (+, + and gnd) going into the overhead console where they are clipped to always on +, switched + and gnd on the Compass/Temp readout plug.

Fritz

[Pb]

It's going to be hard to do a cleaner install than the mirror. What don't you like about the mirror?

[teamblend]

i picked up one of those avalon mirrors last year... absolutely LOVE it, and the dimming aspect of it is awesome!

[Janster]

Originally Posted by Pb

It's going to be hard to do a cleaner install than the mirror. What don't you like about the mirror?

Not that I don't like it...I just didn't think I'd need it or want it. As far as I knew (at the time) - it was an auto dimming mirror only option. I didn't read anywhere nor did the dealership tell me it had HomeLink. If I would've known it had HomeLink in it - I would've requested to have it for sure!!!

At this point....I'm cringing at the thought of buying another mirror for $200+. I didn't realize HomeLink was proprietary (so to speak).

[teamblend]

the tacomas dont come with homelink from the factory in the mirror. only dimming. the mirrors that everyone buys and installs comes from a avalon i belive

[Janster]

Has anyone attempted at looking into the 4Runner overhad console?

I was poking around and saw that you can buy a 2004-2006 4Runner overhead console for $76 from Conicelli Toyota.

If you look at this picture.....the map lights and that center area looks awefully similar to the tacoma.


I might run down to the toyota dealer and take a closer look.

I'd LOVE to be able to put the homelink inbetween the map lights. If I could find a way just to remove the center part and plop it in my tacoma......

I can only dream and not holding my breathe. I gotta atleast take a closer look.

[Pb]

If you can find one of those, I'm pretty sure that the center part can be removed.

But the center part on a tacoma is not removable. You'd have to do some cutting.

But I bet it would fit.

[docindahouze]

^^oh yeah, that looks like it's pretty much the same size. i could do it pretty easily. taking apart the over head console is pretty easy IMO. i have done a few times.

[Janster]

Went to the dealer and they didn't have any in-stock. I really didn't expect them to.

I got to look inside a 4Runner with the map lights & such.

The newer 4Runner overhead console is shorter & narrower. However - the Map lights and center part inbetween the map lights appears to be the exact same thing (lenses & all).

I'm gonna jump over to the 4Runner forum and see if I can get some information or pictures of the back-side of their consoles and see what's involved.

[SunsetZ33]

I'm biased but I still like the mirror option better than any. It's what I did for my old 95 4Runner. I still sell the mirrors and have a variety. All of them will work in the Tacoma.
If you change your mind about putting in a mirror for homelink, let me know.

Thanks

[Janster]

Originally Posted by SunsetZ33

I'm biased but I still like the mirror option better than any. It's what I did for my old 95 4Runner. I still sell the mirrors and have a variety. All of them will work in the Tacoma.
If you change your mind about putting in a mirror for homelink, let me know.

Thanks

Thanks for the offer.... and I'll keep that in mind in case I run into some snags.

[Janster]

Snag, snag, snag..... atleast I tried.

I got the 4Runner overhead console today and my husband and I sat down and looked at both consoles extensively, scratched our heads for a while....

The overhead console with the map lights is all set within a molded piece of plastic. The homelink portion is also set within all that plastic. The circuit board is attached to one piece of plastic while the power & ribbon cables go to another part of plastic and the buttons are pressure pads attached to another part of plastic. A big ol' mess.

I'm sure you could make it work with a lot of cutting and grafting of the plastic and such - but.... I'm not in the mood to totally destroy my console & the new console I just paid $78 just to *give it a try and hope it works* kinda thing. If the parts where cheaper to replace ....I'd probably give it a try. But......not on my new baby.

Oh well...back to the drawing board.

My husband is going through the same HOMELINK withdrawel in the corvette. He's looking to mount something in the vette, while I'm looking to put something in the truck.

[skidmike]

I'm looking into this, as well. I think I'll end up going to the 'order the '07 mirror and install it myself' route. I've got a MINI with the mirror-based HomeLink and it's prefectly workable. It looks alot better than 2 remotes for the garage doors, one for the neighborhood gate, etc..

-- mike