[1996ClaretCamry]

I ran across this in a search to add USB functionality to the stock (non-JBL) stereo in my 2011:

PT233-47100

To add to my motivation, my standard AUX port has the rather common drop-out issue.

The kit came today and I'm wondering if anyone knows how / where the box [ECU] is mounted.

The box has two tapped holes in each side face of the sheet metal except for the face with the the ports. There is also a significant dimple in the top face as shown in the link picture, as if it was used to locate it or clear something.

Any insights will be appreciated.

 

[Camry_wiz]

These kinds of kits you can mount the ECU/boxes anywhere that does not interfere with other parts. I like to put things like that under the compartment box thats under your heating controls. Once you take the radio out, you'll see the huge space between the gear selector and compartment box. Make sure you secure it with zip tie or screw it down somewhere.

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

Well, mounting is a side issue, as I seem to be one harness plug short. I thought I install the one existing plug in the back of the radio into the new harness, but it is too wide. Adapter plug on top, car harness plug into radio on the bottom. Plugging everything else in and trying the system, results in no Aux recognized at all. I don't see a spare plug floating around anywhere. So disappointing. Guess I'll have to resolder and shim up the existing Aux port as a stopgap.

 

[Camry_wiz]

You are right you are missing the plug and I don't see it in any of your pics... I know what it looks like as I ripped a USB/aux adapter out of my corolla and the plugs are the same as when I did a stereo install on my camry.

 

[Oldcar95]

Where did you buy it from?

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

Where did you buy it from?

ebay, under that OEM number kit. I contacted the seller but they didn't have anymore insight to it.

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

You are right you are missing the plug and I don't see it in any of your pics... I know what it looks like as I ripped a USB/aux adapter out of my corolla and the plugs are the same as when I did a stereo install on my camry.

I found the Camry box part number (861A0-06010) instead of the Prius box I have (861A1-0E020). There are several for sale on ebay under that number, but just like the box I have, the one port looks to be for 16-pin plugs, not the 20-pin plug my car radio harness features. Plus, none of them show a harness adapter like I got as part of my kit.

I'm now guessing these boxes will only work with the higher-range stereo systems, based on the description at an on-line Toyota parts site:

AUDIO-6CD CHANGER,8SPEAKER,PREMIUM SYSTEM
AUDIO-CD,6SPEAKER,BLUETOOTH

I've toyed with the idea of getting a plug pigtail for after-market radios that uses the existing car radio harness plug and 're-map' the correct wires into the 16-pin box plug if I can unlock the wires from the plug without damaging anything.

I suppose I'll have to give in and get an aftermarket head unit. I usually use Crutchfield, but the heads aren't cheap plus for whatever reason, the wiring harness adapters aren't included free but seem to run around $50 extra.

 

[Camry_wiz]

I found the Camry box part number (861A0-06010) instead of the Prius box I have (861A1-0E020). There are several for sale on ebay under that number, but just like the box I have, the one port looks to be for 16-pin plugs, not the 20-pin plug my car radio harness features. Plus, none of them show a harness adapter like I got as part of my kit.

I'm now guessing these boxes will only work with the higher-range stereo systems, based on the description at an on-line Toyota parts site:



I've toyed with the idea of getting a plug pigtail for after-market radios that uses the existing car radio harness plug and 're-map' the correct wires into the 16-pin box plug if I can unlock the wires from the plug without damaging anything.

I suppose I'll have to give in and get an aftermarket head unit. I usually use Crutchfield, but the heads aren't cheap plus for whatever reason, the wiring harness adapters aren't included free but seem to run around $50 extra.

Hmmm, didn't know the premium units use different plugs. I just know the JBL version for Toyota's have an extra plug for the amp. Also didn't know prius' came with premium sound.....

Personally though, aftermarket is the way to go for these older stock radios. Having bluetooth, USB, carplay, google drive, backup camera, and more is fun to have. $50 is steep if it is just the harness, I think metra kits with the face place and mounting kit is around $25 on eBay. Crutchfield is a good reference point but they're expensive.

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

Are you aware of any that have progressive fast-forward (fast-forward speed increases the longer you hold down the button) for mp3 files? I mostly listen to long-format podcasts, and sooner or later, I accidentally jump to the next 'cast before I'm finished (or like my old unit which would sometimes lose the bookmark and start over at the beginning).

 

[Camry_wiz]

Not really as I use apple music and just end up skipping whole tracks not seeking through a single one. I'll try it on my Pioneer today and report back.

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

Just to finish this sad tale, I stumbled across an install pdf in a Prius forum (which I now can't find), but the wiring harness is meant to go from the USB ECU... to the XM (I assume here it meant XM satellite radio) ECU, not the stereo head unit itself. Waste of time (and money). I'll have to wait a while to upgrade from playing mp3s off a cheapo old phone via the Aux jack (which at least now works after a re-soldering).

Money aside, I really don't like the looks of any current aftermarket unit. The only ones that come close to matching the rest of the instrument panel are straight-up Chinese no-name units that are no doubt absolute garbage.

 

[Camry_wiz]

Sorry to hear that. I agree with you on both points, no aftermarket unit looks OEM and most of the chinese units are garbage. I believe Rosen makes better units but at price I can go with a Pioneer NEX which has way more features. My old Pioneer sticks out like a sore thumb lol