Dozer18
SILVER Star
With some help from Mud, I attempted to install an aftermarket Pioneer head unit in my 2004 LC while maintaining full functionality of the MFD (including climate, backup cam, trip info, etc), and I can say without question that it can be done. I took out the factory tape deck and installed the new head unit in that space, and once complete I still had climate control, nav, cam, etc. The result had no hissing, other noises, or any other issues. I can't speak for LXs of any year or even any other Land Cruiser, but this is how it's done on an '04 (and would probably work on '05-'07 as well).
First, the parts list. Here's what I bought in preparation (all prices what I paid at the time on Amazon):
- Pioneer AVH-3300NEX ($454). This is a SINGLE-DIN unit with Car Play, Android Auto, SiriusXM compatibility, Pandora, Spotify, Pioneer Nav-compatible, etc.
- Metra 70-8113 Amp Harness ($7.50). This is plug and play for the '04 LC. It does not bypass the factory JBL amp; it provides RCAs to deliver the sound signal to the amp. Use this.
- Metra Axxess AWSC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface ($46). This will enable you to keep your steering wheel control functionality when used with...
- Metra 70-8114 Steering Wheel Control Wiring Harness w/RCAs ($9). This allows you to connect the AWSC-1 directly to the factory plug AND the head unit's harness. It is plug and play as well with a slight mod that will allow you to retain the MFD/Climate controls. Buy this also.
- SiriusXM SXV300v1 adapter kit ($40). This is optional, but I opted for it. Very easy to connect.
- Batige USB 3.0 and 3mm aux car mount flush cable ($11). This isn't absolutely required (the head unit comes with a USB cable but not an aux cable), but it installs so cleanly in the spot where the cig lighter was and give you instant USB and Aux functionality; it's a no brainer.
- MicroBypass parking brake switch interface for the Pioneer model ($14). This allows you to avoid wiring the head unit to the parking brake switch. People argue that it's technically illegal because it will allow you to watch video on your head unit in drive, but I don't have anything providing a video signal to my HU. May be different if your HU has a DVD player or you actually connect a video input to the back of the HU.
- 68 Ohm, 1/2 watt resistors ($5 for a 10-pack). This is absolutely critical to keeping your MFD/Climate functionality; you must score these. Don't try some other size/resistance; this works. Thanks, @jerryb!
I also recommend that you get a cheap set of trim removal tools ($6), some crimp caps ($4.50 for an assortment of 200), a good crimping tool if you don't have one ($15), some electrical tape, and some double sided tape.
All in, including the tools, cost me $612. You can easily do it for $550 without XM and if you already have the tools.
Here's a pic to whet your appetite. More posts coming soon with step by step details and pics; stand by!
First, the parts list. Here's what I bought in preparation (all prices what I paid at the time on Amazon):
- Pioneer AVH-3300NEX ($454). This is a SINGLE-DIN unit with Car Play, Android Auto, SiriusXM compatibility, Pandora, Spotify, Pioneer Nav-compatible, etc.
- Metra 70-8113 Amp Harness ($7.50). This is plug and play for the '04 LC. It does not bypass the factory JBL amp; it provides RCAs to deliver the sound signal to the amp. Use this.
- Metra Axxess AWSC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface ($46). This will enable you to keep your steering wheel control functionality when used with...
- Metra 70-8114 Steering Wheel Control Wiring Harness w/RCAs ($9). This allows you to connect the AWSC-1 directly to the factory plug AND the head unit's harness. It is plug and play as well with a slight mod that will allow you to retain the MFD/Climate controls. Buy this also.
- SiriusXM SXV300v1 adapter kit ($40). This is optional, but I opted for it. Very easy to connect.
- Batige USB 3.0 and 3mm aux car mount flush cable ($11). This isn't absolutely required (the head unit comes with a USB cable but not an aux cable), but it installs so cleanly in the spot where the cig lighter was and give you instant USB and Aux functionality; it's a no brainer.
- MicroBypass parking brake switch interface for the Pioneer model ($14). This allows you to avoid wiring the head unit to the parking brake switch. People argue that it's technically illegal because it will allow you to watch video on your head unit in drive, but I don't have anything providing a video signal to my HU. May be different if your HU has a DVD player or you actually connect a video input to the back of the HU.
- 68 Ohm, 1/2 watt resistors ($5 for a 10-pack). This is absolutely critical to keeping your MFD/Climate functionality; you must score these. Don't try some other size/resistance; this works. Thanks, @jerryb!
I also recommend that you get a cheap set of trim removal tools ($6), some crimp caps ($4.50 for an assortment of 200), a good crimping tool if you don't have one ($15), some electrical tape, and some double sided tape.
All in, including the tools, cost me $612. You can easily do it for $550 without XM and if you already have the tools.
Here's a pic to whet your appetite. More posts coming soon with step by step details and pics; stand by!