Posting up my solution for a budget Carplay unit that retains as much factory functionality as possible. For just over $300, I'm very happy with it and has modernized our family hauler substantially.
To my knowledge, this applies to 08 through 21 Sequoias that came from factory with navigation head unit, backup cam, and RES (Rear Entertainment System, DVD or BluRay). There is some debate or incomplete information during my install process on how to install one of the cheap Android based head units and retain the backup camera and rear entertainment audio through speakers, two common issues. I am not fully educated on specific wiring differences between the years, however I can confirm my solution below works for 2011-2018 based on confirmations from other forums/members. My specific use is a 2016 Sequoia Platinum.
Also quick shoutout as I'm building on information from @NKP Garage post here:
Cheapest 2018+ Sequoia in the entire country!! Modify, Upgrade, Maintain - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cheapest-2018-sequoia-in-the-entire-country-modify-upgrade-maintain.1357362/post-15879395
Items I purchased:
Install is straightforward, follow old unit removal videos (plenty out there including NKP's), and using the Viabecs harness, basically connect everything that fits together from the factory side to what fits in the head unit side. The Viabecs adapter has the correct pins for the backup camera (the head unit provided one did not read factory rear camera input signal) and installs the same as provided instructions. The Axxess harness plugs in to the sole remaining factory plug, and the white/red rca plugs connect to the Aux input of the head unit (the non-fitting white connector and yellow RCA video line are unused). This allows RES audio to play through the aux input of the head unit, versus headphone-only without it.
The head unit for me has 2 months of use, and has performed as well as expected with no crashes or functionality bugs. I had always been concerned about the budget chinese-made Android units after lots of bug reports from those installing elaborate "tesla-style" or huge screen units, however I think the technology has ironed out in most cases, and if you're not relying on it for much more than wireless Carplay and basic functionality, it can be expected to be reliable. I have not encountered any issues in 2 months. Expect unclear install instructions, subpar tech support, and some strange unit settings, but none of those were a headache for me and haven't been an issue since install. This install is likely possible with a different brand head unit that matches the same look, as the vast majority of the hardware across these such as RONGJI, Daisata, Viabecs are the same.
Wireless Carplay automatically runs when I start the vehicle, and set the audio input to aux and RES media plays through the cabin speakers. Head unit defaults to last input as well, so on a road trip, the movie can continue playing on the same audio input without resetting. This was important for us for road trips with two young kids (third on the way). We can now keep 4 or 5 dollar-store bin BluRays in the rear center console for road trips and have a quick solution that allows talking front seat to back, front volume control, versus investing in two tablets and kid-appropriate headphones.
This solution does *not* allow for RES video to play on the front head unit (not an issue for us), nor does it retain factory pause/next/stop control of the RES media from the front head unit (will need to use factory remote). It may be possible if you can convert the three RCA plugs from the Axxess adapter to HDMI, and use a head unit aux a/v input. If you want to get in to mirroring video front & back, there is info on additional wiring and adapters in this video below starting around 26:52, which unfortunately involves lots of adapters and less elegant wiring solutions.
Cheers!
To my knowledge, this applies to 08 through 21 Sequoias that came from factory with navigation head unit, backup cam, and RES (Rear Entertainment System, DVD or BluRay). There is some debate or incomplete information during my install process on how to install one of the cheap Android based head units and retain the backup camera and rear entertainment audio through speakers, two common issues. I am not fully educated on specific wiring differences between the years, however I can confirm my solution below works for 2011-2018 based on confirmations from other forums/members. My specific use is a 2016 Sequoia Platinum.
Also quick shoutout as I'm building on information from @NKP Garage post here:
Cheapest 2018+ Sequoia in the entire country!! Modify, Upgrade, Maintain - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cheapest-2018-sequoia-in-the-entire-country-modify-upgrade-maintain.1357362/post-15879395
Items I purchased:
- Head unit - $240 at time of post:
- Replace provided install harness with Viabecs - $48 at time of post:
- Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ7YZDCV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
- Note this harness should come with purchase of a Viabecs head unit, however that was $130 more than above for what appears to be the same hardware with no discernable feature upgrades.
- You want the "CAN004-X +Canbus" option
- Axxess AX-TOYRSAV RES Adapter, $25 at time of post:
Install is straightforward, follow old unit removal videos (plenty out there including NKP's), and using the Viabecs harness, basically connect everything that fits together from the factory side to what fits in the head unit side. The Viabecs adapter has the correct pins for the backup camera (the head unit provided one did not read factory rear camera input signal) and installs the same as provided instructions. The Axxess harness plugs in to the sole remaining factory plug, and the white/red rca plugs connect to the Aux input of the head unit (the non-fitting white connector and yellow RCA video line are unused). This allows RES audio to play through the aux input of the head unit, versus headphone-only without it.
The head unit for me has 2 months of use, and has performed as well as expected with no crashes or functionality bugs. I had always been concerned about the budget chinese-made Android units after lots of bug reports from those installing elaborate "tesla-style" or huge screen units, however I think the technology has ironed out in most cases, and if you're not relying on it for much more than wireless Carplay and basic functionality, it can be expected to be reliable. I have not encountered any issues in 2 months. Expect unclear install instructions, subpar tech support, and some strange unit settings, but none of those were a headache for me and haven't been an issue since install. This install is likely possible with a different brand head unit that matches the same look, as the vast majority of the hardware across these such as RONGJI, Daisata, Viabecs are the same.
Wireless Carplay automatically runs when I start the vehicle, and set the audio input to aux and RES media plays through the cabin speakers. Head unit defaults to last input as well, so on a road trip, the movie can continue playing on the same audio input without resetting. This was important for us for road trips with two young kids (third on the way). We can now keep 4 or 5 dollar-store bin BluRays in the rear center console for road trips and have a quick solution that allows talking front seat to back, front volume control, versus investing in two tablets and kid-appropriate headphones.
This solution does *not* allow for RES video to play on the front head unit (not an issue for us), nor does it retain factory pause/next/stop control of the RES media from the front head unit (will need to use factory remote). It may be possible if you can convert the three RCA plugs from the Axxess adapter to HDMI, and use a head unit aux a/v input. If you want to get in to mirroring video front & back, there is info on additional wiring and adapters in this video below starting around 26:52, which unfortunately involves lots of adapters and less elegant wiring solutions.
Cheers!
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