2014-2021 Tundra Kenwood DMX-958XR Installation Guide

Welcome to Trail Grid Pro’s installation guide for your 2014–2021 Toyota Tundra Kenwood DMX-958XR Plug & Play Bundle from Trail Grid Pro! This step-by-step guide is designed to ensure a smooth installation, whether you're an experienced DIYer or upgrading your head unit for the first time.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• 📢 Important Updates: The written guide includes the latest updates and adjustments that may not be shown in the video, ensuring you have the most up-to-date instructions for a flawless installation.
• 🎥 Installation Videos: Visual instructions to help you through the process, including a detailed microphone install.
• 🛠️ Tools Needed: A quick list of everything you'll need to get started.
• 📝Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, easy-to-follow directions from disassembling your dash to securing the new Alpine head unit.
• ⚠️ Special Notes: Important information and considerations for your installation.
• 🛠️ Common Troubleshooting Solutions: Quick and effective fixes for common installation and performance issues.

Table of Contents

• Important Updates
• Installation Video
• Tools Needed
• Step 1: Disassembling the Dash
• Step 2: Installing the Microphone
• Step 3: Installing the Head Unit Chassis
• Step 4: Securing the Head Unit Chassis
• Step 5: Testing The Unit
• Step 6: Reassembling Your Tundra
• Common Troubleshooting Solutions

📢 Important Updates & Notes

🎥 Installation Video

🛠️ Tools Needed

• 10 mm socket
• Socket extension
• Ratchet Wrench (Manual or powered)
• Panel Removal Tool (Plastic preferred)
• Small Phillips head screwdriver (Magnetic tip preferred)

📝Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Disassembling the Dash

• Removing the Lower Dash Panel (USB & Buttons Panel):
  • Locate the gap between the lower panel and the air conditioning control panel.
  • Use a panel removal tool to gently pry out the lower panel.
  • Pull the panel straight out and let it hang down.
• Removing the HVAC Control Panel:
  • Reach behind the panel and pull it straight out.
  • Disconnect the single plug from the back of the HVAC controls. Set the panel aside.
• Removing the Factory Head Unit:
  • Locate and remove four 10 mm bolts securing the head unit.
  • Pull the head unit straight out to release the retaining clips.
• Disconnecting the Factory Head Unit:
  • Locate all wiring connections at the back of the head unit.
  • Press the tabs on each connector and unplug all connections.

⚠️Important Note: If there is a small harness bridging the navigation module at the bottom of the head unit to the main head unit, then it will not be used in the installation of the Alpine bundle.

Step 2: Installing the Microphone

• Attach the microphone to the side of the steering column, behind, or beside the rearview mirror using the adhesive backing.
• Ensure it’s securely placed and not obstructing any controls or visibility.

Routing the Microphone Wire:

• Remove Headliner Console: 
  Depending on trim level this may vary slightly.
  • • If you have a sunglasses compartment, flip open the compartment and remove the 2 T20 torque screws.
    • Use a plastic pry tool to remove the panel containing the card holder clip. Underneath you will find 2 more T20 torque screws.
• Remove Headliner Console Wiring Harness:
  • Unplug harness connector.
• Remove Factory Black Foam Piece
• Install Microphone To Mount:
  • Push the rounded end of the microphone thru the mount. The rounded end of microphone should be very close to in line with the bottom of the 2 legs on mount.
• Install Kenwood Microphone Mount:
  • Install mount into headliner console. Insert mount (legs & rounded end of microphone facing down) until the clip locks into place. Note: The legs of the mount are angled on one side, the angle will match with the contour of the headliner console.
• Route Microphone Wire:
  • Run the wire from the headliner console through the headliner toward the rear view mirror.
  • Reinstall the console, ensuring any slack is pulled toward the mirror.
  • Continue routing the wire along the windshield to the driver-side A-pillar.
  • Tuck it behind the A-pillar cover and guide it down to the driver’s floorboard.
  • Finally, run the wire under the dash and connect the 3.5mm jack to the red mic port on the back of the Kenwood radio chassis.

Step 3: Installing The Head Unit Chassis

For 2014-2019 Tundra's

• Connect the Four Main Vehicle Connectors:
  • Plug the four Maestro harness connectors into their matching plugs from your dash.
  • All plugs are keyed, meaning they will only fit the correct Toyota connector.

For 2020-2021 Tundra's

• Connect the Three Main Vehicle Connectors:
  • Two of the three plugs are keyed and will only connect to their matching factory Toyota connectors.
  • For the third plug, you'll see two factory Toyota connectors that look nearly identical—use the one with a large light baby blue wire and a large brown wire. This is the correct connection needed for the head unit to power on. 
    • We've included a video clip below showing exactly what this plug looks like. While it's demonstrated on a Sony for a 4Runner, the connector is the same across 2020+ 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra models.

• Connect the USB Adapter Cable:
  • Plug the USB adapter cable into the corresponding port on the back of the radio.
    
  • If applicable, secure the cable routing to prevent interference with other components.
    
• Connect the Navigation Antenna:
  • Attach the navigation antenna adapter from the GPS post on the back of the radio to the white single-pin Toyota connector.
    
• Connect the SiriusXM Antenna (If Applicable):
  • Connect the SiriusXM antenna adapter from the SiriusXM tuner to the black single-pin Toyota connector.
    
• Connect the AM/FM Antenna:
  • Plug the white rectangular AM/FM antenna adapter into the factory antenna connector.
    
• Route & Connect the OBD2 Harness:
  • The OBD2 harness is required in some installations to transmit vehicle data to the head unit. 
    • Run the OBD2 harness down the left side of the dash and connect it to the OBD2 port in the driver’s side footwell.
      
    • Test the Maestro system by connecting the OBD2 harness to confirm if gauge data is being transmitted.

Step 4: Securing the Head Unit Chassis

• Double-Check All Connections:
  • Before proceeding, verify that all wiring connections are secure and properly plugged in.
• Tuck in the Wiring:
  • Carefully organize and tuck all wires into the dash.
    • There are a lot of wires, but they will fit—take your time to ensure they are neatly routed.
• Position & Secure the Dash Kit:
  • Line up the dash kit with the mounting points.
  • Secure it using the four factory 10 mm bolts.
    

Step 5: Testing the Unit

• Test Key Functions:
  • Steering Wheel Controls –Ensure all buttons function properly.
  • Backup Camera, Follow these steps to turn on your cameras:
    • Go to Setup in your radio's menu.
    • Select Function.
    • Choose Camera.
      • From there, enable the cameras you wish to activate.
    • With your foot on the brake, shift into reverse to activate the camera.
    • Alternatively, press the camera icon on the lower bezel of the head unit to manually view the backup camera.
• Check Audio Functions:
  • AM/FM Radio – Tune to a station and confirm sound plays through all speakers.
• Test SiriusXM Tuner (If Applicable):
  • If the SiriusXM tuner is connected, you should receive Channel 1 (SiriusXM Advertisement Channel).
  • To activate or transfer service, contact SiriusXM and provide your tuner ID.
  • Find your tuner ID in one of three locations:
    • Printed on the tuner itself.
    • Displayed on Channel 0 when listening to SiriusXM.
    • Located on the SiriusXM box in your spare parts bag.

Step 6: Reassembling Your Tundra

• Reconnect the HVAC Panel:
  • Plug in the HVAC panel wiring harness.
  • Push the HVAC panel back into place.
• Reinstall the Lower Dash Panel (USB & Buttons Panel).

Congratulations on installing your new Kenwood Plug & Play Bundle!

🛠️ Common Troubleshooting Solutions: Experiencing issues with your installation? Try these steps before reaching out for support.

1. Steering Wheel Controls:

Perform this reset if you experience any issues with steering wheel control functionality.

Steps to Reset the Maestro Module:

• Turn on accessory power or start your vehicle.
• Navigate through the head unit settings:
  • Settings > Application > Maestro
    • Maestro Settings > Maestro Module > Maestro Master Reset
• Allow the reset process to complete.
• After the reset:
  • Turn your vehicle back to accessory power.
  • Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the "handshake" or initialization process between the Maestro and head unit.
  • Do not press any buttons on the head unit during this time.
• Start your vehicle and test the system.

2. Gauge Functionality

If you experience issues with the gauge display, perform this reset. Keep in mind that the iDatalink Maestro can only display vehicle data that it is programmed to retrieve.

You may also need to plug in the OBD2 harness as outlined in Step 3 to ensure proper gauge functionality.

Steps to Reset the Maestro Module:

• Turn on accessory power or start your vehicle.
• Navigate through the head unit settings:
  • Settings > Application > Maestro
    • Maestro Settings > Maestro Module > Maestro Master Reset
• Allow the reset process to complete.
• After the reset:
  • Turn your vehicle back to accessory power.
  • Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the "handshake" or initialization process between the Maestro and head unit.
  • Do not press any buttons on the head unit during this time.
• Start your vehicle and test the system.

3. Apple Carplay or Android Auto Troubleshooting Guide

Apple Carplay Troubleshooting Guide: If you're experiencing CarPlay connectivity issues, follow these steps:

• Update Firmware & Software:
  • Ensure your iPhone is updated
    • Settings > General > Software Update.
• Use the Right Cable (For Wired CarPlay):
  • Use an Apple-certified (MFi) or Anker cable.
  • Disable Bluetooth for wired connections, as some head units require it.
• Restart Devices & Close Background Apps:
  • Restart your iPhone and head unit to clear cached data.
  • Close unused apps to improve performance.
• Check CarPlay Privacy Settings:
  • Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and enable CarPlay.
  • If using a VPN, disable it, as it may interfere with CarPlay.
• Reset CarPlay Connection:
  • Settings > General > CarPlay, select your vehicle, tap Forget This Car, then re-pair.
• Fix Amazon App Audio Issues (If Applicable):
  • Disable Microphone Access for Amazon apps
    • Settings > App > Microphone > Toggle Off.
  • Disable Location Access
    • Settings > App > Location > Set to Never.
• Disable Apple Intelligence (If Applicable):
  • If Apple Intelligence is enabled, it may cause issues with Apple CarPlay, including Siri not recognizing voice commands or failing to provide navigation instructions from mapping apps. Disabling Apple Intelligence may help restore CarPlay functionality.
• Factory Reset the Head Unit (If Issues Persist):
  • Reset the head unit via its settings menu.

Android Auto Troubleshooting Guide: If you're experiencing Android Auto connectivity issues, follow these steps:

• Update Firmware & Software:
  • Ensure your Android phone and all apps are updated 
• Use the Right Cable (For Wired Android Auto):
  • Use an OEM cable or a high-quality Anker cable to avoid connection issues.
  • Try a different USB cable or port on the head unit.
  • When plugged in, ensure your phone’s USB mode is set to File Transfer (MTP) or Android Auto, not Charging Only.
• Restart Devices & Close Background Apps:
  • Restart your phone and head unit to clear any temporary glitches.
  • Close unused apps to improve performance.
• Clear Android Auto Cache:
  • Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage > Clear Cache.
• Check App Permissions:
  • Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Permissions, and enable access to Phone, SMS, Location, and Contacts.
• Turn Off Battery Optimization:
  • Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > Android Auto > Don’t Optimize.
• Disable VPNs:
  • If you're using a VPN, disable it and check if Android Auto works.
• Reset Android Auto Connection:
  • If using wired Android Auto, turn off Bluetooth, as some head units require it.
  • If using wireless Android Auto, try re-pairing your phone with the head unit.
• Factory Reset the Head Unit (If Issues Persist):
  • Reset the head unit via its settings menu.

Contact Us

If you're still encountering difficulties and need additional troubleshooting support, please reach out using this contact form, and someone will get in touch as soon as possible.