Welcome to the installation guide for your 2014–2019 Toyota 4Runner Sony XAV-AX8100 Plug & Play Bundle from Trail Grid Pro! This step-by-step guide is designed to make the installation process as smooth as possible, whether you're a seasoned DIYer or tackling your first head unit upgrade.
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 Sony head unit.
- ⚠️ Special Notes: Important information and considerations for your installation.
- 🚨 Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing issues, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve common problems with your system.
Table of Contents
- Important Updates
- Installation Video
- Tools Needed
- Step 1: Disassembling the Dash
- Step 2: Installing the Microphone
- Step 3: Installing the Chassis
- Step 4: Securing the Chassis
- Step 5: Testing the Unit
- Step 6: Secure Screen to Chassis
- Troubleshooting
📢 Important Updates & Notes
Update (February 2025): We've updated the guidance for the OBD2 harness installation. The OBD2 harness may be required to transmit vehicle data to your head unit.
For the updated OBD2 routing instructions, please refer to Step 3: Installing the Chassis.
🎥 Installation Video
🛠️Tools Needed:
- 10mm 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
- Remove the two side panels by pulling straight back.
- Pull the HVAC control panel straight back to remove it, disconnecting the single wiring harness from the rear. Use a panel removal tool to detach the white wire retainer from the HVAC panel.
- Using a 10mm socket with an extension, remove the four bolts securing the factory radio bracket. Store the bolts safely in your cupholder.
- Remove the factory head unit by gripping the top and bottom and pulling straight back.
- Disconnect all wiring harnesses from the back of the head unit.
- There is a small harness that bridges from the navigation module on the bottom of the head unit to the main head unit. This harness will not be used in the installation of the Sony bundle.
Step 2: Installing the Microphone
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Remove Headliner Console.
- The headliner console is typically held in with pressure clips and can be removed by pulling straight down. It is recommended to use gently pressure with a panel removal tool to pry the headliner console out.
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Remove Headliner Console Wiring Harness.
- Unplug harness connector.
-
Remove Foam Insert.
- Locate microphone port and remove the foam insert.
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Remove Mounting Ball On Sony Microphone.
- The small ball can be removed easily by cutting with a pair of side cutters or a utility knife.
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Install Microphone To Mount.
- Push the rounded end of the microphone thru upper support of the mount. The rounded end of microphone should be very close to in line with the bottom of the 2 legs on mount. Align the spot where you cut off the ball to be in-line with one of the upper supports. This will make sure the audio openings on the side of the microphone are not obstructed.
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Install Sony Microphone Mount.
- Install mount into headliner console. Insert mount (legs & rounded end of microphone facing down) until the clip locks into place.
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Route Microphone Wire.
- Run the wire from the headliner console through the headliner toward the rearview 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 Sony radio chassis.
Step 3: Installing the Chassis
- Connect all vehicle harnesses as outlined in the document below. We've highlighted the required vehicle connectors (2, 4, & 5) in a red box for easy identification.
- Vehicle connectors 1 & 3 are not needed for your installation.
- Vehicle connectors 1 & 3 are not needed for your installation.
⚠️DO NOT POWER ON YOUR HEAD-UNIT BEFORE ALL CONNECTIONS ARE MADE.
This will cause an error when the PAC module is trying to calibrate to your vehicle
-
Secure the Backup Camera Connection
- Connect the female side of the CAM-TY12 to the factory video harness.
- Connect Additional Components:
-
Navigation Antenna
- Use the adapter to connect the GPS port on the radio to the white single-pin Toyota connector.
-
SiriusXM Antenna
- Connect the tuner adapter to the black single-pin Toyota connector.
-
AM/FM Antenna
- Plug the white rectangular adapter into the factory antenna connector.
-
USB Retention Cable
- Connect the front-mounted USB cable to the rear of the Sony XAV-AX8100 screen.
- Place the USB wire in the designated channel on the back of the screen.
-
Navigation Antenna
Step 4: Securing the Chassis
- Double-check all connections and carefully tuck all wiring into the dash.
- Align the dash kit and secure it using the four factory 10mm bolts.
- Transfer the vents, trim pieces, and hazard button trim to the new dash kit.
- Use the provided white tab clips instead of factory clips for a more secure fit.
- Install the Rear Panels – Slide the two rear panels onto the back of the Sony XAV-AX8100 screen; one has a slot for the USB cable.
- Attach the Sony XAV-AX8100 Screen
- Slide the screen into the unit’s body, but do not fully secure it yet. First, test the unit to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Step 5: Testing the Unit
- Turn the ignition into accessory power. If the screen does not turn on within about 5-10 seconds, press the home button on the left of the button bar.
- After the Sony logo disappears a setting menu will appear:
- Set the date and time
- Turn off demo mode
- Set date format
- Test your steering wheel controls
- Test your backup camera
- With your foot on the brake, shift to reverse
- You can also select Rear Cam on the screen to show the backup camera
- Check AM/FM radio and check to make sure that sound is coming from all speakers.
- Check your Sirius XM tuner:
- Once the Sirius XM Tuner is correctly connected, you should receive channel 1 (Sirius XM Advertisement Channel) on the radio.
- At this point you will need to contact Sirius XM to activate or transfer your existing service plan to the new tuner ID.
- The tuner ID can be found in 3 locations: On the tuner itself, on channel zero when listening to Sirius XM or on the Sirius XM box located in your spare parts bag.
Step 6: Secure Screen to Chassis
- If everything is working correctly, secure the screen by inserting the four silver screws (two on each side of the neck).
- Use a magnetic Phillips screwdriver if possible, as the two outer screws are recessed.
- Slide the black cover on the neck of the Sony XAV-AX8100 forward to line up the final screw hole.
- Insert the last black screw in the middle of the Sony XAV-AX8100 neck.
🚨Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting Steering Wheel Controls on Sony Head Unit
Step 1: Preliminary Checks
Before proceeding with resets, check the following:
- Ensure the 3.5mm black plug on the back of the radio is plugged into the blue port labeled “remote” on the back of the radio.
- Verify that the Sony system is set correctly to accept preset steering wheel controls from the PAC module:
- Go to Settings → General → Steering Wheel Controls
- Ensure it is set to “Preset”
- If both of these settings are correct, move on to the reset steps.
Step 2: Reset Process
Follow these steps in the exact order:
- Unplug the PAC RP4.2-TY11 power plug for at least 5 seconds.
- The power plug is the one with red, black, and yellow wires only.
- Turn on your vehicle and allow the system to fully power up.
- The power plug is the one with red, black, and yellow wires only.
- Perform a Master Reset (Restore Factory Settings)
- Follow the instructions on page 6 of the PAC RP4.2-TY11 manual.
- Follow the instructions on page 6 of the PAC RP4.2-TY11 manual.
- Perform a Simple Reset
- Press and immediately release the reset button on the PAC module.
- Press and immediately release the reset button on the PAC module.
- Wait 10 seconds, then test the steering wheel controls.
Step 3: Manual Steering Wheel Control Configuration (If Needed)
If the steering wheel controls still do not work, you can manually program them:
- Go to Settings → General → Steering Wheel Controls
- Set it to “Custom” mode.
- Press the gear icon that appears.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to manually map each button on your steering wheel.
Step 4: Factory Reset of PAC Module
If issues persist, restore the PAC module to its factory default settings:
- Press and hold the programming button on the side of the PAC module.
- The status LED will go through three stages:
- Green Blinking → Amber Blinking → Red Blinking
- Green Blinking → Amber Blinking → Red Blinking
- Release the button while the LED is blinking red to perform the reset.
This reset will restore the following settings to default:
- Steering Wheel Control (SWC) Mapping
- Parking Brake Output Settings
- Factory Amplifier Settings
- Real Fade (reset to "on")
Dip Switch Settings
If you're still unable to use all steering wheel controls (especially the answer button), adjust the dip switch settings on the side of the PAC module.
- Set Dip Switches 1, 2, and 3 to "ON"
- Set Dip Switch 4 to "OFF"
Currently, these are set in reverse (Dip Switch 4 is "ON" while 1, 2, and 3 are "OFF"), so you'll need to flip them accordingly.
After completing these steps, test your steering wheel controls again. If issues persist, please reach out to support@trailgridpro.com further assistance.
