2016-2019 Tacoma Sony XAV-AX8100 Installation Guide

Welcome to the installation guide for your 2016–2019 Toyota Tacoma 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.
• 🛠️ 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: Installing the Dash Kit
• Step 5: Secure the Screen & Test
• Special Note for Manual Transmission
• Common Troubleshooting Solutions

📢 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.

Apple Carplay & Android Auto: We’re aware of some challenges affecting Sony head units when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Please refer to the Troubleshooting Guide at the bottom of this installation guide for assistance.

🎥 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 Outer Trim Piece:
  • Grab the side of the trim piece and pull straight back to release it from the tabs.
  • Move to the other side and continue pulling until the entire trim piece comes off.
  • Set the trim piece aside.
• Remove the Four 10mm Bolts:
  • Locate the four 10mm bolts securing the head unit (two on each side).
  • Use a 10mm socket wrench or powered tool to remove the bolts.
  • Hold onto the bolts as you remove them to prevent dropping them.
  • ⚠️Pro Tip: Place the bolts in the cup holder to avoid losing them.
• Remove the Head Unit:
  • Place a microfiber towel over the shift knob to prevent scratches.
  • Pull the head unit straight out from the dash and rest it on the towel.
• Disconnect the Factory Head Unit:
  • Unplug all wiring connections from the back of the factory head unit.
  • Press the tabs on each connector and remove the plugs.
• Set Aside the Factory Head Unit:
  • With all connectors removed, place the factory head unit aside and prepare for the Sony installation.

⚠️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 Sony bundle.

Step 2: Installing the Microphone

• Remove Headliner Console:
  Depending on trim level this may vary slightly.
  • 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.
• Remove Headliner Console Wiring Harness:
  • • Unplug harness connector.
• Remove Foam Insert:
  • Locate microphone port and remove the foam insert.
• 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.
• 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.
• Install Sony Microphone Mount:
  • Install mount into headliner console.
  • Insert mount (legs & rounded end of microphone facing down) until the clip locks into place.
• 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 Sony radio chassis.

Step 3: Installing the Head Unit Chassis

• Identify the Correct Connectors:
  • Use vehicle connectors 2, 4, and 5 for this installation (see red box in the diagram). Connectors 1 and 3 will not be used.
  • Plug the provided plug & play harness into the factory connectors.
  • Ensure each connection is fully seated.

• 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.
• Connect the Backup Camera (CAM-TY12):
  • Ensure the female side of the backup camera harness labeled CAM-TY12 is plugged into the factory video connection.
  • The connectors are keyed and will only fit their correct mate.
• Route & Connect the OBD2 Harness:
  • The OBD2 harness includes:
    • Two plugs (one white and one black) that connect to the Maestro harness.
    • A larger end that plugs into the OBD2 port under the driver’s side dash. 
    • 2-pin white connectors that should be plugged into each other (these should already be connected when you receive the bundle).
      • The red/yellow wires do not need to be connected 
  • Run the OBD2 harness down the left side of the dash and connect it to the OBD2 port in the driver’s side footwell.

Step 4. Install the Dash Kit

Your new matte black Metra Tacoma dash kit is installed second.

• In your kit, you will find two faceplates:
  • One is already attached to your completed bundle.
  • The other is packaged separately inside your shipping box.
• We pre-install the larger faceplate, as this size fits most Tacomas.
• If the faceplate installed on your bundle is not the correct size for your truck:
  • Remove the 4 faceplate screws securing it to the side brackets.
  • Swap to the alternate faceplate.
  • Re-secure using the same screws.

Step 5. Secure the Screen & Test 

The Sony 8100 screen display, support pieces, and trim are installed last.

• Attach the front USB cable:
  • Connect the USB cable from the front of the body to the USB port on the rear of the Sony 8100 screen.
• Route the USB cable:
  • Place the cable into the provided channel on the rear of the Sony 8100 screen.
• Attach the rear panels:
  • Slide the two rear panels onto the back of the Sony 8100 screen, one on each side of the neck.
  • Note: One panel has a slot designed to fit over the USB cable—ensure correct placement.
• Install the Sony 8100 screen into the body:
  • Carefully slide the screen into the body.
• Test the radio functions:
  • Before securing any screws, power up and test all functions of the radio to confirm correct operation.
• Secure the screen:
  • Once confirmed, secure the Sony 8100 screen to the body using the provided 4 silver screws (2 on each side of the neck).
  • Tip: Use a magnetic tip Phillips-head screwdriver, as the outer screws are recessed deeper than the inner screws.
• Install the neck cover and final screw:
  • Slide the small black cover on the neck of the Sony 8100 toward you to reveal the final screw location.
  • Secure with the one black screw in the middle of the neck.

Special Note for Manual Transmission:

• Locate the purple wire with a white stripe on the main harness coming from the back of the Sony radio.
• Tap this wire into the reverse wire on the 28-pin connector found on the factory plug in your dash.
• The reverse wire is in Pin Location 2 when viewing the connector from the end without the wires.
  • Refer to the attached diagram for visual guidance.
• A purple jumper wire is pre-connected to the purple/white wire to simplify installation.
  • A t-tap is included for easy connection.
• Carefully cut back the protective covering on the wire harness attached to the 28-pin connector.
• Use the provided t-tap to securely connect the wire from Pin Location 2 to the Sony radio harness.

Congratulations on installing your new Sony Plug & Play Bundle!

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

1. Steering Wheel Controls Troubleshooting Guide:

Step 1: Confirm Basic Connections and Settings

• Check the physical connection:
• Ensure the 3.5mm black plug from the PAC module is firmly plugged into the blue port on the back of the Sony radio labeled "Remote."
• Check Sony head unit settings:
• Go to Settings>General>Steering Wheel Controls.
• Confirm the setting is on "Preset.

Step 2: Perform Reset Process (in this exact order)

• Unplug the power plug from the PAC RP4.2-TY11 for at least 5 seconds.
• This is the plug with red, black, and yellow wires only.
• Turn on your vehicle and allow the system to fully power up.
• Perform a Master Reset on the PAC RP4.2-TY11:
  • Press and hold the programming button on the side of the PAC module.
  • Watch the LED:
    • First blinks green.
    • Then blinks amber.
    • Finally blinks red.
  • Release the button when it is blinking red.
    • Releasing at the red blinking stage will reset to factory settings.
• Perform a Simple Reset:
  • After the master reset, press and immediately release the “Reset” button on the PAC module.
• Wait about 10 seconds, then test your steering wheel controls.

Step 3: Manual Button Mapping (If SWC Still Not Working)

• If steering wheel controls are still not working, switch the Sony system to "Custom" mode:
• Go to Settings → General → Steering Wheel Controls.
• Change the setting to "Custom."
• You should see a gear icon.
• Tap the gear icon to enter the manual button mapping screen.
• Follow the prompts to map each steering wheel control button.

Step 4: Check and Adjust Dip Switches (If Certain Buttons Like “Answer” Still Don't Work)

• Locate the dip switches on the side of the PAC module.
• Change the settings to:
• Switches 1, 2, and 3 ON.
• Switch 4 OFF.
• (This is the reverse of the default setting, which is Switch 4 ON and 1, 2, 3 OFF.)

2. Backup Camera Activation

If your backup camera works when manually activated on the head unit but doesn’t engage when shifting into reverse, the issue may be related to the settings.

In some cases, the reverse trigger wire is located within the OBD2 port, meaning the OBD2 harness may be required for proper functionality. Refer to Step 3 for installation details.

• Turn on accessory power or start your vehicle.
• Navigate through the head unit settings:
  • Settings > Application > Camera Display
    • Rear Camera Interruption > Toggle On
• Return to the home screen and test by shifting into reverse.

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.