2020 - 2023 Tacoma Alpine Head Unit Installation Guide

Welcome to Trail Grid Pro’s installation guide for your 2020–2023 Toyota Tacoma Alpine iLX-507, Alpine iLX-F509 or the Alpine iLX-F511 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 Tacoma
• Step 7: Secure Screen to Chassis
• Common Troubleshooting Solutions

📢 Important Updates & Notes

OBD2 Harness: The installation guidance for the OBD2 harness has been revised. This harness may be necessary for transmitting vehicle data to your head unit. For updated routing instructions, please refer to Step 3: Installing the Head Unit Chassis.

Alpine Navigation Antenna: The process has been updated. You no longer need to use the provided Alpine Navigation antenna. Instead, connect the GPS Antenna adapter on the back of the radio to the corresponding white plug from your vehicle.

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: We are aware of some challenges with Alpine head units when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Please see the Troubleshooting Guide at the end of this installation guide for assistance.

Update (January 2025): Alpine iLX Series Over-The-Air (OTA) Firmware Update – Version 6.0

🎥 Installation Video

🎥 Settings Overview 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 Alpine 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 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:

• If mounted on the steering column:
  • Guide the wire behind the steering column and down toward the floor.
  • Use a wire fish tool to route the wire from the floor to the back of the Alpine head unit.
  • Secure the wire along the path using zip ties if needed.
• If mounted behind or beside the rearview mirror:
  • Tuck the wire behind the overhead console trim and route it along the headliner toward the driver-side A-pillar.
  • Carefully tuck the wire behind the A-pillar cover and guide it down to the driver’s floorboard.
  • Run the wire under the dash and connect it to the mic port on the back of the Alpine head unit.

Step 3: Installing the Head Unit Chassis

• Connect the Three Main Vehicle Connectors:
  • Plug the three Maestro harness connectors into their matching plugs from your dash.
    
    • All plugs are keyed, meaning they will only fit the correct Toyota connector.
      
• 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 10mm bolts.
    • We recommend leaving the bolts slightly loose until you mount the dash kit during final assembly.

Step 5: Testing the Unit

• Attaching and Securing the Alpine Screen: 
  • If you have the iLX-507, skip these steps and proceed to Test Key Functions.
  • Align the Screen with the mounting points on the chassis, ensuring the top tabs hold it in place.
• Install Power Plate & Cover:
  • Attach the plastic power plate and secure it with screws, then install the screen cover over the hinges.
• Adjust the screen to your preferred position, secure it with screws.
• 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.

⚠️ Important Note: Before moving on to Step 6, if you're using the Alpine iLX-F509 or iLX-F511, you'll need to remove the display now so you can install the new dash cover in the next step.

Step 6: Reassembling Your Tacoma

• Reinstall the Dash Panel:
  • Align the dash panel with its original position.
  • Press firmly along the edges to snap it back into place.
• Adjust the Chassis for Proper Fitment:
  • If necessary, adjust the radio chassis to ensure it fits properly within the dash cover opening.
  • Once aligned, tighten the four 10mm bolts.
    • ⚠️ DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!

Step 7: Secure Screen to Chassis

Note: This step is not required for Alpine iLX-507 installations.

• Gather the Screws:
  • Your kit includes four identical screws to secure the screen to the chassis.
• Attaching and Securing the Alpine Screen: 
  
  • Align the Screen with the mounting points on the chassis, ensuring the top tabs hold it in place.
• Install Power Plate & Cover:
  • Attach the plastic power plate and secure it with screws, then install the screen cover over the hinges.
  • Adjust the screen to your preferred position.
• Install the Four Screws:
  • Using a Phillips head screwdriver, secure the screen to the head unit body with the four screws:
    • Screw 1: Front left
    • Screw 2: Rear left
    • Screw 3: Front right
    • Screw 4: Rear right
• Adjust and Verify:
  • Tilt the screen into position.

Congratulations on installing your new Alpine 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. Backup Camera Activation

For all cameras connected to your Alpine radio to function properly, you need to enable them in the settings. 

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.

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.

4. 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.
• Update Your Alpine iLX Series Radio Over-The-Air:
  
  • Access the Setup Menu on your head unit.
  • Scroll down to the System tab and select About/Software Update.
  • Choose Over-The-Air (OTA) Software Update.
  • Connect to a Wi-Fi network (using a cell phone hotspot works well).
  • Download the update via Wi-Fi.
  • Install the update (make sure the vehicle doesn't lose power during the process).
  • Once the update is installed, the radio will restart. It's recommended to
  • Clear All Settings from the head unit menu after the update.
  • After the update is complete, test your system to ensure everything is functioning properly.
• 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 
• Update Your Alpine iLX Series Radio Over-The-Air:
  
  • Access the Setup Menu on your head unit.
  • Scroll down to the System tab and select About/Software Update.
  • Choose Over-The-Air (OTA) Software Update.
  • Connect to a Wi-Fi network (using a cell phone hotspot works well).
  • Download the update via Wi-Fi.
  • Install the update (make sure the vehicle doesn't lose power during the process).
  • Once the update is installed, the radio will restart. It's recommended to
  • Clear All Settings from the head unit menu after the update.
  • After the update is complete, test your system to ensure everything is functioning properly.
• 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.