Welcome to the installation guide for your 2020–2024 Toyota 4Runner Sony XAV-9000ES 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.
Table of Contents
- Important Updates
- Installation Video
- Tools Needed
- Step 1: Disassembling the Dash
- Step 2: Preparing the Dash Kit
- Step 3: Installing the Microphone
- Step 4: Installing the Chassis
- Step 5: Securing the Chassis
- Step 6: Testing the Unit
- Step 7: Reassembling Your 4Runner
📢 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 4: Installing the Chassis.
🎥 Installation Video
Note: This video demonstrates the installation process for the Sony XAV-AX4000, but the steps will be the same for installing the Sony XAV-9000ES.
🛠️ 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
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Remove the Side Panels
- Pull straight out on both left and right side panels to remove them.
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Remove the HVAC Control Panel
- Gently pull out the HVAC control panel.
- Disconnect the HVAC wiring harness by unplugging the connector in the back.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or panel tool to release the retaining clip securing the connection.
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Remove the Head Unit Mounting Bolts
- Locate the four 10mm bolts underneath the head unit.
- Remove them using a 10mm socket wrench or an impact gun.
- ⚠️Pro Tip: Place the bolts in the cup holder to avoid losing them.
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Remove the Factory Head Unit
- Gently pull out one side of the head unit to loosen it.
- Move to the other side and repeat the process.
- Once loosened, grab the center and pull straight out to remove the head unit.
- Place a microfiber towel over the shift knob to prevent scratches or damage.
- Gently pull out one side of the head unit to loosen it.
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Disconnect All Wiring Connections
- Unplug all wiring harnesses from the back of the head unit one at a time.
- Some connectors may be difficult to remove—use a small flathead screwdriver to press the release tab and pull out.
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Remove the Bracket & Final Connection
- Identify the bracket on the back of the head unit, which is secured by a connector and tape.
- Either disconnect the connector or cut the tape to fully detach the bracket.
⚠️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: Preparing the Dash Kit
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Remove the Top Trim Piece
- Unscrew the two small Phillips head screws and set them aside.
- Remove the top trim piece and place it in the keep pile.
- Unscrew the two small Phillips head screws and set them aside.
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Disconnect the Hazard Button
- Unplug the hazard button cable and remove the retaining clip using a pop clip remover.
- Slide the cable out and set it aside.
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Remove the Air Vents
- Use a small screwdriver to release the clips while applying light pressure to pull the ducts out.
- Identify the LH (Left Hand) and RH (Right Hand) labels for reinstallation.
- Set the air vents aside.
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Remove the Hazard Button Trim
- Push the hazard button out from the back of the trim panel.
- Set both the button and trim piece aside.
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Remove the AC Control Trim Bezels
- Unscrew the small Phillips head screws securing the bezels.
- Use a magnet tool if needed to retrieve small screws.
- Remove the bezels and set them aside.
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Install Components onto the New Dash Kit
- Reinstall the trim bezels around the air control knobs and secure them with Phillips screws.
- Finger-tighten screws to avoid damage to plastic parts.
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Reinstall the Air Vents
- Match the LH and RH labels and snap the vents into place.
- Perform a wiggle test to confirm they are secure.
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Install the New Hazard Button Trim
- Snap the new hazard button trim into place.
- Push the hazard button in from the front until it clicks.
- Test the button to ensure smooth operation.
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Reconnect the Hazard Button Cable
- Route the hazard button cable along the side of the dash kit.
- Plug the connector back into the hazard button.
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Install the Top Trim Piece
- Align the top trim piece and insert the two Phillips screws.
- Ensure the locating pins fit properly before tightening.
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Attach Retaining Clips
- Take the four white retaining clips from the install kit.
- Attach them to the four corner mounting posts of the dash kit.
Step 3: Installing the Microphone
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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 screws.
- If you have terrain setting knobs (i.e., TRD Pro, Off Road, etc)
- Pull down/off the control panel which will reveal the 2 screws.
- Front of headliner console is typically held in with pressure clips and can be removed by pulling straight down.
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Remove Headliner Console Wiring Harness.
- Unplug harness connector.
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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 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 4: Installing the Chassis
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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.
- All plugs are keyed, meaning they will only fit the correct Toyota connector.
- Plug the three Maestro harness connectors into their matching plugs from your dash.
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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.
- Plug the USB adapter cable into the corresponding port on the back of the radio.
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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.
- Attach the navigation antenna adapter from the GPS post on the back of the radio to the white single-pin Toyota connector.
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Connect the SiriusXM Antenna (If Applicable)
- Connect the SiriusXM antenna adapter from the SiriusXM tuner to the black single-pin Toyota connector.
- Connect the SiriusXM antenna adapter from the SiriusXM tuner to the black single-pin Toyota connector.
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Connect the AM/FM Antenna
- Plug the white rectangular AM/FM antenna adapter into the factory antenna connector.
- Plug the white rectangular AM/FM antenna adapter into the factory antenna connector.
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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 5: Securing the Chassis
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Double-Check All Connections
- Before proceeding, verify that all wiring connections are secure and properly plugged in.
- Before proceeding, verify that all wiring connections are secure and properly plugged in.
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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.
- There are a lot of wires, but they will fit—take your time to ensure they are neatly routed.
- Carefully organize and tuck all wires into the dash.
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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.
- Line up the dash kit with the mounting points.
Step 6: Testing the Unit
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Power On the Unit
- Turn the ignition to accessory power.
- If the screen does not turn on within 5-10 seconds, press the home button on the left side of the button bar.
- Turn the ignition to accessory power.
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Initial Setup Menu
- After the Sony logo disappears, follow the on-screen prompts:
- Set the date and time.
- Turn off demo mode and press confirm.
- Set the date and time.
- After the Sony logo disappears, follow the on-screen prompts:
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Test Key Functions
- Steering Wheel Controls – Ensure all buttons function properly.
- Backup Camera:
- With your foot on the brake, shift into reverse to activate the camera.
- Alternatively, select "Rear Cam" on the screen to manually view the backup camera.
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Check Audio Functions
- AM/FM Radio – Tune to a station and confirm sound is coming from all speakers.
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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 7: Reassembling Your 4Runner
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Reconnect the Hazard Button
- Ensure the hazard button connector is accessible at the top of the radio chassis.
- Plug the hazard wire into the back of the hazard button.
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Install the Dash Cover
- Align the four white retaining clips with the mounting points.
- Press the dash cover firmly into place.
- Align the four white retaining clips with the mounting points.
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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!
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Reconnect the HVAC Panel
- Plug in the HVAC panel wiring harness.
- Push the HVAC panel back into place.
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Reinstall the Side Covers
- Align and press both side covers into place until they snap securely.
