Welcome to the installation guide for your 2020–2023 Toyota Tacoma Sony XAV-9500ES 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 Chassis
- Step 4: Securing the Chassis
- Step 5: Testing the Unit
- Step 6: Reassembling Your Tacoma
- Step 7: Secure Screen to Chassis
- 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.
Update (July 2024): New Sony Firmware Version 2.00.01 Now Available
🎥 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.
- The headliner console is typically held in with pressure clips and can be removed by pulling straight down.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Chassis
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 5: Testing the Unit
- Insert the Screen into the Chassis:
- Place the screen into the chassis of the unit.
- Power up the unit to verify that everything is working correctly before reassembling the dash.
- Adjust Screen Position (Optional):
- Side Screws: Adjust the screen in and out (closer to or further from the dash).
- Vertical Adjustment: Move the screen up or down.
- Horizontal Adjustment: Shift the screen left or right.
- Adjust the screen to your preferred position, but do not secure it yet—this will be completed in Step 7.
- 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.
- 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.
- After the Sony logo disappears, follow the on-screen prompts:
- 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.
- Check Audio Functions:
- AM/FM Radio – Tune to a station and confirm sound is coming from 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 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
- Gather the Screws:
- Your kit includes a pack of five screws to secure the screen to the chassis.
- One screw is different from the others—set it aside for now, as it will be installed last.
- Install the First Four Screws
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, secure the screen to the chassis with the four identical screws:
- Screw 1: Top left
- Screw 2: Top right
- Screw 3: Bottom left
- Screw 4: Bottom right
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, secure the screen to the chassis with the four identical screws:
- Install the Final Screw
- Slide the small black cover up into position.
- Secure it in place using the fifth (different) screw.
⚠️ 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 XAV-9500ES 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
- Settings > Application > Maestro
- 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
- Settings > Application > Maestro
- 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
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
- Settings > Application > Camera Display
- Return to the home screen and test by shifting into reverse.
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.
- Check for head unit firmware updates.
- Ensure your iPhone is updated
- 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 Microphone Access for Amazon apps
- 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
- Check for head unit firmware updates.
- 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.
