Welcome to the installation guide for your 2012–2015 Toyota Tacoma Sony XAV-AX4000, Sony XAV-AX6000 or the 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.
- 🛠️ 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.
Table of Contents
- Important Updates
- Tools Needed
- Step 1: Disassembling the Dash
- Step 2: Transferring the Hazard Button & Clock Trim
- Step 3: Installing Your New Head Unit Bundle
- Step 4: Testing Functionality
- Step 5: Final Installation
📢 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 Your New Head Unit Bundle.
🛠️Tools needed:
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet wrench (Manual or powered)
- Phillips head screwdriver (Magnetic tip preferred)
- Panel removal tool (Plastic preferred)
- Zip ties
- Cutters
📝Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Disassembling the Dash
- Remove the HVAC control panel.
- Using a panel removal tool, gently insert at the the bottom of the panel and pry out to release the retaining clips.
- Unplug HVAC controls by depressing the tabs on the connectors.
- Remove the four factory 10mm bolts that secure the radio to the dash.
- Remove the radio from the dash by pulling straight back.
- Disconnect all connectors from the back of the factory radio, hazard button and clock.
Step 2: Transferring the Hazard Button & Clock Trim
- Use a panel removal tool to gently pry back on the four locking tabs that secure the panel.
- There are two tabs on the top and two tabs on the bottom hazard/clock trim.
- Remove the hazard button/clock trim from the factory dash kit.
- Transfer the hazard/clock trim into the dash kit that you received with your bundle from Trail Grid Pro.
Step 3: Installing Your New Head Unit Bundle
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Route the microphone:
- You may choose to mount the Sony provided microphone on top of the steering column or along the top of the windshield. Find your preferred mounting location, mount the microphone and run the cable towards the back of the radio.
- Once the microphone wire is to the back of the radio, it will be connected into the MIC port on the back of the Sony radio.
-
Route the OBD2 connector:
- The OBD2 will come pre-connected to your bundle. The large black plug will need to be connected to the OBD2 plug under the drivers dash.
- The OBD2 harness is needed in some installations to transmit vehicle data to the head unit. The OBD2 harness includes one plug that connect to the Maestro harness, while the larger end plugs into the OBD2 port under the driver’s side dash. Additionally, the 3-pin white connectors should be plugged into each other.
- We recommend using a wire fish to run the connector though the dash. Be sure to secure any loose wire with zip ties as needed.
-
Connect the radio harness:
- Depending on the factory features of your vehicle, you may need one of the other connectors in the parts bag.
- Connect all main vehicle connectors from the bundle harness.
-
Route or connect the navigation antenna:
- Connect the antenna into the port labeled GPS on the back of the radio.
- We recommend routing the antenna and placing it on the dash near the bottom of the windshield.
- If your Tacoma had factory navigation, connect the GPS antenna adapter to the small white single pin connector.
- If your Tacoma did not have factory navigation, you will need to use the provided navigation antenna.
-
Connect the Sirius XM tuner (if applicable):
- Connect the antenna into the Sirius XM tuner module.
- We recommend routing the antenna and placing it on the dash near the bottom of the windshield.
Once all connections are made, place the head unit chassis into the dash and use the factory 10mm bolts to secure the unit. The other two 10mm bolts can be replaced into their mounting locations for safe keeping.
Step 4: Testing Functionality
- Insert your key and place the vehicle in accessory power.
- If you unit does not power on, press the home button on the button bar.
- The first time you power it on, you may need to manually press the Home button. After that, it should power on automatically with the vehicle.
- After the Sony logo disappears a setting menu will appear:
- Set the date and time
- Turn off demo mode and than press confirm.
- Test your steering wheel controls.
- Test your backup camera (If applicable)
- 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 ensure sound is comes 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 5: Final Installation
- Once all functionality is checked and everything is working, it's time to finish the install.
- Reconnect the hazard switch and clock connections.
- Place the dash kit over the radio and press into place.
- Reconnect and replace the HVAC control panel.
