Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX

Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX installed this weekend. Idatalink Maestro ADS-MRR and Sirius tuner. Not really planning on using the Sirius, but put it in just in case.

 

I still need to complete the USB connection so that I can flash the Maestro unit. That plug in the glove box was a bear to remove... or maybe I just don’t know how. So I bought a rubber grommet that can use to install a USB connector.

 

Love the unit so far. Still figuring things out. The camera looks so much better. I don’t remember being able to see my bumper and license plat on the other system (probably could but I just didn’t notice).


I think the nav systems looks better. At least I like it.

I miss having volume knobs.

The system also lets you change Vehicle options like opening all the windows with the transmitter and/or key.

I don’t see the tire pressures. I’m assuming Toyota cheaped out and didn’t put pressure gage sensors in (I know they indicate low pressure).

Also, the software bypass method does work for the parking break. No extra wires needed. Turn off the source, and press the bottom left corner of the touchscreen about 1/2-3/4 of an inch from both edges.

Finally. I paid about $250 to have the Silver scosche dash kit professionally painted. I think it was worth it. I tried to vinyl wrap it, but damn tough and I couldn’t do it. It you use this dash kit be careful. The screws holding the mounting bracket to the dash kit are pretty big for the holes. Take it slow and let the threads cut in. I forgot and one of the post cracked. It still held but... be careful.

Love Crutchfield. I bought the radio through Amazon because the authorized seller had a great price (now everyone has the lower price). But the install kit came from Crutchfield. I can only say good things about them. Provided a lot of help even though the radio cane from somewhere else.

 

Other items used:
iDatalink ACC-SAT-TO2 for the OEM satellite antenna and GPS antenna. Access AX-TOYUSB to keep the Toyota USB port. Metro 40-LX 11 Antenna Adapter.

Notes: the GPS wire is the one coming from the dash board. On the Metra Antenna connector, you need to hook the power wire (blue) into the “amp on” wire (blue and white). It boosts the antenna reception signal. And yes on the back of the unit there are only two USB ports. One for Apple and one for android. I’m using the android for a usb power port and the Apple for my iPod.

 

very nice. I have the 8200 NEX in my 2011.

 

Did you have your dash kit professionally painted or did you do it yourself?

 

I had a shop paint it. $250. It looks amazing and I would not have been able to make it look this good. In fact, when I first went to pick it up I was told the painter had some runs he didn't like so he was going to buff them out and repaint. Great job.

 

I'm assuming you mean microphone. I didn't try. Everywhere I looked online seemed to indicate that it doesn't work with the OEM mic. I'll have to look in the unit and see if it can locate the OEM mic.
Actually, installing the mic was pretty easy. When I did the Interior LED mod, I used a hard wire to push the wire from the overhead console to the windshield. I then tucked it under the roof and over to the A-pillar, which was really easy to remove. Just remove the one bolt under the cover plate and then pull (maybe two clips?). The mic was actually the easy part of the install. And I like the location since I can't really see it and is located away from the windows, vents, hard surfaces and other mechanical parts (like the steering wheel column). I was going to mount it after removal of the OEM mic. But that looked like a lot more work, so I picked the area in front of the console.

 

I like it but would have no idea how to do it all. Would like to eventually change the HU out for one that is car play compatible but would end up just taking it to a shop and paying a pretty penny to have them do everything.

 

Where are you located?

 

TN, north of Nashville

 

The radio replacement is a pretty easy mod if you watch a few YouTube videos on how to remove the old one. And if you buy your gear from Crutchfield they give you directions on the removal process and are available for questions. They will get you everything you need for the install. If you have a silver dash there’s no big deal since the standard dash kit is silver and an easy install. Otherwise pay $250 to have a body shop paint it for ya.

 

Thanks for the pictures. I really like all the additional features you get.

 

I have an email into Pioneer to see if I had a tire pressure sensor on the spare if it would show up on the screen. I did find it elsewhere under vehicle data. Too be honest it’s the only tire I’m interested in knowing the pressure of.

 

Sweet setup! What was the total cost?

 

I almost want to do this just to be able to see my tire pressures LOL

Nice job!

 

how are you liking this? I had a pioneer 5500 or 6500 in my last truck and loved it, even though I missed the knobs

 

Curious? Does it show the artist’s label and song title while listening to FM or XM?

 

The AVIC-8400NEX was about $700 in March,2019. Sirius XM tuner (not using) was about $40 (you can get these at a deal or even free with a paid subscription). Crutchfield parts; idatalink, idatalink harness, dash kit, idatalink Sat Radio-GPS adapters, USB Adapter, Pry Tool Kit, Toyota Antenna adapter, and connectors=$300. Painting the dash kit=$250. So about $1300.

I really like it. There is a lot you can do with it and I'm still learning (why read a manual...). For those that want to have two cameras, this head unit is already set up for it. They have a new version out already, the 8500. It was just about to be released when I bought this one, but was going to be $1200. Note that the W6500NEX is just as good at $800, but it only supports wireless connection with Apple.

I still wish it had knobs, and I still don't know if it will show a TPS on the spare tire (ie the only tire I need to know the pressure of since I can't see it).

 

Yes it does, most of the time. On the radio stations, it takes a little time for it to show up.

 

Mine was an older model --- AVH 5600 I think -- so many of the features aren't at all like what's on yours, but the design and function and sound quality was all top, so I know yours is great in that regard as well. I just kinda like the knobs...

 

I'm looking into having an 8500NEX installed in my 2013 T4RSR5P. It's pricey but WAY cheaper than buying a 2020 T4RSR5P! LOL

That's one sweet installation with the custom painted bezel! My dash is silver, so maybe I'll avoid having to have the bezel painted.

Bill

 

Ya. The 8500 looks nice. It came out just as I was buying my 8400. That’s why I got such a good price. But I look at it as get what you want early so that you can enjoy it longer and get more for your money.

 

I'm looking at the 8500 for my 2014 4Runner Trail. How do you like it now that you've had it for a few months? Anything you wish you would've added or not purchased? (I feel like I'm going to miss the knobs too).
I'm looking at changing the head unit and speakers. I know nothing about this stuff, so I will turn to youtube for help.

 

I'm wanting to do the same thing... the 8500 looks like the one... Here's what I think I might do for speakers..
https://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/4runner/

...nothing like plug-n-play

 

Nice!

 

Did you have a backup camera in your 4runner already? We can't figure out how to get the camera to work.
Also, what about the Sirius XM tuner? Do you have to re-install? That's our other problem is hooking it up as well.
Everything else seems to be working (fingers crossed)

 

How do you change the options?

Also, my unit isn't showing any tire pressures, I have the low pressure monitor, same as you stated above. It looks like you eventually got the tire pressure sensors working. How did you end up getting them to work?

 

Nicely done. And, yep... pretty dope huh ??? (im a bit surprised/shocked more dont do this, and go with those other options out there,.... cost i guess, but, this shit actually works)




At the very least,... .get a 11 dollar obdII dongle, down load some free soft ware,...... use a tablet, and go ham. Or, pay 450 for a mirroing screen,....like some. Whatev's.
(i already had the tablet, the dongle was 11 bucks, shipped, OS was free. So 11 dollars to monitor a more billion things, the OEM wouldnt let me see. I had plans to fiberglass this, or a better tablet in the dash, and use it as a source/HU but just got a newer HU. This worked great though. Shits not rocket surgery or brain science)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tbx5nUrQZU&t=132s




Keep on keepin on mate... cheers, and happy adventures.
KB