CarPlay/Android Auto module - $270 solution for pre-2020 trucks

I’ve been looking for a reasonable way to get car play without replacing the stock head unit or paying over $1k for a factory replacement (if you can find one).

Found the

$299 [New 2024] Toyota Tacoma 2014-2019 Wireless Apple CarPlay Android Auto High Definition Audio High Screen Resolution. Compatible with Factory Head Unit Entune 2.0

CarSynch Technology module on Amazon and decided to give it a try. The install is a bit tedious and requires some patience and attention to detail, but overall pretty straight-forward.

Short story - it works great and I retained all factory features. Wireless connection works great too. The vendor has a good install video on YouTube and is very responsive to support questions.

Install tips:
1. I have factory nav with XM. I removed the XM module as I’ll never use it, but if you want to retain it you can. Based on my mounting ears, I would have had to mount the CarPlay module under the head unit, then put the XM module under that. Doing so shortens the available length of the large ribbon cable that connects the CarPlay module to the screen which would make reconnecting it challenging.
2. When removing the screen, 2 of the 5 screws are hiding under silver stickers (or were on mine anyway)


3. Once all the screws have been removed, start at the top of the screen and gently pull it away from the housing. You may have to give it a bit of a squeeze at the top edge to get it to release, but there isn’t anything else holding it on other than friction.

3. Take your time disconnecting the ribbon cables and DO NOT use anything metal or you could damage the cable. The black tab holding the cable down can be gently prayed up with a fingernail or a very thin plastic automotive pry tool.


4. After feeding the ribbon cables through the metal faceplate hole, be sure the tabs at the top edge of the faceplate are fit into the holes at the top of the head unit. Be aware that the larger of the two ribbon cables will have a portion that is under the faceplate so just bring as much slack through the hole as possible.

5. When reconnecting the ribbon cables, take your time and be sure they are fully seated noting the alignment notches are around the white plastic tabs:



The smaller of the two ribbon cables is key to the screen functionality so it’s important that it is seated properly.

6. After reassembly (without the XM module) the mounting ears will look like this:


7. When putting it all back in the truck, I routed the USB cable and antenna (that come with the module) down to the drivers side footwell for easy access. You’ll need access to the USB cable for software updates. The antenna can be attached to a plastic surface or just let it hang behind the surround covering the front cup holders.

8. Some screen models will need a software update so just email their support and they will quickly assist. Once I ran the software update it worked great.

 

I wonder if they got a C&D over something…
“Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.l

 

Great write up of your install. Do you know if the anytime camera mod is compatible or not? Thank you

 

What to do if the black retaining bar drops into the back of the radio and no amount of shaking it upside down will cause it to fall out? Asking for a friend.

 

Thanks! I am not certain about the anytime camera mod but I highly suggest reaching out to them (https://carsynctech.com/). Martin (a fellow Taco owner) is very responsive to questions and eager to help. I do know there is an 'extra' camera plug in as part of the wiring harness that comes with the module...I assume that would be for a second/front camera?

@mrCanoehead - argh...I would be trying to source a new retaining bar and let the other one be...it's obviously stuck somewhere in there. Hope your friend gets it sorted!

 

I want to try this when they are back in stock!

 

The device is back on Amazon. I just purchased mine. Says 4 to 6 weeks delivery time. I will check on if I can hook up my front camera to the other input if possible. I might not as I have the switch and it is helpful when parking by just flipping the switch. Will reply back once I get it installed. Thanks to the OP.

 

I just ordered mine on Amazon.

Does anyone knows what the manufacturer warranty offered is?

 

Initially was supposed to get delivered late April

Arrived way earlier than that

 

How does it function... How long to start up? any issues if you shift into reverse or drive before it finishes starting up? Does it always launch into carplay or have you noticed any issues?

 

Hey, new here and just picked up a used 2017, wondering if you can listen to regular radio (AM/FM) while using the CarPlay/Android Auto for maps? Is it clunky to switch back and forth?

 

It's a wireless connection. Just requires your phone is connected to your truck as you normally would. After setting up first time connection it connects automatically thereafter and opens CarPlay. I'd say it takes about 5 seconds to start up....no issues operating the truck normally before it starts up.

Only issues thus far is when trying to connect to my Garmin mini 2 wifi the connection with the CarPlay module gets in the way. Not a big deal as I only connect to it when needing to re-aim the camera via live view. I have also noticed when 'playing' text messages the volume is very low. I suspect this may be an issue with my phone notification settings but have yet to dive into it.

 

Not sure I'm following exactly what you mean by "....regular radio (AM/FM) while using the CarPlay...for maps" but if you're referring to turn-by-turn directions announced over your speakers this works seamlessly and via the same audio source your HU is set on (Bluetooth) for the CarPlay module to display/function.

Switching back to the trucks native audio functions is achieved by pressing and holding the "Home" button on the HU for a couple of seconds. Quick back and forth and not clunky.

 

Thanks for that. One of my concerns was shutting the truck off on the trial, then hopping back in and going again. I don't mind if it needs a few seconds to start up I just want to make sure it will launch into car play without having to wait.

 

typically with car play there is diff volume settings for all the various things (music, navigation, texts, calls). if you hit the volume button while its playing the message, it should adjust the volume for that specific thing.

 

Yes, if I crank the volume I can hear Siri read the text message, then I just have to turn it down real quick so I don't blast myself outta the seat
I have not found specific volume settings on my iPhone for the various things like this so far....let me know if you have suggestions. TIA

 

it might just have one volume setting based on how this connects to the head unit. the Kenwood unit I had, had various volume settings and the Entune 3.0 units have as well.

as far as I know, theres now way to access the settings other than being quick with the volume button when Siri is talking.

 

Basically I would like to be listening to the cars radio (FM) but have carplay up and seeing Google maps / hearing turn by turn directions at the same time.

I think I'm reading you post that you have to have the cars head unit set to Bluetooth to hear the carplay audio?

 

Ordered! Ill check it out!

 

Yes, to see the carplay module and hear audio from it you would need to have the head unit set to BT. You could use IHeart radio or similar app in CarPlay as an alternative