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

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback with the cameras. I’m assuming it will work fine as well if your harness is working. My harness turns the rear camera on with a double push of the mode button.

Last question, is there a usb connection to connect your phone for a future “mirroring” updated or is it supposed to do this wirelessly?

 

There is a USB input (on a dongle you can route to a convenient spot) for running updates. I believe the "Mirroring" feature is designed to work wirelessly but the 2 times I tried it it wants me to disconnect CarPlay first and I am unsure how to do this...haven't put any time into figuring it out. Will test it out and report back.

 

Ok, cool. I just contacted them and they said the latest iOS broke it. I’m fine forgoing mirroring for now if I can get wireless CarPlay.

 

For reference I ran my usb to the glove box since it won’t be used often. Poked a hole and installed this extender to make it look nice.

 

I had a little bit of an issue fitting the ribbon cables around the front face plate. I choose to keep the XM module so that maybe that have caused the problem. I ended up cutting and bending the front face plates to keep from pinching the new ribbon cable.

I also ran the USB update which caused the system to no longer work. Contacted customer support and they responded right away. Sent me a file that restored the firmware. Excellent customer service!

I saw someone earlier posted about having two Bluetooth connections. For some reason my iPhone keeps dropping the “ Car Audio XXXX” Bluetooth connection. I am going to see if I can reset my iPhone and Bluetooth to get it to work.

Also I noticed that on Carsync website the CarPlay control box is still for sale at $270.

 

Yup, just bought mine directly from them at the discounted price. I’ll report back with my experience. I’m using a the auto camera module seen on this page (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-video-front-camera-install-and-demo.608546/) which basically toggles the front camera after leaving reverse. This kit also allows anytime front and back cameras with stock steering wheel controls which I really like. It’s one of the main reasons I want to keep my stock HU. It seems the CarPlay kit will retain these features. I’ll make sure to take a video and post up once I get it all installed.

 

So I received word back from tech support. I did not have a box checked in the system settings. Caused my audio not to connect correctly.
From tech support “under decoder menu Settings > System Information > Factory Mode > Disable phone link audio is ON (ticked) must be ON”

After I checked this box everything is working like it should. Now I just need to find a permanent home for the USB cable.

I am loving having CarPlay in my 2018 Tacoma!

 

I ran mine down the drivers side, seemed like the most convenient place to me.

 

How long is it taking you guys to install this start to finish?

 

Does anyone know if this will work for any head unit for 14-19? Like JBL vs non-JBL

 

Total install time was close to an hour. That includes taking the stereo apart and reassembly.

 

Allegedly it works for both jbl and non

 

Mine worked on JBL.

 

Great explanation, glad to finally have inexpensive and reliable solution for carplay.

Installation wasn’t difficult and took almost an hour , I faced two small issues 1. Screen was blank turned out flat cable isn’t secured.
2. Couldn’t find decoder blutooth setting i had to find another way to pair it . after multiple tries i managed to connect it through mirroring page.

Everything seem to work smoothly so far.

 

Put in cart yesterday…thinking to pull the trigger..today is out os stock…bad luck

 

Did anyone manage to disable car voice prompt?? I noticed whenever i push the button in the steering wheel it interrupts/overlaps siri

 

I pulled the trigger last week! Sucks there’s limited stock.

 

I just use the Hey Siri instead of hitting the Voice button. Works just as well.

 

It’s in stock. Says delivery between May 1-3 on my screen, give it a shot!

 

Are you all just letting the wifi antenna hang behind the headunit or is there a specific place you all have mounted it?