Wiring in an Aux port to the factory stereo?

I recently purchased a 2021 OR with the technology package. However, and I knew before purchasing, it does not have a 3.5mm Aux port and uses only Bluetooth or Android Auto / Carplay. For anyone that is aware there is a quality loss with using Bluetooth versus a plug in, and you can get that quality improvement when using Android Auto / Carplay.

Here is where I get a bit nitpicky, I don't like to leave my phone plugged into a charger. The reason being is you will, over time, add additional wear to your battery by leaving it plugged into a charger. And your battery will eventually not hold a charge very long and deplete quicker. However I want to retain the quality improvement gained from having your phone directly wired into the stereo.

This is my question, is anyone aware of a way to wire in an Aux port to the factory stereo? I have not seen anything that has been done to a recent factory stereo.

 

Not a direct answer to your question, but I am waiting for my AAWireless to show up. Should allow wireless Android auto so there is no need to plug the phone in. The first deliveries have started to show up around the world.

 

Mine is out for delivery today!

But Op, if you want an alternative route, you may be able to modify a cable to not provide DC power from the truck to the phone while you're connected.

https://support.google.com/androidauto/thread/6677451?hl=en

 

I like the idea of modifying a USB A to C cable. That being said I am illiterate when it comes to electrical wiring. Can you or anyone provide any insight as to what pins control charging and how to disable those pins? Would it be easier to disable the pin on the A side of the cable?

 

You can use a simple adapter like this one:

$10 USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter, KOOPAO 2in1 External USB Sound Card, 3.5mm Aux to USB to Audio Jack Sound Adapter Support CTIA OMTP Headphone TRRS Jack for PC Windows 10 PS4 Laptop Mac

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-External-Support-Headphone-Windows/dp/B08G44JY6Q/ref=asc_df_B08G44JY6Q/?hvadid=459623382939&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13767353917973320086&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008156&hvtargid=pla-961020551448

Just plug it into the USB port on the dash.

 

So I looked into this and other similar items and I was unable to find one that was compatible with a car stereo, the product description for that item and others like it explicitly list that it is not compatible with a car.

I also did some browsing around and using a USB wiring diagram to disable the 5v pin used for charging. And I tried across multiple cables with no success. When the 5v pin was disabled nothing happened when plugged in. I verified before and after disabling pin that the cable worked.

For now I have ordered this:

ZIMRIT 3 FEET Cable - 3.5mm Male Aux Audio Jack to USB 2.0 Male Adapter Cord - Compatible with Car, MP3 Player, Headphones, and Other Devices (Black with Gift)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085GGT1RF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 .

The produce description does state that it works with cars though I don't have high hopes.

I am eager to start hearing reviews about the AAWireless once they start to show up and people get them installed. Though I know that won't solve my quality dilemma.

 

These adapters are cheap enough so that you can do some experimenting.

 

Thats a usb sound card, its meant to output stereo to headphones, not digitize stereo from an input.

@Sickoreo This is the closest thing I found, but it looks fragile:

PortaPow USB Power Blocker - Only Data, No Power

https://www.amazon.com/PortaPow-USB...17801056&sprefix=no+power+usb+,aps,289&sr=8-3

 

I’ve been using Apple car play for years and I see very little issues with my phone battery. The phones are meant to be used. I had my iPhone 7 for 3 years and all 3 years I used Apple car play. Yes, my battery wasn’t as good, after 3 years, but I still got a days use out of it (the days I don’t use Apple car play). My friend now had my iPhone 7 and loves it.

 

Agreed. As long as you don't run them flat, they last plenty long. The headphone jack on my s7 failed before the power jack, which failed before the battery got too bad.

I just embraced the bluetooth, which sounds fine as long as you have a decent/recent bluetooth receiver (or have a noisy truck... )

 

exactly!
OP if you’re that worried about the battery, check this out.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/success-wireless-carplay-with-2020-tacoma-oem-head-unit.657251/

 

I don't really notice a difference between my bluetooth and wired connections other than one has a slight delay.

 

I am going to give this a try if the headphone adapter doesn't do the trick.

Lithium batteries do not fare well in the long run when they are completely drained or when charged all the way, fast charging can also have a negative impact for long term battery life. Keeping your battery between 20%-80% is ideal.

I have considered using purchasing AAwireless because I don't have an Iphone the issue is wireless Android Auto or Wireless carplay (if I had an Iphone) would not solve my original issue with decreased sound quality you get from a wireless connection.

I am sure there is an aftermarket headunit that could solve my problems but I am looking for a cheaper and less time consuming solution.

 

Figured i'd give an update. Neither the power blocker or USB to AUX cable worked. Looks like I may have to invest in a new head unit at some point.

 

Need an update... did you receive yours and how does it work????

 

Works pretty good. After the phone connects, I can still stay within the stock headunit if I want, or I can select Android Auto from the menu. If I stay on the stock home screen, I can still listen to my music, play, pause, skip, etc. I'm glad that functionality isn't gone.

It takes about 30 seconds or less to get connected and start going. Which is right on par with what the developer said.

Every once in a while I'll get a message on the headunit screen to open Android Auto on my phone and complete setup, but it is fully set up so may be an issue with the dongle. Nothing too bothersome.

The audio quality does seem to be a bit lower while connected to the device. If I want to jam out, I usually crank the volume to 40. While connected to the device, I have to crank it up to 45.

Biggest perk is I can actually use the charger for my phone and fast charge it rather than rely on Toyota's puny 500mA charge through the headunit.

Overall, I'm satisfied and have left it plugged in since I have received it. Only a few button presses and screen taps and I've got waze or YouTube music pulled up and ready to go.

 

Awesome...just ordered