2011 Prado ZR stereo upgrade - complete overhaul

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

Hi all,

First time post - there is some great info on here that's for sure!

I have searched for the answers I am looking for but could not seem to find them - apologies in advance if I overlooked some.

I just purchased a used 2011 ZR and would like to upgrade the centre display unit to a more modern, aftermarket unit with all the bells and whistles. I see that the fascia kits are available to allow this however on the ZR model, it has the press buttons each side of the display, the steering wheel controls and the multiple cameras which come on at low speed (in addition to the reversing camera).

My questions are as follows:

Would it be possible to change the trim bit to the lower spec trim so I don't need to worry about the existing press buttons (assuming these can't be hooked up to a new unit?)?

Also, I realise that I will probably lose the multiple camera functionality so would I be able to replace everything (including cameras if I have to) to upgrade to a modern unit which has this functionality?

Lastly, can I hook up the new system to the existing steering wheel controls and retain their functionality?

Will it interfere with the front and rear sensors?

If anyone can shed any light on the above I would very much appreciate it.

Cheers.

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

Anyone out there who can help?

[Gordon Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gordon]

Gday Alpha,
The trims on the sides of the head unit pop off really easily, remove the aircon controls first (just yank it towards you!!!) then take off the side trims. You can buy lower spec ones from wreckers or new. Steering wheel controls almost always connect with the looms on aftermarket head units so that wont create any probs. Cameras are also fairly interchangeable but your reversing switch might be a bit fiddly i.e. When you select reverse your stereo needs to know so it can switch to reverse camera mode.

Decent car stereo joints will be able to assist you as they'll know what to look for; even if they don't have experience with your model they'll have done a gazillion Toyotas and Lexcuses.

G.

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

Thanks very much Gordon. Greatly appreciated. So do I just order the storage bin from Toyota to replace the factory stereo underneath? I won't need it anymore with the new unit installed.

[Gordon Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gordon]

Similarly I reckon you'll find one a lot cheaper from a wrecker, but check the price at a dealer first to keep the wreckers honest.

Funny. I have a GX and considered moving the OEM stereo to the bottom spot so that I didn't need to find a navigator with a decent amp. I ended up with an Android unit that runs oziexplorer and igo and still sounds good so didn't bother keeping the OEM unit.

[rackxp Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rackxp]

Hey Alphas103.

I have a VX and have just replaced the head unit with a Kenwood DDX9016DABS to get Apple Car Play and DAB radio. There a few things that you are going to need.The first is a device that will communicate with the factory amp. Unless you want to replace the factory AMP. Otherwise for about $250 this will communicate with the amp. Turn it on, do balance ect. It also will do steering wheel controls. It's a PAC Radio Pro 4. http://stingeraustralia.com.au/produ...ota-interface/ You will need to replace your camera at the rear same for the front as they are only 6V.

The second thing you will need is a facia kit about $150 http://stingeraustralia.com.au/what-...oducts/418/575

You will need to track down a pocket. This wasn't required for me as i had the screen that i moved down. Try a wrecker first then Toyota.

Then lastly an antenna adapter. About $20. http://stingeraustralia.com.au/what-...oducts/418/541

Let me know if you get stuck. I'm in Sydney and happy to point you in the right direction.

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

Thanks so much fellas. That's a great help.

I have tracked down a GX storage pocket from a wrecker. So I will also need the lower spec silver centre console trims then? I assume the existing buttons on my silver trim will be useless after the upgrade? And then they can rewire the hazard button etc to work with the new trim?

Thanks again gents.

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

Or can I just buy a fascia kit which has the correct silver trim? A bit confused about how to track down the right silver trim etc. Would rather not have to get from the wreckers if I can source it from a kit etc.

Cheers.

[res_au Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close res_au]

Thanks so much fellas. That's a great help.

I have tracked down a GX storage pocket from a wrecker. So I will also need the lower spec silver centre console trims then? I assume the existing buttons on my silver trim will be useless after the upgrade? And then they can rewire the hazard button etc to work with the new trim?

Thanks again gents.

Jealous, I rang a few wreckers for it in melbourne but had no luck, ended up getting it from dubai for $140USD delivered...

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

First bloke I tried had one - $50 delivered. It has a few small marks etc but I am happy with it.

res-au - did you need to get the silver trim parts also?

[res_au Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close res_au]

res-au - did you need to get the silver trim parts also?

I haven't got the fascia kit yet (ordered at autobahn - aerpro part). My understanding is the silver bits come off the original part to go on the fascia kit part... Will let you know otherwise after I get the kit.

[Shamal Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Shamal]

Hi aplhas

I have a 2009 ZR and was going to do the same thing.

Just keep in mind that you will lose all of the factory info stuff in the current head unit such as consumption figures, service info and the like.

If you need a 2 DIN facia that doesn't have the extra buttons, send me a PM. I am now the proud owner of a $400 new plastic trim that I don't need because I chose not to proceed because of the above.

Hope that helps!

Cheers

[rackxp Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rackxp]

You will still get those figures on the screen in between the speedo and Tacho. Well I do on my VX.

[alphas103 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close alphas103]

Hi Shamal,

That is a good point about the consumption figures etc.

Did you consider putting a fold out screen in the space where the factory radio is? Or would that not work for some reason?

Thanks.

[hash Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close hash]

Hi All

I have a 2009 ZR and just left Stathfield Car Radio and asked them to let me know what options i had for putting an updated unit in - i had read the above but im not really what you call savvy when it comes to these things - and i really want to have a newer unit that has upgraded bluetooth functionality and is perhaps able to do digital radio.

Strathfield car radio guys appeared helpful but also a lot of headscratching and apologies as they just didnt know what to do.

Does anyone know an auto electrician that specialises in this stuff?

H