Head Unit question

[nseller324]

I recently bought a 2009 Yaris sedan, and well the sound system sucks! I have read several posts on how to install the head unit. I know I need the toyota part and the metra wiring harnes and install kit. I am planning on doing this myself and have some questions that i cant seem to find the answer to.

1. does installing it this way require any sodering or changing of the wires etc. I need to be able to return it to stock stereo if need be.

2. does this mess with any of the computer things at all? will I lose any features? ( I am new to all this and have no clue!)

3. I already have an existing deck from my old car I want to be able to use this one again, will it fit if I use the setup described here http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28064
( I posted a question there and didnt get an answer... )

deck I have is this one
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._KDC-X792.aspx
It's an older deck, a few years, but it works great!

4. if I am to hook this up do I need to do any rewiring for the speaker or will I
be able to plug and play the existing speakers into this, I will be replacing them with the infinity speakers I have soon but at the moment I want to get atleast the deck replaced. Also have an amp and sub I will be getting installed also ;)

sorry for the lengthy post, and I apologize if these seem like stupid questions, I just want to make sure I do it right!

[Kaykogi]

The stock sound system does, indeed suck. I also have an '09 sedan, and the first thing I did when i got it was replace the head unit and speakers. I don't know the exact part numbers for the install kit and wiring harness, but those are easy enough to find. I can, however, answer your questions.

1. If you use a wiring harness the only soldering required is from the HU harness to the new one. The plugs then just snap into the wiring harness. If you want to go back to stock you just unplug the new HU and plug in the old one. Easy.

2. It will not affect the ECU in anyway. Just make sure you follow the wiring directions from your stereo and the new wiring harness. The only feature you lose is you won't be able to use the AUX input in that passenger side pocket. It will still work with the stock HU when you go back to stock.

3. As long as your stereo is standard sized, it will work exactly the same. And that HU looks like it is, so you shouldn't have any issues.

4. If you aren't replacing the speakers right now, they will integrate with the wiring harness. When you replace the speakers, you can use the existing wiring, but I would suggest replacing it, especially if you are adding an amp.

Here are some good places to start, with Part numbers and pointers.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/sho...n+rear+speaker

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/sho...n+rear+speaker

Also, do you have the integrated stereo or not?

Hope this helps

[nseller324]

Thanks for the help, i've already go those pages bookmarked ;).
Yes I do have the integrated sound system. Will this effect being able to return it to stock?

[Kaykogi]

If it's integrated you just have to buy a new surround peice. There's a picture of it in the second post of this thread: http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/sho...egrated+stereo

[nseller324]

Yep already on the list! Thanks a bunch for the help! Will be ordering soon, hopefully installation goes well. :)

[Kaykogi]

Good luck.

[TOLMACH]

Originally Posted by nseller324

I recently bought a 2009 Yaris sedan, and well the sound system sucks! I have read several posts on how to install the head unit. I know I need the toyota part and the metra wiring harnes and install kit. I am planning on doing this myself and have some questions that i cant seem to find the answer to.

1. does installing it this way require any sodering or changing of the wires etc. I need to be able to return it to stock stereo if need be.

2. does this mess with any of the computer things at all? will I lose any features? ( I am new to all this and have no clue!)

3. I already have an existing deck from my old car I want to be able to use this one again, will it fit if I use the setup described here http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28064
( I posted a question there and didnt get an answer... )

deck I have is this one
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._KDC-X792.aspx
It's an older deck, a few years, but it works great!

4. if I am to hook this up do I need to do any rewiring for the speaker or will I
be able to plug and play the existing speakers into this, I will be replacing them with the infinity speakers I have soon but at the moment I want to get atleast the deck replaced. Also have an amp and sub I will be getting installed also ;)

sorry for the lengthy post, and I apologize if these seem like stupid questions, I just want to make sure I do it right!

I realize what I say me be considered blasphemy, but couple general comments.. I am not sure what your stock HU is (mine is stock in post 34 (sorry do not have access to this pic now).. but mine stock one is of quite decent quality in terms of SQ compared to cheap aftermarket stuff.. I would not bother changing it to that Kenwood. I only had front speakers in doors (wide range 6.5 inche speakers) which I quite like so far for their ability to play low, high sensitivity (which really matters if you are using amplifiers of your HU rather then external amp) and overall nice and flat response in the low and mid ranges. My point overall is that stock HU and speakers are not that bad. It does still makes sense to at least add tweeters to front speakers.


http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/sho...t=36159&page=2

[Kaykogi]

The stock HU is not too bad, but the speakers are awful. The paper cones will tear so easily, and then it only gets worse from there.

[TOLMACH]

Originally Posted by Kaykogi

The stock HU is not too bad, but the speakers are awful. The paper cones will tear so easily, and then it only gets worse from there.

I disagree to that. Pretty good stock speakers - better than most cheap aftermarket stuff.

My only real problem with them is plastic door grilles which pretty much distort the mid and high ranges

[sqcomp]

I do have build pics of my experience going from the integrated stock stereo to a custom 1 DIN piece...

The real issue I had with the integrated stereo was the factory EQing of the higher output levels...and the girly speakers.

[nseller324]

Originally Posted by TOLMACH

I realize what I say me be considered blasphemy, but couple general comments.. I am not sure what your stock HU is (mine is stock in post 34 (sorry do not have access to this pic now).. but mine stock one is of quite decent quality in terms of SQ compared to cheap aftermarket stuff.. I would not bother changing it to that Kenwood. I only had front speakers in doors (wide range 6.5 inche speakers) which I quite like so far for their ability to play low, high sensitivity (which really matters if you are using amplifiers of your HU rather then external amp) and overall nice and flat response in the low and mid ranges. My point overall is that stock HU and speakers are not that bad. It does still makes sense to at least add tweeters to front speakers.


http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/sho...t=36159&page=2

I get direct ipod control through my kenwood and also get better eq, it is not a cheap aftermarket deck it was quite expensive actually. I've been using it for a couple of years and love it :) , the stock hu in yours looks pretty decent .. I have this one :
http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos....11_346x270.jpg

Originally Posted by Kaykogi

The stock HU is not too bad, but the speakers are awful. The paper cones will tear so easily, and then it only gets worse from there.

Exactlly, I listen to heavy metal and I like to crank it when I drive ;) , it's only a matter of time before those cones blow.

[sqcomp]

I'm using paper cones...

Something tells me that these won't tear.

[sickpuppy1]

Theres absolutely nothing wrong with a paper cone speaker. As long as its a well made unit, which I guarantee, SQ's are. Well made paper cones are VERY good sounding and qualilty at lower sound levels is better. That being said, the quality of the driver assm and surround materials will have as much effect on quality of sound. Humidity in the doors,if thats where they are mounted would be the major issue with paper. I have Polk Audio components in mine and love them to pieces. I know if my tweeters were on the pillar instead of the top of the door they would wound even better. Buy and run the RCA cables from the head unit while you have it out, even if you dont install the amp just yet. Save some grief later on.

[nseller324]

Definately plan on running the wires when I do this, don't wanna have to pull it out twice. I don't know much about speakers thanks for the info on paper cones :). I think for the moment I am going to replace the 6x9's in the back , keep the stock front speakers and adjust it so that most of the sound comes from the back. How good is the stock wiring for the speakers? Should I replace it with better wires?

[sqcomp]

IMHO you have it backwards. I'd replace the speakers that are closest to you...

As for the wiring, what do you think would give you the least resistance?

[nseller324]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

IMHO you have it backwards. I'd replace the speakers that are closest to you...

As for the wiring, what do you think would give you the least resistance?

Im not sure what you mean by resistance.. ( car audio noob :( )

[sickpuppy1]

A thicker gauge wire will give less resistance to flow of power, there for delivering more power and better sound to your speakers. In addition to that, your amp will run cooler with less resistance. I've seen some great deals on Monster cable speaker wires on ebay. Unless of course you have a good source at a local dealer. Support you local dealers before going on line, IMO

[nseller324]

Originally Posted by sickpuppy1

A thicker gauge wire will give less resistance to flow of power, there for delivering more power and better sound to your speakers. In addition to that, your amp will run cooler with less resistance. I've seen some great deals on Monster cable speaker wires on ebay. Unless of course you have a good source at a local dealer. Support you local dealers before going on line, IMO

Thanks much for the explanation :) will look into this as well...
Greatly appreciate the help!