How To: Upgrade Head Unit (Kenwood eXcelon DNX6960)

For now it's simply terminated with electrical tape. When I get in there again I'll terminate it in a better way. I just need it a backup camera right now and after enough research it became clear this wire didn't have to be plugged in at all.

No new thread just yet. Have to write it all up in word and make it a pdf much like yours and then write even more up for a new thread. The pdf I'd just like to make install info but for the thread I'll give more feedback on what I think of the Pioneer HU etc. Just have to have time to sit down and edit everything with pictures.

 

so i got my avic installed! Pioneer AVIC-X930BT, my question to you is, Dont the side pieces to the install kit seem, um, Cheap? it was only like fiddle with them till they sit just right and im not big on that. any tips????

 

Sweet setup!! Would the same work for a 05 with JBL NO NAV? My 6 disc change is giving me problems and I was thinking of upgrading.

 

Perfect, just the tidbit I was looking for in re-reading this whole thread. Thanks!

I've put in the single DIN Kenwood KDC-X995. Finally succumbed to HU upgrade temptation. Everything working well so far EXCEPT that I couldn't program my SWI-RC. Must be a bad ground I did with a t-tap into the Metra harness (70-1761). I hate using t-taps, should have known better.

Same behavior tho - no confirmation/continuation after programming the first button.

I'll add a separate write up on the X995 install at some point. Haven't had much time to play with it, but so far very impressed with the iPod/iPhone, BT & Pandora treatment.

- D

 

This is a great post...thanks usb...

I am going to install DNX6160 this weekend with backup camera and will follow your directions. One thing I am not doing is installing the steering wheel jack; everything else will be pretty similar to your setup. Wish me luck J

 

Good luck!

It's posts like this that make me happy in knowing that the write ups that PC members do can make a difference by helping others.

 

Thanks guys...waiting for my backup camera which is coming from China otherwise got rest of the stuff ready to go...

@usb thanks for the offer, I am sure I will need your help with the wiring...

 

Very cool! I may have to switch to a double DIN unit! lol

 

usbseawolf... would love to know more details about how the infill pc went.

Did you have to buy the yellowtop battery so the pc didn't drain the standard one too much?

How much was the pc, and what power converter does it use? What are it's features? Did they buy a SWI-JACK to control it from the steering wheel (if they could)?

Tell me everything

 

I was browsing ebay for car pc's, and came across a seller, who I asked some questions regarding car pc's and the Prius. This was his answer:

"You shouldn't have to worry about the operation of the Prius's hybrid dynamics having an effect on the Car PC. The Car PC will look for a "on" signal from the car and does not actually have anything to do with the car's engine running.

In explanation, there are 3 basic power connections from the Car to the Car PC: 12V+ (constant, e.g., battery), 12V- (ground) and ignition (12V+, switched).

The ignition power source, on the car, is what keeps all of the car's electronics "on". This ignition 12V+ will stay on as long as your Car is on, regardless of which engine is in operation (otherwise all of the lights, instrument panels, HVAC controls, etc would cease to function). You would tap into this same switched, 12V+ power to let the Car PC know when you need it to be on and off.

To answer your related question, no, you won't need a physical switch to turn the PC off; this operation is handled by the ignition wire.

In regards to your power concerns, the power consumption of a Car PC is fairly minimal. A system like this one consumes less than a premium factory-radio and no changes will need to be made to your car's electrical system. You will, however, need to make good, solid power connections (e.g., don't use the cigarette lighter connector) and make sure you're using a proper wire gauge for the length of wire you need to complete the installation."

Is that the best Scosche harness to get, for the Prius and car pc's (and maybe most after-market things)?

So a SWI-JACK/PAC is not an absolute necessity to get the steering wheel controls over to a new unit? That would be great.

I`m debating whether to leave the JBL stereo where it is if I went the car pc direction, and get a monitor that mounts on the dash.

 

So I was finally able to install the DNX6160, it went okay...some issues which I will list now and ask for assistance

1: The Backup Camera: I ordered one from eBay which said it will work with 05 Prius, here is the listing , but it did not fit my Prius cut-out. So I did not install that and now going to order this...any other recommendation?

2: The iPod Kit: I got the Kenwood cable and hooked my iPhone 4 with the unit. In the initial setup when I selected iPod interface it did not play videos but it gave me interface to control music from the unit. However, if I selected Video 2 as an input it played video but it did not give me the iPod interface to control music. I called Kenwood and they said iPhone 4 is not compatible? Any suggestions.

3: Phone Bluetooth: I paired my phone, Sprint EVO 3D, with the HU and it connected fine. Phonebook, Recent calls and all other sync worked however when I make a call I can’t hear anything but the person on the other side can hear me just fine. I checked all the volume buttons on my phone everything is good, is there a setting on the unit somewhere which I am missing?

I used F8L YouTube videos to get to the HU and then USB's guide to install it. Great help guys thanks a lot...

 

Well 2005 did not come with a backup camera so there is no "OEM" solution for it. But the cut-out is at the same spot as 2006 Prius. The 06 OEM Prius camera goes for around $250 so I thought I would just get something aftermarket to take advantage of the option I have in my HU. Not a big deal but good to have. So if someone has already installed one of these I would like to know which exact model they used to make things easier.

Yeah I do get the video and audio if I select Video2 in the initial setup but then I lose the iPod control, which is cool to have. No, the steering wheel buttons are not working because I have not installed that SWA switch.

I tried couple of different settings and now I can hear the voice but it’s very very low, so I know it is a setting issue I just can’t seem to find it. During the call when I turn the knob it goes up to 35 but nothing really happens. I think it is not finding the Bluetooth volume somehow....not sure