Metra Dash Kit Install Help

[skysharker1]

Made my purchase from Crutchfield yesterday: Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD with the Metra Dash Kit. It has shipped and will be here Monday COB.

My question: Does anybody know if there is a DIY for the install of the dash kit?

[Kendell347]

Crutchfield will give you step by steps to disassemble the car, even Metra has instructions too

[toyboy1980]

The Metra kit comes with step by step instructions with pictures. Walks you right through it. Most time consuming part is joining all the harnesses between the HU, Metra, and Axxess box.

[toyboy1980]

It's also debated whether or not you have to disassemble the console to the extent that it tells you to. Looking back now, I don't think it was necessary.

[skysharker1]

I've taken the stock HU out before, so that's not a problem. I'm just concerned about the controls for the climate and all that. The crutchfield rep asked if I had a soldering iron for the connections....that got me thinking "soldering iron?".

And what is an Axxess Box?

Also, I plan on moving my XM subscription to the new HU, will I be able to use the stock antenna? I really don't feel like having to install another antenna in the car.

[toyboy1980]

There is a little interface box from Axxess that comes with the Metra kit. You'll see what I'm referring to when you get your kit. It's basically the brain that retains your steering wheel controls, heat & air, etc.

You don't have anything to worry about on the Metra controls for your heat/air, etc. They work very well, and I actually prefer the buttons to the stock knobs.

Soldering your connections is just one way to splice. You can use butt connectors, or any of several other methods of making your connections between harnesses. Soldering, although when done well is probably the best way to splice, it certainly isn't a requirement.

I can't comment on the XM question, as I don't use it. I'm sure someone else can answer that one.

[Nessal]

Do you lose any features when using the Metra kit?

[skysharker1]

I haven't installed it yet, but from what I hear you don't lose anything.

[toyboy1980]

Originally Posted by Nessal

Do you lose any features when using the Metra kit?

If everything is done/wired correctly, you will lose no functionality. I installed a Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT with the Metra kit a few weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. For me, a HUGE improvement over stock.

[skysharker1]

Toyboy, I received my stuff from Crutchfield today, only to find that the Metra kit was missing the DDIN Brackets...GREAT!! Called Crutchfield and they are UPSing me another kit tomorrow.
But I do have a question, Did you have to cut out the back of the hols in the dash where stock HU was? Instructions say to "Cut and remove the sub dash radio support to make room for the interface and harnesses." I just want to make sure before I start cutting away.

Thanks!

[Camarowguy]

Originally Posted by skysharker1

Toyboy, I received my stuff from Crutchfield today, only to find that the Metra kit was missing the DDIN Brackets...GREAT!! Called Crutchfield and they are UPSing me another kit tomorrow.
But I do have a question, Did you have to cut out the back of the hols in the dash where stock HU was? Instructions say to "Cut and remove the sub dash radio support to make room for the interface and harnesses." I just want to make sure before I start cutting away.

Thanks!

I didn't cut mine. I have an avicd3 pioneer unit. You don't have to take the console apart either like the instructions tell you. Just be careful
And take your time. Good luck

[epstein]

cut?......I didnt cut anything...scarey....

[skysharker1]

Ok....so you guys were able to pass the wires through that rectangular hole back there?

Yeah....I just pulled the radio out without having to take the center console apart.

[Camarowguy]

I tucked the box up above the radio into the empty space up there.