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.

[skysharker1]

Got it...thank. What about all the wires, there's room for them behind the radio?

[toyboy1980]

Originally Posted by skysharker1

Got it...thank. What about all the wires, there's room for them behind the radio?

Well...since some of these guys have done it, clearly it's possible to fit everything in there without cutting behind the radio. I did cut mine, just because I want PLENTY of space back there for the cooling fan on the head unit to do it's job. It's also considerably easier to get all of the wiring and harnesses in there if you cut that center plastic out. It really just depends on the depth of your HU, and what you're comfortable with.

[skysharker1]

OK....started connecting all the harnesses and stuff....I am about done with that. Can someone tell me what the deal is with this? Do I tapethis up or does anything else connect to it?

[Darth Martel]

That's a relay so you can have a sound for your turn signal. Those are the only 2 wires that go to it. It's only purpose is for a clicking sound when your turn signal is on.

[skysharker1]

Got it...thanks. So I can tape it up them.

Do you know where the XM box is located and how to get to it?

[metthem]

With a new head unit, can you still control things like haveing the lights flash or not flash upon locking or unlocking doors, or things of that nature that is controlled through the factory radio?

[Kunihiro1]

I am not electronically smart, so I had my professionally installed. Like the other folks have already said, you don't lose any functionality with all the factory stuff.

I believe your factory XM unit is located within the rear portion of your console, where the usb connection is. You will lose the ability to use that usb port inside the glove box, depending on where usb port (or if your head unit has one) is located (front or back.)

I installed a Pioneer XM unit, but did not use the existing "shark fin" antenna. Not really sure if you can plug into it or not. Someone with more brains than I can hopefully answer that. My XM unit was inserted underneath the floor carpeting on the passenger side. If you lift up the carpet, there will be some foam padding under there. The installer measured the XM unit, carved out the shape of the unit in the foam padding and placed it inside. Can't even tell anything is there.

As far as cutting out the backside, the installer did not do any cutting back there. He tucked everything neatly in the back.

My head unit is the Pioneer 4300BT (blue tooth) with DVD (no nav.) It should be very similar to yours.

I would also recommend getting a hold of Darth Martel, a member on this board, who has acquired a lot of experience in the installation of the Metra kit......smart guy!...

[austinjames]

Your xm will work if it fits your new head unit. Has nothing to do with the metra. I know my clarion had to have an xm adapter to fit. Also if you wanna cut the support I have a photo in my album of a closeup of what to cut. I had no other option to cut because I had no room at all for the the metra box and all the wires. Hope that helps

[toyboy1980]

Originally Posted by austinjames

Your xm will work if it fits your new head unit. Has nothing to do with the metra. I know my clarion had to have an xm adapter to fit. Also if you wanna cut the support I have a photo in my album of a closeup of what to cut. I had no other option to cut because I had no room at all for the the metra box and all the wires. Hope that helps

Ditto. My HU was way too deep to fit everything back there without cutting. Plus, I wanted to make sure that the cooling fan had plenty of room to do it's job. These HUs get pretty damn hot, especially in this summer heat.

[skysharker1]

Thanks for the input!!!

[skysharker1]

Originally Posted by Kunihiro1

My XM unit was inserted underneath the floor carpeting on the passenger side. If you lift up the carpet, there will be some foam padding under there. The installer measured the XM unit, carved out the shape of the unit in the foam padding and placed it inside. Can't even tell anything is there.

Are you referring to the passenger side foot rest area, or underneath the seat?