Avensis navigation/radio replacement

[Morton54]

I have a 2009 Avensis with the standard media unit. CD player + radio. The original Toyota NAVI/Media unit is very expensive so an alternative is a 2-Din unit from f.ex. Kenwood, Pioneer or similar. They all have kits that will integrate with the original electronics. The most important reason for me is the DAB+ radio because the FM network is closing down now in Norway and I hate those DAB boxes glued to the dash with messy cables etc..
Anyone have any experience with such replacements? 

[Konrad C]

I cannot answer your question directly, but I am sure the units will work fine, so long as the right adapter cables are used, plus the facia panel. AutoDAB is another option where the unit is plugged into the rear of the original stereo, giving integration like the USB/SD MP3 adapters using the same CD changer port - http://www.autodab.com/Products.aspx

I wonder how much the official DAB module costs, if you have the standard audio unit which has the DAB button? 

Edited March 14, 2017 by Konrad C
additional info

[Morton54]

Yes, you're right! There is a DAB button there. But has Toyota really developed a module  for it? Or was it just a button put there just in case for the future. I have never seen or heard about such a module from my Toyota dealers.

 

[Konrad C]

Here is some info of the DAB unit module part number PZ473-T0210-A0

http://www.toyota-tech.eu/aimuploads/{F37996FE-E6CD-A385-96D5-C392A24EE6CD}/Avensis_DAB_LHD_PZ473_T0210_A0_AIM_001_250_2.pdf

Looking the instructions, it is a straightforward (for me) and the installation is similar to adding USB adapter to the CD changer port. Even Toyota'sown USB adapter plugs into the same socket at the rear of the stereo - http://www.toyota-tech.eu/aimuploads/{1F620D20-7D7B-1863-D82C-F72131F57D7B}/Avensis_USB_PZ473_00267_00_AIM_001_248_0.pdf

Source of the info - http://www.toyota-tech.eu/Aim/Aim.aspx?pubtype=AIM&menuitem=1  

The only thing is how much it will cost, knowing Toyota prices.

[Morton54]

Thanks!. And that manual is very instructive.  

[Konrad C]

If you do go down the route of changing the audio unit to a Kenwood/Pioneer/Sony etc, you are aware of the adapter cables and facia kits including the steering controls.

Here are some examples using UK market, so you should find something in your own market: -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-Avensis-T27-Stereo-Radio-Fitting-Kit-Fascia-Panel-Adapter-Double-Din/400580458882?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3Dccfe83ae2eb048258ebbf63f9792383d%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D251062282659

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Steering-Wheel-Control-Stalk-Adaptor-Pioneer-Stereo-For-TOYOTA-Avensis-Rav4-/251006995401?hash=item3a712ecbc9:g:Ud4AAOSwmfhX7mIB

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-Avensis-Stalk-Adaptor-Adaptor-Autoleads-/231132284976?hash=item35d08ec830:g:kfEAAOSw-W5Uy3jX

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-2009-Male-DIN-Antenna-Adaptor-Aerial-Adaptor-Autoleads-/331097408669?hash=item4d16f1849d:g:nLEAAOxyNo9SoegU

I included two steering control options but there are more, if you go for brand specific adapters for the make of audio unit you choose. The Autoleads PC99-209 is ISO generic. You may need the aerial adapter if not included with the other cables. If you don't need the steering controls then PC2-17-4 adapter cable (shown in with the facia plate) will be sufficient. 

Post this for the benefit of others, who are thinking of changing the standard audio system. 

Norway is the first country to drop FM broadcast. The DAB system must be very good in Norway, because the UK DAB system is not great every where to drop FM. 

 

Edited March 16, 2017 by Konrad C
spelling correction

[Morton54]

Thanks for the info.

Yes, they have been busy building DAB+ for the last years. 99,5 of the population (not area!) is estimated to be covered. Some tunnels are still missing. But we have a lot of them.