Satnav Retrofit

[Best-Gear]

Hi All

I am picking up an XT3 this weekend - returning to a RAV - I had one around 5 years ago.

I see the head unit has a NAV button - it is a single CD unit.

I have been looking around for info on the retrofit of sat nav, and although I have read a lot, there is no concise guide as to what is needed or possible.

So - some questions.... please bear with me!

Model Years - are the options the same regardless of model year?

Head units - what are the differences between the units? Are some better than others?

CD and DVD - are all units CD or are later DVD?

What difference is there between CD and DVD units? I assume the maps are better?

Can all Head units be connected to CD or DVD units, or do the DVD units need a later or higher spec HU?

GPS units - I see some "extra" boxes that I assume are GOPS receivers. Are these needed for all satnav units?

TMS 200 and TMS 300 - what are the differences and are they interchangeable? Is the wiring the same for both? Can the 300 (assuming its a DVD unit) be used with CD maps too?

GPS aerials - do they use any existing aerials like the heated rear screen or do I need to buy a separate aerial?

Mounting - where do the units mount inside the cabin?

Commissioning - having spent a fair bit of time with BMW and MINI satnav units, I expect that Toyota units also need to be coded to the vehicle to activate them. Is this the case with the RAV?

Wiring looms? - are they readily available or is a DIY option sensible? I assume the pinouts are around somewhere? I did do a 4 hour Toyota tech subs, but could not fiund the wiring for thre satnav in any sensible detail.

Costs - what sort of money should I expect to pay for the various bits and pieces?

Family options - are the same units used across the toyota range? ie can I raid a breakers and get the bits working!?!

Lastly - are any units particularily unreliable and on that basis, any I should avoid?

Thanks fopr reading this far - I appreciate the help and advice!

DJ

[anchorman]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

You didn't put your year into the profile so I am assuming it is a 4.2 as you are quoting TNS (Toyota Navigation System)200 and 300.

I dont profess to be an expert but can answer at least some fo your questions;

Hi All

I am picking up an XT3 this weekend - returning to a RAV - I had one around 5 years ago.

I see the head unit has a NAV button - it is a single CD unit.

I have been looking around for info on the retrofit of sat nav, and although I have read a lot, there is no concise guide as to what is needed or possible.

So - some questions.... please bear with me!

Model Years - are the options the same regardless of model year?

You can fit TNS 200 or 300.

Head units - what are the differences between the units? Are some better than others?

Very little except the later ones are single play CD instead of tape deck.

CD and DVD - are all units CD or are later DVD?

I can't answer this but presumably!.

What difference is there between CD and DVD units? I assume the maps are better?

As above I'm guessing but I think it is mainly down to the volume of information. I think you got a GB CD but a European DVD. There seems to be more emphasis on TBT (turn by turn) on the 300. This gives sequential instructions as you come upon them and maybe it gives better detail than a map overview on such a small screen?

Can all Head units be connected to CD or DVD units, or do the DVD units need a later or higher spec HU?

Yes but I don't know if TNS200 is still available or if it is superceded by TNS300 if you buy from Toyota. You can often find both on ebay. They are interchangeable with the early and late HU.

GPS units - I see some "extra" boxes that I assume are GOPS receivers. Are these needed for all satnav units?

Not sure what you mean by this - sorry if I'm being dim!

TMS 200 and TMS 300 - what are the differences and are they interchangeable? Is the wiring the same for both? Can the 300 (assuming its a DVD unit) be used with CD maps too?

As above

GPS aerials - do they use any existing aerials like the heated rear screen or do I need to buy a separate aerial?

The aerial is in the kit and sits on top of the instrument cluster (but out of sight under the facia).

Mounting - where do the units mount inside the cabin?

Under the passenger seat.

Commissioning - having spent a fair bit of time with BMW and MINI satnav units, I expect that Toyota units also need to be coded to the vehicle to activate them. Is this the case with the RAV?

Don't think so.

Wiring looms? - are they readily available or is a DIY option sensible? I assume the pinouts are around somewhere? I did do a 4 hour Toyota tech subs, but could not fiund the wiring for thre satnav in any sensible detail.

The looms are provided in the kit. You need to hook into the speedo and the reversing lights. The fitting instructions are attached here so you can see better what is involved.

TNS 200;

http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/aimupload...200%20(RHD).pdf

TNS300

http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/aimupload...N3RA2-W-0-F.pdf

Costs - what sort of money should I expect to pay for the various bits and pieces?

I priced a TNS310 for my 2006 model and it was about £1100 which I thought was a bit steep. Again they pop up on ebay from time to time.

Family options - are the same units used across the toyota range? ie can I raid a breakers and get the bits working!?!

I think you are OK from another RAV but the TNS kit for mine is made up from with a main hardware kit and a loom for a RAV. The same kit is available with a loom for an Avensis. Whether the difference is only in the length I don't know but I suspect something is different otherwise if it was only length you could just use the longer one and lose it on the shorter one.

Lastly - are any units particularily unreliable and on that basis, any I should avoid?

I believe they are reliable. I eventually bought a Tom Tom but while it is good I prefer to have it integrated. Maybe I will drop on one and the other consideration is either when you come to sell your vehicle is to use it as a selling aid or pull it out and sell it seperately. Either way you will get some of your money back.

Thanks fopr reading this far - I appreciate the help and advice!

DJ

Hope this helps.

[Best-Gear]

Thanks for the useful answers!

I did see a 200 go on eBay last week, brand new in box for £17!!! was sorry I missed it!

I think I will sniff around on eBay for one...see what pops up.

Have you (or anyone) found the actual wiring diagram for the setup? I took a subscription out on toyotas website but did not find much detail.

As for "other unit" - I see there is an RDS unit.... was wondering what that is for given that the nead unit has a radio... looked like the RDS unit connects to the satnav box...

Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated.

DJ

PS - yes, its a 4.2, a 2004MY Xt3

[anchorman]

Thanks for the useful answers!

I did see a 200 go on ebay last week, brand new in box for £17!!! was sorry I missed it!

I think I will sniff around on ebay for one...see what pops up.

Have you (or anyone) found the actual wiring diagram for the setup? I took a subscription out on toyotas website but did not find much detail.

As for "other unit" - I see there is an RDS unit.... was wondering what that is for given that the nead unit has a radio... looked like the RDS unit connects to the satnav box...

Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated.

DJ

PS - yes, its a 4.2, a 2004MY Xt3

If you have trawled around the publications website I don't know where else to look for wiring details although the fitting instructions show the self contained loom and identifies which wires extra to splice in to. I'm not sure what else you need?

As for a RDS box, I don't know where you saw that but I do know that some systems have traffic avoidance and maybe it gets some information from RDS???

Maybe somebody with such a system can comment as it may have a description in the instructions.

Regards

[Best-Gear]

Hi Anchorman...

I have yet to find out what the extra box really adds on in terms of function, must be live traffic info I would guess.

As for looms, if I find the pinouts, I can make my own loom up and save £££££ over the £160 that Mr T wants...

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/o...tors/index.html

The link above is brave start...

DJ

[anchorman]

Hi Anchorman...

I have yet to find out what the extra box really adds on in terms of function, must be live traffic info I would guess.

As for looms, if I find the pinouts, I can make my own loom up and save £££££ over the £160 that Mr T wants...

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/o...tors/index.html

The link above is brave start...

DJ

I used to make looms but the proplem here will be obtaining the plugs and the connecting terminals. Wouldn't you be better to just take it on the chin?

[Best-Gear]

I used to make looms but the problem here will be obtaining the plugs and the connecting terminals.

Ok - opening an old thread here...

I have all the connectors now - managed to get an old TNS loom for an alternate Toyota model....

So - care to share the pinouts (and pin definitions) of the TNS and rear of the Head unit so I can make up my own loom?

I have found some for a Yaris, but are obviously not quite there for a Rav,....

any help is certainly most appreciated!

DJ

[Nightstalker]

HELLLLOOOO!

ON the note of replacing factory fitted systems....

Anchorman, could you let us know if its possible to take a system out of the mighty t180 Im talking about the one with the touch screen and place it in my XT4? If so you would'nt know the model number of it would you???

Rgds

Rob

B)

[anchorman]

HELLLLOOOO!

ON the note of replacing factory fitted systems....

Anchorman, could you let us know if its possible to take a system out of the mighty t180 Im talking about the one with the touch screen and place it in my XT4? If so you would'nt know the model number of it would you???

Rgds

Rob

B)

It is indeed Rob;

http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/legacy/To...%20000946-1.pdf

You can even add the bluetooth module to it as well;

http://techdoc.toyota-europe.com/legacy/To...000%20557-2.pdf

Now all you have to do is ask that nice kingo for prices,

[Nightstalker]

KIIIIINGOOOOO........

(think it might be expensive tho....)

Might have to wait for some poor so n so to total his/her rav...

.....