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The OEM T1814 heat unit that came as standard equipment on my 2011 Scion xB has served me well over the years. However, it is somewhat tedious to navigate song folders since the display is text only and non-graphical. Also, there is no Bluetooth connectivity. Back in 2011, aftermarket Double DIN stereos were very expensive, so a replacement was not an option for me back then. However in recent years (2024) there have been a number of inexpensive aftermarket generic Android-based stereos (Single and Double DIN) made in China (and elsewhere).
I've been able to review a number of these generic-Android Double DIN units via Amazon lately, and many offer a lot of value for the price. I specifically chose one that has 2 Steering Wheel Control (SWC) wires so, with the right adapter wiring harness, some functions on the head unit can be controlled using the buttons on the steering wheel, with no 3rd party control box required.
(This mod took place on December 7. 2024)
The OEM T1814 can play MP3, WMA, and ACC files. It has a 3-line text display and subwoofer outputs, plus subwoofer level and crossover controls. It can play music from a USB thumb drive or from an AUX input.
I wanted my replacement unit to have Bluetooth connectivity, and a graphical display (for easier navigation of song folders), a graphic equalizer, and a backup camera.
This Nideocion Double DIN head unit is typical of what is offered with these generic Android-based car stereos from China. Such units are of varying quality and features, but all have 4-speaker output and include a basic wiring harness, a backup camera kit, and Bluetooth connectivity. Some (like this one) have remote controls. (This one even has a separate remote to mount on the steering wheel.) Most (but not all) units include an external microphone. The orange plastic pry bar was also included, a nice touch.
As I mentioned above, this unit has 2 Steering Wheel Control (SWC) wires so, with the right adapter wiring harness, some functions on the head unit can be controlled using the buttons on the steering wheel, with no 3rd party control box required.
To enable the SWC buttons to work and to make my life easier, I also ordered from Amazon a Toyota-specific wiring harness to plug between the Nideodion unit and my car. This Jayubien Stereo Wiring Harness has the brown and black plugs (on the left) for the head unit, and the 3 white plugs (on the right) to plug into my car. Notice that the 20-pin white connector at the lower RH corner has only 3 wires, these are for the SWC controls. The pink wire at the bottom of the picture is for +12v from the Reverse lights to power/signal the Backup camera. Using an aftermarket wiring harness like this shortens installation time, and also allows you to easily re-install the OEM stereo when it's time to sell your car.
Note: you should ALWAYS check the pin assignments on your unit and your car - DO NOT assume that the wiring harness manufacturer got it right. In my case, I had to do some minor pin re-assignments. Also, I added a bullet connector on the pink (reverse signal) wire.
Shown on the left are the typical wiring colors used on stereo DIN plugs. The speaker wire pairs (gray, white, purple, and green) are gathered in the brown 8-pin plug. The Acc power (red), constant power (yellow), ground (black), power antenna/external amp (blue), and illumination (orange) are gathered in the black 8-pin plug. NOTE: the remaining wire colors and assignments for the black plug often vary, depending on the manufacturer! Check your installation manual!
Shown on the right are how these wires match up to a (non-JBL) Toyota or Scion. Your car may have slightly different assignments - always check prior to making your connections.
Notice the 3 wires for SWC functions on the 20-pin connector at the bottom right.
To remove the OEM head unit, first pry off the center vent louvers using a plastic pry bar.
The top two fasteners are now exposed, and can be removed using a 10mm socket.
Pull out the lower trim strip to expose the lower two fasteners, and remove them with a 10mm socket. Then pull out the OEM unit and unplug all of the connectors.
The three white connectors are shown, with the 20-pin connector and antenna jack being held at the left. The gray connector in the middle is for USB and AUX and will not be used by the aftermarket unit. The red and white RCA plugs at the lower right are for my subwoofer. The AM/FM radio antenna plug is not pictured.
The OEM mounting brackets are made from steel and have a number of stamped protrusions to aid in proper location. These protrusions interfered with my afternarket unit, so I drilled them out. Also I made some clearance cuts and drilled/filed some clearance holes.
Amazon sells a "dash kit" for Toyota and Scion vehicles, however since you have to re-use the factory mounting brackets, it's more of a Trim Kit, and not really a dash kit.
Since my unit has tapering sides, I also had to use shims (not visible) and bend the plastic trim pieces inwards to make everything mount flat and square. I used longer mounting screws and added washers to trap the side trim pieces and distribute the clamp load.
I clipped my external microphone to the trim panel, to the left of my gauges.
I made my connections and tested sound, set SWC controls, and set and test other functions before final install of the unit.
Graphic Equalizer!
Image from the included backup camera.
Next: Backup Camera
You can send your questions or comments to BrickPig2011xb@mail.com
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