For Toyota FJ Cruiser owners looking to modernize their in-car entertainment without sacrificing factory functionalities, the Alpine iLX-W650 head unit presents a compelling solution. This guide details a DIY installation, ensuring seamless integration while retaining features like steering wheel controls and potentially paving the way for future OBD2 connectivity for enhanced vehicle data access.
The original factory radio in older vehicles, while functional, often lacks modern conveniences such as Bluetooth and a responsive touchscreen interface. In this project, we’ll walk through upgrading a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser’s audio system with the Alpine iLX-W650, a popular choice for its user-friendly interface and sleek design. This upgrade focuses on maintaining the original vehicle’s features while adding contemporary technology, and we’ll touch upon how systems like these can be expanded to interface with your vehicle’s OBD2 system for diagnostics and performance data in future setups.
To achieve this upgrade, the following components were used, sourced from Crutchfield for guaranteed compatibility:
- Alpine iLX-W650: A mech-less digital media receiver with a WVGA display.
- PAC RP4.2-TY11 Wiring Interface: Crucial for retaining factory steering wheel controls and other vehicle functionalities.
- Metra 95-8202 Dash Kit: Ensures a clean, factory-like fit in the FJ Cruiser’s dashboard.
While not an audio expert, a methodical approach to wiring, combined with some electrical understanding, makes this a manageable DIY project. The Alpine iLX-W650 was selected for its positive reviews and desired feature set, and the PAC wiring harness, though a pricier option, was chosen specifically for its promise of retaining steering wheel controls – a key requirement for maintaining the vehicle’s original usability.
Removing the Factory FJ Cruiser Radio
The first step involves removing the existing OEM FJammer radio. Although the original radio was still operational, issues with the volume dial and the absence of Bluetooth connectivity made an upgrade necessary. Living with an iPod and AUX cable setup was becoming increasingly outdated.
Modifying Factory Metal Radio Mounts
To accommodate the new Alpine head unit, slight modifications to the factory metal radio mounts are required. Small metal protrusions, designed for the OEM radio, prevent a flush fit for aftermarket units. These bumps were carefully drilled out, allowing the metal brackets to sit correctly with the Metra dash kit. Reusing the original factory bolts is recommended as they offer a more robust fitting compared to the screws often supplied with aftermarket kits.
The image above highlights one of the small metal bumps that needed to be removed. While these bumps are essential for aligning the factory radio, they interfere with the installation of aftermarket head units, preventing them from sitting flush against the dash.
Wiring the Harnesses: Alpine and PAC RP4.2-TY11
Next comes the wiring phase, connecting the Alpine head unit’s wiring harness to the PAC RP4.2-TY11 interface. Begin with the primary power wires: Black (Ground), Yellow (Battery), and Red (Accessory). If incorporating a MicroBypass, it’s crucial to hold off on connecting the black ground wire until the MicroBypass installation stage.
Subsequently, connect the speaker wires, ensuring correct polarity for each speaker:
- Rear Left: green(+) and green/black(-)
- Front Left: white(+) and white/black(-)
- Front Right: gray(+) and gray/black(-)
- Rear Right: violet(+) and violet/black(-)
Integrating the MicroBypass for Full Feature Access
To bypass the parking brake safety feature of the Alpine iLX-W650, which restricts certain functions unless the parking brake is engaged, a MicroBypass module was installed. This allows full access to the head unit’s features at any time, enhancing user convenience. This particular bypass can be found via online retailers.
As shown, the black ground wire needs to be re-connected to facilitate the MicroBypass installation. The Yellow/Blue and Blue/White wires from the MicroBypass are then connected to their corresponding wires on the Alpine head unit harness.
Connecting the PAC Harness to Vehicle Connectors
The PAC wiring harness is versatile, designed for various Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models. For the 2008 FJ Cruiser, only Vehicle Connector Plugs 3, 4, and 5 are necessary. These plugs interface directly with the vehicle’s wiring system.
The various harnesses are then connected to the PAC Interface unit. It’s important to use the Non-amplified Audio Output in this configuration, as the 2008 FJ Cruiser, despite having a factory subwoofer, does not utilize an OEM amplifier for the main speaker system. Note that while this installation focuses on audio and basic vehicle integration, some modern head units and interfaces can also be configured to read vehicle data via OBD2 ports, offering possibilities for displaying performance metrics or diagnostic information, although this was not a direct feature utilized in this specific setup.
Configuring the Interface Programming Pins
Finally, the programming pins on the PAC interface need to be configured for Alpine head units. Pin 1 should be in the DOWN or ON position, with all other pins in the UP or OFF position. This ensures the interface communicates correctly with the Alpine iLX-W650.
This installation successfully modernized the audio system of a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, retaining factory controls and adding features like Bluetooth and a touchscreen interface. While this guide doesn’t directly implement OBD2 connectivity, it showcases how a modern head unit like the Alpine iLX-W650 can serve as a central hub for in-car technology, with potential for expanded vehicle data integration in future enhancements.
