Upgrading your car’s head unit can dramatically transform your driving experience. For Toyota FJ Cruiser owners looking to modernize their audio and infotainment system while retaining factory functionalities, the Alpine iLX-W650 is a popular and excellent choice. This guide walks you through a seamless installation process, originally documented by a fellow FJ Cruiser enthusiast, and delves into how you can further enhance your setup with OBD2 connectivity for vehicle diagnostics and performance monitoring.
The original poster, a DIY enthusiast with electrical experience, aimed to replace their glitchy OEM FJammer radio with a modern unit featuring Bluetooth and improved audio capabilities. They chose the Alpine iLX-W650 for its positive reviews and desired features, along with components to ensure a smooth installation and retention of factory controls in their 2008 FJ Cruiser with the 9-speaker system. The chosen components were:
- Alpine iLX-W650: A mech-less digital media receiver known for its responsiveness and smartphone integration.
- PAC RP4.2-TY11 Wiring Interface: Crucial for retaining steering wheel controls, factory amplifier (if present), and other OEM features in Toyota vehicles.
- Metra 95-8202 Dash Kit: Provides a clean, factory-look finish by filling gaps between the aftermarket head unit and the dashboard.
Step-by-Step Alpine iLX-W650 Installation
The installation begins with removing the factory radio. While the original FJammer was functional, issues with the audio dial and the lack of Bluetooth prompted the upgrade. For anyone experiencing similar frustrations or simply wanting a more modern in-car entertainment system, this upgrade is well worth considering.
To accommodate the new Alpine unit, the factory metal radio mounts require slight modification. Small metal bumps, designed for the OEM radio alignment, prevent the aftermarket unit from sitting flush. These bumps need to be removed. Drilling them out is a straightforward solution, allowing the new head unit and Metra dash kit to fit perfectly using the robust factory bolts.
Next comes the wiring, the most crucial part of any car audio installation. Connecting the Alpine wiring harness to the PAC RP4.2-TY11 interface harness is essential for seamless integration with the FJ Cruiser’s electrical system. Start with the main power wires: Ground (Black), Battery (Yellow), and Accessory (Red).
Carefully connect the speaker wires, matching colors and polarities (+/-) to ensure proper audio output from each speaker. The standard color codes are:
- Rear Left: Green (+) and Green/Black (-)
- Front Left: White (+) and White/Black (-)
- Front Right: Gray (+) and Gray/Black (-)
- Rear Right: Violet (+) and Violet/Black (-)
To bypass the parking brake safety feature of the Alpine iLX-W650, a MicroBypass module was used. This module allows access to all radio features without engaging the parking brake, enhancing user convenience. Wiring in the MicroBypass involves connecting it to the ground wire and then to specific wires on the Alpine harness as per the module’s instructions.
The PAC RP4.2-TY11 harness comes with multiple vehicle connector plugs to accommodate various Toyota models. For the 2008 FJ Cruiser, only Plugs 3, 4, and 5 are needed. Connect these plugs to the corresponding connectors in the FJ Cruiser’s wiring harness.
Connect the harness plugs to the PAC interface module, ensuring you use the Non-amplified Audio Output if your FJ Cruiser does not have a separate factory amplifier. While the FJ Cruiser’s subwoofer has its own amp, it’s considered separate from the main audio amplification system in this context.
Finally, configure the programming pins on the PAC interface module according to the Alpine iLX-W650 and your vehicle. For this setup, only Pin 1 should be in the ON position (down), with the rest in the OFF position (up).
Enhancing Your Alpine iLX-W650 with OBD2 Functionality
While the Alpine iLX-W650 doesn’t directly integrate with OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) systems out of the box, it offers a fantastic platform to incorporate OBD2 data into your driving experience. OBD2 is a standardized system that allows you to access valuable information about your vehicle’s health and performance, including engine diagnostics, sensor readings, and more.
To “add OBD2” to your Alpine iLX-W650 setup, you can utilize the head unit’s smartphone integration capabilities, namely Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By connecting your smartphone and using compatible OBD2 apps, you can display real-time vehicle data directly on the Alpine’s screen.
Here’s how you can leverage OBD2 with your Alpine iLX-W650:
- OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter: Purchase a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter that plugs into your FJ Cruiser’s OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Smartphone OBD2 App: Download a compatible OBD2 app on your smartphone, such as Torque Pro (Android), OBD Fusion (iOS and Android), or Car Scanner ELM OBD2 (iOS and Android). These apps communicate with the OBD2 adapter via Bluetooth.
- Smartphone Integration: Connect your smartphone to the Alpine iLX-W650 via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Display OBD2 Data: Launch the OBD2 app on your smartphone through CarPlay or Android Auto. The app will mirror its interface onto the Alpine screen, allowing you to view real-time engine data, monitor performance metrics, read diagnostic trouble codes, and more, all through your new head unit.
By combining the Alpine iLX-W650 with an OBD2 adapter and smartphone app, you create a powerful in-car system that not only enhances your entertainment but also provides valuable insights into your vehicle’s operation. This integration transforms your head unit into a central hub for both infotainment and vehicle diagnostics, perfect for tech-savvy car enthusiasts and those who want to stay informed about their FJ Cruiser’s health.
Conclusion
Upgrading to the Alpine iLX-W650 in your Toyota FJ Cruiser is a worthwhile investment, bringing modern features and improved audio quality to your vehicle. While the installation itself is achievable with careful wiring and the right components, the added potential to integrate OBD2 functionality via smartphone apps truly elevates this head unit. By adding OBD2 capabilities, you gain a comprehensive view of your vehicle’s performance and health, right at your fingertips on the Alpine iLX-W650’s responsive touchscreen. This combination provides both enhanced entertainment and valuable vehicle information, making your FJ Cruiser a truly modern and connected ride.
