Eclipse Radio replacement

[Clives Alf]

I've just bought an immaculate 2003 Alphard 2.4 2WD. It is fitted with an incomprehensible Radio although I can get my imited range of FM stations. None of the steering wheel switches work with it and it only has a Japanese GPS. Any advice about replacements?

[Rojie]

Hi Clive, Welcome to Alphie ownership.

 

There are loads of threads on here regarding Alphie radios.

 

Many of the replacement units will not restore the steering wheel controls.

Sounds lie you already have a replacement unit if the steering controls don't work.

 

It may be helpful to others if you give more details of your vehicle and the current head unit.

 

Many 'upgrade' to Xtron units.

 

Have a good read of this forum and you will soon discover which work well (and keep steering controls) and which don't.

 

If you have front cameras you are likely to lose them with most replacement units.

 

Try Ben Hau in Birmingham. he is on ebay, does a conversion for £400 or so.

 

Good Luck

[Picasso]

Hi just bought this one for my alphard this was recommended by the dealer I just bought my alphard from it comes as a kit with the module to keep the steering wheel buttons I also messaged seller he confirmed I will get to keep steering wheel functions only thing I get to lose if the roof mounted rear monitor I will change at some point here is the link.   https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/toyota-alphard-upgrade-kit-with-kenwood-dmx5020dabs-double-din-dab-radio.html 

[Geralt]

On 10/10/2021 at 8:16 PM, Picasso said:

Hi just bought this one for my alphard this was recommended by the dealer I just bought my alphard from it comes as a kit with the module to keep the steering wheel buttons I also messaged seller he confirmed I will get to keep steering wheel functions only thing I get to lose if the roof mounted rear monitor I will change at some point here is the link.   https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/toyota-alphard-upgrade-kit-with-kenwood-dmx5020dabs-double-din-dab-radio.html 

Hi Picasso,

 

I have a 2003 2.4L Alphard. I am considering the same Kenwood unit. I wondered if you would be kind enough to answer a couple of questions about it?

 

1) If you listen to the built in DAB/FM radio and then select Android Auto (e.g. for sat nav) does that mean the DAB radio is switched off and you can't listen to it while you're using Android Auto?

 

2) Did the original reversing camera work with this unit?

 

3) Any other tips?

 

Thank you very much!

 

Geralt.

 

[Picasso]

Hi when radio is on and you use the android auto radio is still playing in the background also rear camera works through the radio android auto does not work with the cheap USB leads took me ages to find this out always buy a good quality one also parking break wire on back of radio always make sure you ground it because if you don't android auto won't work because radio will think your handbrake ain't on and android auto won't work most modern radios have handbrake wires . Steering wheel function guy who fitted it did not connect it up so that annoyed me but will be getting that sorted soon . 

[Geralt]

11 hours ago, Picasso said:

Hi when radio is on and you use the android auto radio is still playing in the background also rear camera works through the radio android auto does not work with the cheap USB leads took me ages to find this out always buy a good quality one also parking break wire on back of radio always make sure you ground it because if you don't android auto won't work because radio will think your handbrake ain't on and android auto won't work most modern radios have handbrake wires . Steering wheel function guy who fitted it did not connect it up so that annoyed me but will be getting that sorted soon . 

That's great information, thank you so much!

[AlphardZA]

@Clives Alf another option is to fit a radio from another toyota. I have a radio from a 2006 Toyota Hilux / Fortuner unfortunately no screen, but steering controlls will work.

2006 Toyota Prado / Toyota Avensis, steering controlls will work,reverse cam wil need to be re pinned to work, and in order for maps to work you will probably need the GPS antenna from that vehicle. Then i have another toyota DVD radio also from a toyota hilux, seems to be the closest fit for the Alphard, steering controlls work, as well as the front camera, the plug for the reverse  camera is different on that radio.