I’m not sure if you will find a ‘branded’ unit that gives you OBDII readout. The chinese units that are based around Android do make this possible.

From my own experience: I fitted a Chinese (Autopumpkin) unit initially. It ran a stripped down Android OS. Primarily I wanted to run my (UK) mapping app which it did OK, it did also run Torque for OBDII. It was OK for a couple of years and then became very flaky. It also had it’s own nav app which was surprisingly good.

I eventually swapped it out for a Kenwood CarPlay/Android Auto unit. Wish I‘d bought it in the first place. The Autopumkin was not cheap and a poor investment. But the Kenwood does not run either of the apps I ran on the AP. So I now run an old iPad mini for OBD (I use OBD Fusion which offers a cheap upgrade giving you full function OBD reading all ECUs and lots of info) and for mapping. I use the Kenwood for phone, music, maps.

Both units integrated with the OE steering wheel controls no issues, (2014 FJ) and plug and play with a suitable adaptor.

 

That ipad thing coul be worth looking into. Well, tablets in general, there are "car launchers" for Android devices which effectively turn them into head units. It would open up my options a ton for head units too. Im a little particular about layout and like to keep things looking somewhat OE looking so if i went tablet ill want to find a way to integrate it without looking out of place.

Im somewhat (barely) skilled in fusion 360 and 3d printing so a solution involving that shouldn't be too difficult if i go the route.

 

I do prefer the android open platform that you can just put whatever you want
I used Xtrons for a few years and all was working great
About 2 years ago I switched to Kingbeats K2 plus... It's a 9" display, comes with the dash panel and fits perfect, steering controls and all the rest... works smoothly so far.
It's actually Russian and not Chinese if it matters to you.
But I also have to say their service is good... I contacted them for several questions and all been answered fast... Even when I broke my display (stupid installer that worked on my car) they shipped me only the display for 50 bucks...
So from my experience I would recommend them.

 

Like you said, there are a ton of stereo head unit threads here, but here's my take: I bought a 12.3 android head unit, and took it to a local stereo installer. I have had it for about 5 years, and it has been one of the best things I have added to my FJ. You can download apps to display your OBDII readings. In my case, I downloaded the Torque app. You can check out my in-depth review of the head unit here. I've linked you directly here to the part where I talk about the Torque app. Hope that helps. It's a long video, but if you think it fits the bill for what you're looking for, I'd suggest watching the whole thing, along with the follow up video I did.

There are some links in the video description where you can purchase if you so choose, but since these vids are about 5 years old, there are probably other newer options out there for you to look at. Just my two cents. Good luck!

 

Like you said, there are a ton of stereo head unit threads here, but here's my take: I bought a 12.3 android head unit, and took it to a local stereo installer. I have had it for about 5 years, and it has been one of the best things I have added to my FJ. You can download apps to display your OBDII readings. In my case, I downloaded the Torque app. You can check out my in-depth review of the head unit here. I've linked you directly here to the part where I talk about the Torque app. Hope that helps. It's a long video, but if you think it fits the bill for what you're looking for, I'd suggest watching the whole thing, along with the follow up video I did.

There are some links in the video description where you can purchase if you so choose, but since these vids are about 5 years old, there are probably other newer options out there for you to look at. Just my two cents. Good luck!

Do you by chance know what wiring harness was used ? I purchased a similar head unit after watching your video but cant get the audio control or video input to work. Thanks

 

Oh yeah i found you before i bought the fj i decided on and binged all your videos ive also already printed out the door latch and will be putting that in next weekend! Also purchased the same antenna mast base you did as mine is curled upwards a little. Your channel had been a great help and glad to see you're active here too!

I had seen that radio and had been thinking about it but i want to get a more traditional double din, at least for now. Me and proprietary hardware dont get along well 😂


I look forwards to more mate.

 

I’m still looking into this myself but I’m most likely going to be getting something like the Teyes CC3 2K, or the Kingsbeat K2, there are actually other ones also (on Amazon too) which are the same but much cheaper Chinese ones, some actually aren’t bad at all especially for the $200 they cost.

I tend to stay away from those but some are pretty decent. There’s even an FJ guy on YouTube showing the install and its features. It’s the same as these units above but just different software and such.

Cosmetically I like these because they come with a faceplate which makes it look factory clean. I’m not a fan of the bigger din1/din2 units that’s stick out, they tend to look a bit odd placed and could always be an attractive thing for people to steal

Also the Teyes has a 2k OLED screen (if that matters to you). It’s an Australian company. You can add the obd2 function, 360 camera kit, a Sony 1080p reverse cam, an integrated dash cam even, TPMS, parking sensors etc. they seem like a good overall unit from what I’ve seen.

Now if you’re planning to do some serious speaker, sub and amp upgrades then you’d probably want something like a pioneer or Kenwood, but I think these units listed above will be plenty for what most people need, and then some.

Another good one if you want a double din style is the Heigh10 Stinger, those seem to be pretty good too (I believe another Aussie brand).

 

Im a sucker for Aussie make bits if kit, those fellas never ket me down before. Ill take some looks at them. Thanks mate.

 

I bought my FJ with a Pioneer head which works great with steering controls and the OEM subwoofer, but it has no firmware updates available, and does not update display when the next song begins..
No navigation apps available for it...
Be sure to verify the longevity of what your going to buy

 

What model is it? If it works and sounds good then ill flady find it even if its outdated. I don't listen to radio so if it can work with Bluetooth thats perfect.

Ive had a pioneer in my 1998 rav4 for years and a 120w jbl Soundsystem and it never failed to make a road trip bumpin'

 

Alrighty, so initially i was making some hard asks. But after finding out more about certain brands, features and functionality. Ive come to simplify my requirements a bit. Here goes.

Requirements:

-can retain steering wheel controls function.

-able to work with the factory upgraded JBL system.

-is NOT a custom panel kit.


Looking for a mainstream brand that has shown to work with the existing FJ
Controls and Soundsystem. Around $300-$500 range.

What have yall been rocking and how has it held up?

I haven't tried setting up steering wheel controls because my FJ does not have them.
I have this head unit and it is great with everything. It even comes on in a second after ignition key insert because it is not off but suspended, like your computer does.
Well this is a computer.
Here is a video showing how the steering wheel controls were programmed by this guy and he used just a couple of wires to hook up.

It fits into the FJ stock but I added that trim kit that is made by Metra. Because it does not go full width of the stock opening. Crutchfield can be used to find the kit. Use it to select a Double DIN stereo and their site adds the kit. Then you can see which one it is and order it from there or Amazon.
This is the head unit that I am talking about: ATOTO S8 Ultra Double Din Car Stereo
I bought mine using Aliexpress. Looks like it was offered on Amazon their link has good info on it. See the accessories that are available down lower on the page (lots). The accessories are branded ATOTO also. Their backup camera is cool because the software for it keeps historical frames and builds a 3-D image of what you are backing up into. Check for a vid on that. But I have not yet figured out a nice way to integrate the camera into the FJ.
Also I like the radio because one of my criteria was to have a bright screen and this screen is bright - it is QLED
Atoto has been a good company, check the reviews on them.

 

Please do not revise the original post after responses have been made. It gets confusing. Thanks

 

Sorry, in the Toyota RAV4 forums i had been chewed out for making new posts instead of updating the related thread. Ill keep it in mind that it is different on this Toyota forum.

 

I have an Alpine ILX407 for about 4 years now. Works with steering wheel controls and stock speakers including stock sub, has carplay and android auto, GPS navigation and backup camera compatible. I got the maestro kit, needed if you want stock steering wheel controls to work, that shows live data like tire pressure, coolant temp, MAF, EGT and intake temps as an example. Has dual cameras capability so you can mount front and rear cameras for viewing. Only downsides to this receiver are that it is a little buggy in that the maestro unit has lost connection till the car is restarted and no wireless carplay but you can buy a usb adapter for that, and this model only has a 6 band eq. The newer models have 13 band eq. I would also look at the comparable pioneer unit. I would stay away from the ebay specials and stick with a name brand audio for reliability and sound quality.

 

In the months since this post was originally uploaded (and accidentally resurrected by someone lol) i had somewhat settled on getting a newer head unit from a compatible Scion or Toyota. If it proves difficult, my friend found a sony head unit that worked great with his FJ and sounded way nicer than the jbl equipped one. but the unit and install cost about $900

 

We almost have our new to us 2007 TRD SE back on the road after engine swap and trans rebuild.

thinking about audio and came across the FJT -0814 by FJ mods. I have seen other refer to an Android unit that sounds similar but curious if anyone has some feedback on it?