After doing a lot of research, I've found the 2010 OEM Alpine unit is plug and play with 2009 and older tC's except for the ipod connector. My question is, has anyone installed this Alpine unit in their car yet and found a way to retain iPod functionality? From what I've read, the 2010 models use a USB port instead of the iPod port which was used in previous models. I'm hoping there is some sort of an adapter or hack so I can install this stereo in my 2009 tC and use the iPod port in my armrest. I know I could use the money to buy an aftermarket stereo, but I live in an area where I don't want anything flashy and I want to keep the OEM look. I've attached a picture of the stereo to clarify the exact model I'm referring to.

Any help would be much appreciated as I really want this stereo in my car

 

I spoke with Alpine on this a couple of months ago. They compared it with the Pioneer that they had at the factory. Supposedly ALL connections were designed to retain the plug and play qualities already in place.

The big question is where are you going to get the Scion gap filler for the top of the head unit as the door will go away?

 

i would rather just drill new holes and mount the unit further back so you can retain the door...

 

I would redrill it to keep the door. Seems kind of stupid they would do away with the door.

 

So you're saying the iPod connector would plug into back of the stereo without any modification? I looked at pictures of the back of the Alpine stereo and I didn't see the 16 pin connector for the ipod plug. But if they told you it will work for sure, I will buy the stereo when I return to America. I'm currently in Thailand.

And can't you use the kit that was used with the Scion Navigation System to fill the gap? It looks the same to me. Can this kit be purchased separately from the SNS? Does anyone have a part number?

 

You will need part number 86190-53040 for the iPod and USB to work. Attached is the image.

 

Great info. If anyone does this, please let me know if it charges the 5v ipods. I hate the Scosche adapter as it picks up some engine whine. And looks tacky as well.

 

It is compatible with the following iPod models:

iPhone: Ver. 2.2 or later
iPhone 3G: Ver. 2.2 or later
iPod touch (1st generation): Ver.2.2 or later
iPod touch (2nd generation): Ver.2.2 or later
iPod classic: Ver.1.1.2 or later
iPod with video: Ver.1.3 or later
iPod nano (4th generation): Ver.1.0.3 or later
iPod nano (3rd generation): Ver.1.1.3 or later
iPod nano (2nd generation): Ver.1.1.3 or later
iPod nano (1st generation): Ver.1.3.1 or later

 

Thank you for the great info! So it looks like I'll be picking up that USB plug and replacing the iPod plug with it in my armrest. Hopefully everything is a direct swap with no modification needed as this is my first time taking out the stereo in the tC. I'll post back once the operation is complete to confirm everything is direct plug and play...

 

You will need to modify the brackets to push the unit further back in. Otherwise the door wont close.

Another alternative is getting a new bezel and brackets (the SNS install kit) but you will lose the waterfall door. This will make it look like how it is in the RS 6 TC's. The part number for the install kit is PT611-21080.

The image shows how it will look like if you decide to go with the install kit.

 

I think I will go with the SNS kit because it will be less work and I think it looks good without the door. I'm just hoping it won't be too attractive to thieves.
How easy do you think it will be to install the USB plug in my armrest? Have you tried it? I'm wondering where the wire runs for that plug and if it is easily accessible...thanks again for your help!

 

I have the whole setup installed in my TC. To install the USB you have to remove the center console completely to run the wires. Unless you've had expereince removing bezels and panels I would recommend getting an installer to do it for you.

The harness plugs into the back of the head unit and the USB plug will go into one of the existing plugs inside the armrest. You will need to remove one of the existing plugs in the armrest to install the new USB plug. The new one has USB and Aux together in the same plug. I personally prefered to replace the new plug with the old Aux instead of iPod because it seemed easier. But thats your choice.

If you decide to take it to an installer it shouldnt cost you more thant 70-80 bucks at a local place. Avoid BestBuy they will rip u off unless u know someone there who can hook u up.

 

Would it be possible to run that USB plug into the glovebox for the time being before I get everything installed? I haven't found a good installer in my area that knows what they're doing and does a good job. I would probably do a bunch of research and then do it myself. I'm really excited to get that stereo and was hoping that would be a good shortcut

 

You can definetely run it into the glovebox for the meantime and get it installed into the center console later. But if you're going to install the head unit yourself i'm pretty sure you will be able to run the USB wires into the center console yourself because it's as easy as snapping off the center console, running the wires, snapping off the old plug, snap in the new plug, snap all the consoles back in.

Also if i may make a suggestion: The Alpine unit has a higher power rating (200W) than the stock Pioneer (160W). The bass response is at 63Hz compared to 80Hz on the Pioneer. You can kill your speakers and the factory subs at high volumes and the speakers may sound cranky. What i did was I put in 2 pairs of 200Hz high pass filters to kill the cranks and distortion and installed a subwoofer (via RCA) for bass response. Now highs are crisp and lows are tight.

The installers will try to talk you out of it by saying high pass filters (a.k.a bass blockers) will reduce the power from the speakers. And they will recommend replacing the speakers instead so they make more money. Unless you're planning to amp up your speakers I wouldn't recommend replacing the speakers. You will definetely notice the difference with the HPF's trust me.

Just thought i'll let you know because you are definetely going to notice the difference in sound after getting the head unit.

 

Hmmmm maybe this installation is a bit more work than I thought. What are your thoughts on the Pioneer premium unit? Maybe that unit would be better because you retain the door and everything is plug and play. I like to listen to my music pretty loud so I don't want to blow my speakers with the 2010 Alpine stereo. I want to keep the stock sub my car came with because I like the sound and it isn't as heavy as my sub. Decisions, decisions....

 

The Alpine is also plug n play except for the USB. You don't have to go crazy with sound if you don't want to, just turn the bass down so you don't kill the speakers. I was just giving you my suggestion because I'm an audiophile.

If you're gonna go with the Pioneer you're really just wasting your money away. I would suggest you go for the Alpine because it has a full color touch screen, USB (not just for iPods but flash drives as well), HD Radio, Rear View Camera input, video thru Aux, and Nav and XM ready.

The Pioneer unit is a waste because you are not getting any added functionality. The power output and sound quality is exactly the same. All you get is a tiny little single-color non-touch LCD screen that doesn't serve any purpose.

I would get the Alpine for a reasonable price on eBay and take it to an installer who will do a professional job rather than struggling with it yourself. By the way which area do you live in? I can suggest a good installer to take it to.

 

I live in Happy Valley, Oregon. You're right, the Alpine unit has so many good options! Plus I'm getting some money back for taxes so that will help with the costs. I'm not too big on sound, I just like good bass which the stock sub gives. I just got worried I might kill my sub or speakers which is a scary thought lol

 

Is there any kinda of adapter needed to do a back up camer or video input into this radio?
I know it has the rca on the back, but the manual says u need some sort of adapter.

 

I have an 09. How much will that nav system from the '10 cost?

 

Thanks.