Hello everyone. I am proud owner of a two week old Scion xB 2010 in Stingray Metallic. I opted to get the Scion Navigation System (SNS) and finally had it installed yesterday. Prior to the installation I had the stock Pioneer head unit that worked perfectly with the built in AUX and USB ports in the center compartment.

Since the installation of the SNS, my auxiliary port no longer works. The option to select AUX via touch screen is grayed out and there is no audio confirmation (beep) when pressed. This is baffling because I can press the iPod button (not grayed out and beeps) even though I do not have the iPod SNS adapter. I don't know if my SNS is defective, installed incorrectly, or not compatible with my 2010 xB. No one at the dealership or Toyota can help me and I don't know what to do. The AUX support is a listed feature of the SNS without any kind of footnote saying that I need an additional adapter or part.

I have searched the internet for a solution to my problem and cannot find any. I know it doesn't have something to do with SNS safety issues as I have tried to connect to the AUX with the car in park and the emergency brake on. Maybe my problem would be fixed with the "SNS bypass hack?" I would appreciate any help or advice. Thank you.

 

I know the 08-09 xBs had a dedicated iPod connector as well as a 1/8" audio jack for the AUX input located in front of the center console. I think the '10 model has a USB/AUX/iPod input all located in one spot. Is that true for the 2010 models? If this is the case then I would think that the older SNS unit might not be compatible with the 2010 xB. Do iPods work for you?

If my hunch is correct, then I would think you should be able tot get a refund for the SNS. If this all works out for you consider yourself lucky and use that money toward a superior and less expensive unit. I particularly like the Eclipse AVN 726E. (I have the SNS and know I could have done much better for less $).

Of course this is based on my observation of a picture of a 2010 center console. I'm not even certain if I am correct. Good luck.

 

Here's what the Scion xB 2010 auxiliary and USB ports look like in the console located between the two front seats:

Closed
Open
3.5mm stereo cable plugged in

Here is visual evidence of what I'm experience. My camera makes it kind of hard to tell, but the AUX and Satellite Radio icons are grayed out:

SNS Mode selection

As you can see, I can select the iPod option even though I don't have the adapter. An error message shows up, but nothing like this occurs when pressing the AUX and Satellite on screen buttons:

iPod connection error

When I called the parts department at my dealership, they told me I got a 2010 version of the SNS. The part number is **********. I don't know where to look this number up to confirm though.

 

When you upgrade the factory HU with some aftermarket units, you won't be able to use the factory AUX. But with Scion official products, you should be able to utilize all factory features. My guess is someone missed a connection in the back of the SNS, or this supposedly 2010 SNS isn't fully compatible (some changes in harness) with 2010 xB since it has a different base HU (Pioneer) and upgraded HU (Alpine) than 2009 xB.

 

The 08-09 models have a proprietary iPod connection. It looks like the 2010 model dropped that in favor of a USB jack. My best guess is that the SNS is looking for that older connection, but you car doesn't have it. It looks as if the 2010 xB would only be compatible with the new 2010 head units for that reason. Your dealer probably didn't know this and sold you the older incompatible unit. Confirm with them that this is the case and get a refund, then run far, far, away from the dealer. Go with an aftermarket unit and come out with a better system while putting some cash back in your pocket.

BTW, don't trust your dealer. They're often wrong on little things like this. The enthusiasts on this site probably know more about Scions than most dealers do.

 

Thank you both for the advice. The more and more I do research, the more and more I realize I should of never purchased this. Good thing this issue came up or I wouldn't of had a valid reason for a refund. I'm going to contact my dealership right away and complain. I think I'll be happy with the stock head unit and my portable GPS until I can decide on a better system with navigation and Zune HD support. I have seen another person hook the current Zune to a rear camera input on a HU. Would that input just be a composite cable (red/yellow/white)?

 

A rear camera input is video only. The audio would still have to come through the AUX.

 

The premium Alpine HU is pretty good. It was only about $500 upgrade, and the optional navigation unit is supposedly another $650. I purchased a Stingray Metallic around the same time you did and mine came with the Alpine HU. Browsing the owner's manual, it seems to indicate that AUX also accepts video signal. I haven't been able to get it to work and I'm going to call Scion and confirm. If it does, then I'll stick with it instead of getting an aftermarket. The HU also has backup camera input. $650 for the navi add-on is a bit steep, especially given the screen's small size though.

 

If this system works like the Alpine in order to use mini-jack input you need to have something actually plugged into the mini-jack or else it doesn't operate try plugging into the mini-jack first then it should work.
Hope this helps
Rich Banz

 

richbanz:

Do you have 2010 Alpine HU? I've been trying to get the video in to work (manual seems to indicate it does) and so far, I've been unsuccessful. Any success on your part?

 

I had expressed my concerns with a Scion customer service representative, who promised to do some research on my issue. She got back to me today like she promised and informed me that the SNS ordered and installed in my car is compatible for the Scion tc and xD. She intends on calling the dealership tomorrow and helping me get a refund or an exchange and get refunded the difference for the Alpine Premium HU. I'm not sure how the refund would work since I financed everything through Toyota, but at least I know my problem will be solved soon.

 

JediBaja,

If you opt for the new Scion/Alpine head unit, are you getting the navigation module as well? I'm not sure it's out quite yet, but maybe they can give you a raincheck on that part. You'd still come out a few hundred dollars on top I believe.

Good luck on getting this worked out. It sounds like you're on the right track now. I'd like to say I can't believe the dealer sold you a navigation that isn't compatible with your car, but I actually do believe that this happened. I've observed over the past 10+ years that people generally don't know what they're selling anymore. Most savvy customers, already doing research on a planned purchase, probably know more about the product than the salesman does. Anyway sorry for the micro-rant but I'm glad to hear you're getting this taken care of.

 

Well, Gina from Scion corporate called me back today and the dealership refuses to give me a refund stating that they told me that the auxiliary port would not work before they ordered it. This is completely false, as I would have never ordered it in the first place and I was the one to notice the problem. The servicemen had no idea why the AUX didn't work. The dealership is only offering a $250 discount, which just happens to be the price of the iPod adapter. Unless they are willing to buy me an iTouch (oh wait, that isn't compatible according to the manual) I am not going to budge. Plus, I do not like being tied down to one particular brand of mp3 player. AUX ports are standards nowadays for this reason.

I called the dealership's Customer Relations person to complain some more, but she has yet to call me back. Scion corporate has no pull over private dealerships, but they are willing to swap out my SNS for the new Alpine HD unit.

 

Darn, this stuff is just so bad ! I guess it was a lot easier for the dealers when all they had to worry about was cassette and/or CD, but new capabilities are being added and they aren't all implimented the same way with each model.

My perspective is to go with the base and then replace it with something you're sure of. However, the OE input jacks/cables/connectors aren't necessarily compatible with the aftermarket gear. It's tough and I think we're stuck with compromises. If we want perfect compatibility with OE, then we have to stick with OE, otherwise, all we can do is the best we can.

 

@TrevorS - the Scion Navigation System is OE, that is probably why JediBaja decided to go with it. About the aftermarket stuff, I paid $350 for a Pioneer AVIC-F700BT. After harnesses, steering wheel interface, and everything else...it cost maybe $400. Much better than any deal you could get on a factory navigation. Plus mine is bypassed, so I can program the navi while driving.

 

So, after going back and forth with the Customer Relations associate at the dealership I'm finally speaking with a sales manager. I've been trying to convince him why I thought the axillary port would work with the Scion Navigation System (SNS), listing references found online. He still isn't convinced and doesn't want to give in, basically arguing the wording of everything.

Going back to my original argument that the parts department ordered the wrong SNS for my car, I asked Gina from Scion Corporate to look up the part number (for Toyota use only) I had been given from the dealership. Turns out that part number quoted above is for an SNS for 2008-2009 Scion xBs ONLY! A SNS for 2010 Scion xBs DOES NOT exist and the listed compatible head unit is the Alphine Premium HU w/ add on navigation. Gina told me that information about SNS compatibility with car models is shown on the parts order page at the dealership.

So this whole time, I been lied to and have been wasting my time arguing over semantics! Was it wrong for me to place my trust in the parts department to order a part that is compatible with my car? When I worked in retail and sold video games to customers, I wouldn't grab any copy off the shelf. I would ask what system they were purchasing the game for and if the game was PS2/XBOX. I would warn them about potential incompatibility with PS3/XBOX360. Is it not right to ask for the same kind of customer service with a car dealership?

The fact that they ordered an incompatible part for my car (make/model/year) is a valid reason for a refund right? Or do you guys think the dealership will argue that since I asked for an SNS, they gave me one?

^Sorry for the rant. I appreciate you forum members helping me deal with this difficult time I'm having.

 

You must show the sales manager the part number. If he refuses to budge, take him to small claims court, file a claim with the better business bureau and keep the communication flowing with Scion corp. You were wronged and need to made whole. Good Luck.

 

^^Right! Take it up with the Better Business Bureu (BBB) in your local area. Dealers hate bad press. I hope you got some sore of infor from the Scion person you talked to. Any way to get them involved to help you here? They don't like bad press either. Scion only has a .5% market share as it is. Keep the pressure on and I hope for the best.

 

Somehow the sales manager has changed his mind and is allowing me to get the Alphine Premium (AP) Audio System installed. I composed my complaint to the BBB, but won't submit it until my issue is settled. I also found out I can issue a complaint through Scion Corporate, which will affect the dealership's car and parts allotment. I don't know if or how I'm going to get a refund for the difference. MSRP for the SNS is $1800 and $1198 for the AP, so I should get around $600 back.

I did just realize that the stock Pioneer HU that I had was never returned to me after installation of the SNS. I called out the manager on this and he said he'd get it back to me, then a day later he says I can't get it back because its like a Scion exchange program. Gina from Scion Corporate was 90% sure that it's true. Does anyone else have knowledge about this? It seems very strange to me because I'm sure if I did the installation myself, I could keep the stock HU.

Has anyone had luck on hooking up the AP with a video video input? I think it would be really slick if I could hook up the Zune HD I plan on getting. Too bad I have to settle for a 4.3" screen now...

 

It does seem like a rip off I agree. The previous SNS was also made by Alpine with a 7" screen. This new Alpine HU w/ Navigation Add-On seems like a downgrade especially with its small 4.3" screen.

I apologize for all you have gone through, it's Hell indeed. I can also understand why you may not be going for aftermarket HU, you probably want access to Steering Wheel Mounted Controls and the Use of your IPOD/USB connector which is understandable. On some aftermarktet headunits, it is not compatible with your factory steering wheel mounted controls/factor USB-IPOD port.