Base Pioneer Bluetooth Lockout/Head Unit Replacement Question

[SirEspo]

Hey guys, I think this might be my first post here but worry not, I've googled away and can't find an answer to my issue. Maybe it's unique, maybe it isn't.

I have a base 13 FR-S with the base audio system, the Pioneer non-touch whatever it is. I use my phone (a fully updated Moto Z Force) to play my music via bluetooth, but the head unit gives me a ton of grief, to the point where I'm ready to rip it out and replace it. I don't use Pandora or spotify, just files on my phone.

My issue is that if I don't have bluetooth active on my phone when I get in the car, if I start it up and then turn on bluetooth on my phone, 90% of the time the head unit will lock out bluetooth completely. This is usually after it says "bluetooth connection failed" but often it won't even tell me that. I'll go to the settings menu and I'm only greeted with Audio Control and SSP as options. No bluetooth, list phone or list device at all. It appears I have to turn off the car completely, wait a few minutes (seconds won't do it) and then try again. This is incredibly frustrating when I'm trying to get to work and can only play the radio or music through my phone speakers.

Other times, the unit simply won't connect until I forget the pairing on my phone and delete the phone from the unit. Then, upon re-pairing it'll work fine. But the lockout is my major issue.

Is there a fix for this? Or do I have a defective unit? Also, I've done plenty of head unit installs on older cars in the past, but with all the new technology and stuff, the last one I attempted bricked the entire car (granted, it was an 04 Malibu) as it was part of the anti-theft system. I ignored the Best Buy guy and went ahead and tried without the "required" $200 part anyway, because who listens to the Best Buy dudes?

I'd like to replace the head unit with a tablet, MCM style but I still need my car to run as it's my daily. Is it possible to just swap it out with no issues like older Toyotas or am I going to need special equipment? I assume Toyota was behind the audio since the unit has the "Car Type" hidden option and they're all Toyota models.

Answers to either questions are appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone!

[winstonscifi]

Go to Crutchfield.com. Click on car audio. Then click on "find what fits your vehicle"

It's a great resource. I bought my last stereo for my Chrysler Crossfire. They sent out complete instructions, and all the bits needed to replace the stereo. Good luck!