2020 86 Stereo Info
 

Hi,


There seems to be an extreme lack of info on the stock stereo head unit that came with my 2020 86.


The system appears to be a JBL/Harman unit.

• PN: pt296-18190-20
• Update - I found a link to the head unit's manual
  • https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/docu...f/OM2086da.pdf
  • It's light on specifications sadly.
• The only link I can find is on JBL's EU site
  • https://eu.jbl.com/toyota.html?ged=off
• It's MSRP is 880 on the Toyota parts site

Let me caveat this post with a few points.

• I did not buy my 86 to listen to music or pay particular attention to the screen.
  • I'm here for the rich engine sounds and connection to the 86/FRS/BRZ experience.
• I have a android phone
  • I'm currently testing Android Auto
    • I don't the the requirement for USB + Bluetooth
    • Audio seems less decent than it should be
    • I don't like voice enabled anything
      • No 'google voice'
      • No Alexa
      • No Siri
      • That said, I do want to take hands free calls
      • I'm searching for a happy medium

Today I tested the USB Media with a couple of USB flash drives.

• Here is what I tested and the results
  • File system format
    • exFAT - did not work
    • FAT32 - works
  • Audio File
    • FLAC - did not work
    • MP3 - works
    • M4a
    • WMA
      
  • MP3 TAG Format
    • Both ID3v2.3 and ID3v2.4 - works
      • Did not test version 1 TAGs.
  • No album art was displayed
    
• I was disappointed that exFAT file system was not recognized.
  • The FAT 32 drive was 250Gb
  • The exFAT drive was 128Gb

Also I had a H.264 video on both USB flash drives.

• It was not recognized.

I've attached some (not really good) photos from the quick trial.

• Sadly I don't think the 1/8 3.5mm plug is functional.

####

I thought I'd update this original post with my experiences with Android Auto

• As noted above, I'm not really happy with having Google (or any assistant) in my life.
• I've experience Android Auto app disconnects.
  • I blame this on pulling some serious 'Gs' :D
    • They all can't be explained by this & sadly is not the worst issue.
• Significant cut outs and interruptions during song/audio playback.
  • A quick Internet search turned this up.
  • https://support.google.com/androidau.../3280169?hl=en
    • It's very clear that I'm not the only one experiencing this issues.
    • Likely to be fixed in an upcoming 'Android Auto' update.
    • I don't believe it is related to our JBL/Harman head unit.
• The touch screen input on the JBL/Harman head unit stinks.
  • It is ok for selecting features but interactive features (e.g. zooming) have issues.
  • Serious input lag
  • Poor contrast ratio.
    • It is too difficult to discern roads and traffic issues while driving.
      • Hell! I wound up on a gravel road yesterday whilst seeking the curved roads I now crave.
    • I find myself pulling over to disconnect my phone (USB) and look at Google Maps directly on my phone.
• Voice assistant/commands works.
  • I'm able to reply to messages.
  • Voice assistant audio clarity is fine.
• Phone interaction (taking calls) works well.
• Update - listened for call clarity and Google Maps directions
  • Both were clear and crisp (Did not experience what Tcoat has been experiencing)
  • I've posted a (bad) photo of my phone audio settings.

So for the moment I'm planning on ditching Android Auto in favor of a USB or plain Bluetooth solution. I find it easier and less distracting to interact with my phone to manage audio and maps.

European models have had a JBL audio option for some time, yes? I don't think I've seen that option on north american cars, or at least in canada. The JBL site lists some C pillar speakers that I've never seen, even on loaded BRZs.

The old head unit from 2017 was made by Pioneer, and I would have expected the 2020 radio, which looks mostly similar except for the buttons, to be made by them also.

I have a 2020 Hakone Edition. The sound quality is tinny and generally poor compared with the Pioneer unit in my 2015 Scion FR-S. Today I think I found the problem.

The 2020 unit has tone controls which appear to do almost nothing. If I set +5 on Bass and -5 on mid-range and treble, it still has very little effect and not much bass or musical resonance. The 2015 unit has quite a bit of equalization control and the three positions for Natural, Hear, Feel have a significant impact.

So I decided to listen to my local classical music station today on the 2020. As usual, the sound was tinny. I stopped the car, opened the drivers side door and put ear next to the door speaker. Guess what? NOTHING!. No sound at all coming out of door speakers. The rear speakers and the mid/tweeter in the dash work, but the "woofers" in the door are inop.

Wiring issue, head unit? The Pioneer had an amp under the rear seat. Is that an issue? I only have 350 miles on the 2020 so I will have the dealer look into this at the first service.

Doug

PS I am a professional musician with 60 years experience playing low brass, so I consider my "ear" pretty educated...

Along the lines of this radio, has anyone pulled it out and taken photographs of the connectors? Is this a direct swap into the older vehicles?

That would explain a lot. Definitely missing bass.

- I suspect the AMP.
- I had cranked up the 'limited equalizer' to 5 also. Sure wish they had an 11.

- Hopefully we can push for an update.

BTW I have a 2020 Hakone as well. Under 300 miles for me (so far).

My guess is no. If in the course of exploring why the audio quality is so poor on the 2020s I will try to get/obtain some photos.

My guess to your second question is yes.

Looking through Crutchfields's website for compatible head units shows the same wiring harness for the 2017 & 2020 units on the Sony XAV-AX5000 receiver.


Of course Crutchfield may be wrong but I've had extremely good luck with them.

Pictures here.

Did not have a lot of time.

Went searching for the AMP. Found it in the trunk. See attached images.
Checked the connections & did not see any obvious loose wiring.

Quick question to both Hakone owners, when you put the car in reverse, does your rear view camera show up on the head unit’s screen or the rear view mirror? Thanks!

I found this thread searching for info after pulling my stereo, so here's pic of the back of my Hakone's stereo:
https://i.imgur.com/ZCrcZuj.jpg

The left three plugs are used, and the far right ones are antenna and USB. The remaining middle one is unused.

Regarding the reverse camera, it is indeed in the mirror.

As rikka noted as well.
On the mirror.

One more question, how is the Apple Car Play on the OEM unit? I assume you have to have your iPhone plugged in to the input adjacent to the pocket for it to work. Thanks again.

Sorry. Not an Apple user.


For some unknown reason, Android auto requires both Bluetooth and USB connections.
- still on the fence on Android auto at least with this head unit.
+ Google maps is way better on my phone.

Installation instructions:

http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/...190-20inst.pdf