Sony Headunit install (XAV AX1000)
Sony XAV AX 1000 - Amazon LInk
I decided on the Sony XAV AX1000 for the below reasons
Carplay Capbale
Backup camera / mic can be wired in
Physical volume control knob
The whole install process was very simple and anyone can do it with just a few hand tools. i have linked all of the stuff i used for this below
Old unit removal + wiring start
The factory unit comes out with just a few screws loosened but accessing the screws can be tricky. i use these trim removal tools from amazon to help pop the panels.
Any wire cutter / crimp tool kit like this one can be used to do the small bit of wiring between the unit and the wiring harness - youll need to buy a separate wiring harness like this one and connect it to the Sony unit prior to the whole thing going back into the car
The diagram that comes with the harness will make it very clear on which wires need to be connected. I promise this is completely doable for someone with zero experience
I wired in the Mic that comes with the XAV AX unit but i held off on installing a backup camera. Looking back on it i wish i would have done this while i already had the full unit out of the car.
Install
The freshly wired unit can now be installed back into the car using the mounting brackets that came off of the old unit. I hid my microphone wire down underneath the driver side dash and followed the A pillar up to be mounted on the sun-visor. the wiring harness clips perfectly back into the receivers in the car
The unit does leave gaps to the sides which i wasn’t expecting but the forums were super helpful in pointing out that these dash kit covers will perfectly fill the gap. I ordered a set and installed a few days later.
Once installed, the unit looked and worked flawlessly. having Carplay has been a game-changer
Gear / Tool List
Sony XAV AX 1000 - https://amzn.to/43abRmd
Wiring harness kit - https://amzn.to/3D3LL9Y
Side covering kit - https://amzn.to/3XdnG7w
Tool Roll - https://amzn.to/4hPdAlD
Trim removal tools - https://amzn.to/3D2VQUF
Wire crimp / cut kit - https://amzn.to/3D4oIvG
Some of these links are affiliate links and i earn a small commission if you do ultimately purchase anything. it is no cost difference to the purchaser and helps make it possible for me to keep on working on my build :)
