As a seasoned content creator for carparteu.com and a dedicated auto repair enthusiast, I recently upgraded my 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser’s sound system with the Alpine iLX-W650. While primarily focused on enhancing audio and modernizing the in-car experience, many car enthusiasts are also interested in vehicle data and performance metrics. This guide will walk you through the installation process, similar to my recent personal project, and discuss how you can potentially display vehicle information, including OBD2 data, on your Alpine iLX-W650.
Modernizing the FJ Cruiser’s Entertainment System
My FJ Cruiser, despite its rugged charm, was lagging behind in in-car technology with its factory 9-speaker system. The old FJammer radio, while functional, had a glitchy audio dial and lacked essential modern features like Bluetooth for seamless smartphone integration. Cluttering the dashboard with an iPod connected via AUX was no longer cutting it! To bring my FJ Cruiser into the modern era, I opted for the Alpine iLX-W650, a highly-rated head unit known for its performance and features.
To ensure a smooth installation and retain factory functionalities like steering wheel controls, the factory subwoofer, and AUX port, I sourced components from Crutchfield, a reputable car audio retailer. My chosen components were:
- Alpine iLX-W650: The star of the show, a digital multimedia receiver with a sleek touchscreen.
- PAC RP4.2-TY11 Wiring Interface: Crucial for retaining steering wheel controls and simplifying wiring.
- Metra 95-8202 Dash Kit: Ensures a professional and seamless fit in the FJ Cruiser’s dashboard.
While I’m not a professional audio installer, my background in electrical wiring (from model railroading, surprisingly useful!) gave me the confidence to tackle this project. The Alpine iLX-W650 was chosen for its positive reviews and feature set, and the PAC wiring harness, though a bit pricier, was essential for maintaining factory steering wheel controls – a must-have for convenience and safety.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
First, I carefully removed the OEM FJammer radio. It was still working, but the volume dial issue and lack of Bluetooth made the upgrade necessary.
Next, I adapted the factory metal radio mounts to accommodate the new Alpine head unit. The FJ Cruiser’s radio mounts have small metal protrusions designed for the OEM unit. These needed to be removed to allow the aftermarket head unit to sit flush. A drill made quick work of these minor obstructions. With the bumps cleared, the metal brackets, along with the Metra dash kit, provided a secure and clean installation, filling in any gaps around the new head unit. I opted to reuse the original factory bolts, finding them superior to the supplied screws. Bolt heads simply feel more robust and secure for this application.
Note the small metal bump that was drilled out to ensure flush mounting of the aftermarket radio.
Wiring is often the most daunting part of any car audio install, but with the right harnesses, it becomes much more manageable. I started by connecting the main power and ground wires: Black (Ground), Yellow (Battery), and Red (Accessory) from the Alpine harness to the PAC RP4.2-TY11 harness. Important: If you plan to install a MicroBypass for parking brake restrictions, hold off on the black ground wire connection until the MicroBypass installation step.
Next came the speaker wiring. Matching speaker wires can seem intricate, but by following a clear guide and the color codes, it’s straightforward. I connected the speaker wires as follows:
- Rear Left: green(+) and green/black(-)
- Front Left: white(+) and white/black(-)
- Front Right: gray(+) and gray/black(-)
- Rear Right: violet(+) and violet/black(-)
To bypass the parking brake safety feature (which restricts access to certain radio functions unless the parking brake is engaged), I installed a MicroBypass. While safety features are important, for a unit that doesn’t play videos, the parking brake restriction felt unnecessary. This small module, easily found online (e.g., eBay – MicroBypass Video Parking Brake Bypass Fits ALPINE ILX-W650 ILX-F309 ILX-F259 | eBay), bypasses this limitation.
As mentioned earlier, installing the MicroBypass requires revisiting the ground wire. I reconnected the black ground wire to include the MicroBypass in the circuit. Then, the Yellow/Blue and Blue/White wires from the MicroBypass were connected to their corresponding wires on the Alpine head unit harness.
The PAC RP4.2-TY11 harness is versatile, designed for various Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models. For my 2008 FJ Cruiser, only connectors 3, 4, and 5 were needed. These plugged directly into the factory wiring harness connectors.
The various harness plugs then connect to the PAC interface module itself. Crucially, for the 2008 FJ Cruiser with the factory 9-speaker system without a dedicated external amplifier, I used the Non-amplified Audio Output on the PAC interface. While my FJ Cruiser has a factory subwoofer, its amplifier is integrated with the sub itself and doesn’t affect this connection.
Finally, the PAC interface requires programming for the Alpine head unit. This is done via small DIP switches on the interface module. For Alpine, only pin 1 should be in the ON (down) position, with all other pins in the OFF (up) position.
Displaying Vehicle Info and OBD2 Potential
While the Alpine iLX-W650 is primarily designed for multimedia and smartphone integration, many users are also interested in accessing vehicle data. The iLX-W650 itself does not directly connect to the OBD2 port and display engine data natively. However, there are ways to potentially display vehicle information on its screen.
To display OBD2 data and other vehicle parameters on the Alpine iLX-W650, you would typically need to use an additional interface module, such as the iDatalink Maestro RR. This module bridges the gap between your vehicle’s data network (including OBD2) and the Alpine head unit. The Maestro RR connects to your vehicle’s OBD2 port and data bus, interpreting vehicle information and sending it to the iLX-W650 for display.
With the iDatalink Maestro RR (sold separately), you can potentially display:
- OBD2 Data: Engine codes, coolant temperature, RPM, speed, fuel level, and more.
- Vehicle Gauges: Customizable gauges for various vehicle parameters.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Data: If your vehicle is equipped.
- Parking Sensor Display: If your vehicle is equipped.
- Climate Controls: Integration with factory climate controls in some vehicles.
- Steering Wheel Control Customization: Enhanced customization beyond basic audio controls.
Important Considerations for OBD2 and Vehicle Data Display:
- Compatibility: Verify compatibility of the iDatalink Maestro RR with your specific Toyota FJ Cruiser year and trim level. Check the iDatalink website or consult with a car audio specialist.
- Additional Cost: The iDatalink Maestro RR and potentially vehicle-specific wiring harnesses are separate purchases and will add to the overall cost of the upgrade.
- Installation Complexity: Integrating the Maestro RR adds a layer of complexity to the installation process, requiring additional wiring and potentially programming of the module.
Conclusion
Upgrading to the Alpine iLX-W650 significantly modernized my 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser’s audio and entertainment capabilities. While the iLX-W650 doesn’t inherently display OBD2 data directly, by incorporating an interface like the iDatalink Maestro RR, you can unlock this functionality and gain access to a wealth of vehicle information directly on your head unit’s screen. This combination provides a powerful upgrade for both entertainment and vehicle monitoring, enhancing your overall driving experience. For further car audio upgrades and DIY guides, be sure to visit carparteu.com!
