Dark.

I want to install this Pioneer AVH into my soon to be 2011 sport. I was just wondering if i need to buy a Metra Axxess if i just want to control the volume from the steering wheel. Also for a Metra kit would it need to be specific to a 2011? I ask because i see some for the 04-08 ones that are in the Hundreds but the one for 2011 is under 50? Only asking because of the price difference. I also don't plan on doing the installation myself and was wondering what kind of price range i would be looking at if i don't do this myself? (Live in SoCal) Is there anything else i would need? or a reason why i shouldn't get this particular model? Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated, Thank you all in Advance.

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ZumnRx8

I can help you install it (SO CAL). I have installed two metra kits before, pretty easy but a bit time consuming especially if you havent done it before.

As far as the price being much cheaper for the metra kit I dont know why. Maybe it doesnt come painted? Members have installed the Metra Kit in their 2009 RX8s and they look really nice. They also make the BOSE (if you have them) speakers sound much much better. Having a double din DVD player pretty much turns your car into a mobile Theatre with the great sound and 8 speakers.

Im sure the metra kit isnt much different to install compared to the 04-08 model RX8s, so if you need help, just PM me or contact me

Dark.

Thanks a lot man, ill defiantly send you a PM once i decide on what i want to do.

Any idea of if i would need to buy the Metra Axxess if i just wanted to control the volume from the wheel and not cycle through music from the wheel?

on a side note i have the non bose speakers ='[ but i plan to upgrade the sound system next year or something. and i saw "IZZYRX8 SUBWOOFER INSTAL" from your youtube link. It was very nicee

ZumnRx8

^ I think you will lose all stereo control functions on the steering wheel. You can call Metra and ask them. Yeah, just let me know whenever you decide to do the install.

wazup_shorty

some indash players has inputs for volume and track (also dimming, rearview camera, ect) younjust need to read the info of the player you want to buy, and then find witch wire does what, not so complicated

bhammer

You need a Metra kit for an 09 + MY. The Series I kits have an adapter for the A/C controller increasing the price. We don't need this for the Series II, it's just the face plate which is 99-7515HG for the high gloss finish to match the existing finish. I'd get the wiring harness 71-7903 to make the install much easier. You can also pick up the 70-7903T which will allow you to plug the OEM radio in to adjust the clock during time changes or when the battery is disconnected. I don't think I would do an install with out this adapter.

As far as the Axxess, most radios will require it for any type of control. I know for the Kenwood 9980, you have to have it.

Dark.

Thank you Bhammer for the information.
Just got my 8 so i wanted to reply after i officially purchased it.

I changed my mind and decided to go with the
Kenwood KIV BT900
Metra 99-7515HG
Metra Axxess ASWC
707903T

altogether it'll be around 350 and i found a local place that'll charge me 375 if i buy from there (free installation from our local ad) I would like to know if there is a difference between the Metra Axxess and one of the PAC units. all the local shops here use the PAC is there a reason?

scorcherjf

Posted another thread but I suppose all the info I need is in this one so I'll ask here.

Will the stock audio-in port in the arm-rest area still be usable with an aftermarket headunit?

paimon.soror

No, unless you tap the wire from the smaller harness in the back of the stereo to one of the Aux inputs on your new head unit.

scorcherjf

Heh ok, fair enough. Sounds like it wouldn't be too complicated. Also for the existing bluetooth mic in the car... would that be usable with a headunit that has bluetooth or do you have to use the mic that comes with the headunit?

paimon.soror

the mic connector is proprietary in most cases, so you will have to use the one that came with the HU (at least that was the case for my Pioneer)

Dark.

So I ended up installing the Pioneer instead of the KIV. Everything sounds great and looks clean. I just wanted to ask 2 questions.

1.) The Metra kit that i got (7515HG) didn't come with a HG face plate. Was that the case with anyone that also got the (7515HG)? The Kit is HG just the square little face plate isnt HG, was thinking of maybe returning it if it's supposed to come in HG.

2.) I got the PAC installed instead of the Metra Axxesss for the steering wheel control. I want to assume it's something on my part, but instead of controlling the preset radio stations it changes the radio station to the next station (EX 97.1FM goes to 97.3FM or w/e instead of the preset station which in my case would be 106.7) was wondering if that is on the Pioneer and i cant do anything about it. the stock radio would change to the next preset station. was it installed wrongly?

amdhunter

Can you post a picture of the installation? I am considering changing out the stock HU in my R3.

Dark.

Ill have them up this weekend, currently out of town.

Dark.

Sorry about that meant to have them up much sooner.

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bcdjudo7

I have the same head unit in mine, except I basically gutted the whole stereo and did all rockford .... but just added steering wheel adapter from Pioneer and everything works on mine except losing the mic/blue tooth function unless you add thru the HU , which someone mentioned earlier. I could really careless about the blue tooth so didn't add it. Nice to have all the controls back , though.

Dark.

Why couldn't you get bluetooth to work?

And would you mind answering the 2 questions i posted up ( The one about the HG faceplate and Pre set stations)

I like the orange color on your HU I think I might change it to that instead of the red i am currently use.