[willman]

Hi,

I just picked up my C-HR 2 days ago. The car is nice. But the factory radio and Bluetooth sucks in big time.
I was checking on Crutchfield for aftermarket radio and I understand I will need a steering wheel control interface to work with an aftermarket radio.
I have seen some of you guys have installed an aftermarket radio on the C-HR.
Does the factory steering wheel control functionality retains the same?
Can I answer/end calls by using the steering wheel control with an aftermarket radio.

Thanks for all your input!

 

[bensonchicago]

I did 6 months of research and ended up with a great "package" from Crutchfield; check out my post including the parts list and photos of the finished installation here: http://www.toyotachrforum.com/forum/electronics-audio-lighting/2481-c-hr-infotainment-system-4.html

 

[BillT]

I am looking into replacing the radio as well. What I can tell is that the only way to keep all the car manufacturer futures and be able to take advantage of any extra offer by the radio manufacturer is to use a Maestro iDatalink RR steering wheel interface. Unfortunately iDatalink does not have software for the 2018 CHR yet. I 've been chating with crutchfield.com reps and they tell me that the steering wheel interface offer in their install package the Metra ASWC-1 does not support the Bluetooth calls and also the car Bluetooth mic is not going to work. You will need to use the one supplied by the radio manufacturer. Also I posted on the Maestro iDatalink support forum and they won't confirm if using a different Toyota 2018 model would work with the CHR.

This forum won't allow me to post links yet but if you look for a posting with this tittle "Radio Replacement using Idatalink Maestro Steering Wheel Interface" you can read my original post.

Bill

 

[willman]

I actually upgraded my head unit to a Pioneer MVH-1400NEX with Metra ASWC-1 steering wheel control interface. The good news is I can retain all the steering wheel functionality as well as Bluetooth buttons.

 

[zbyra]

That's a nice unit. How is the phone sound quality through the radio mike?

 

[willman]

That's a nice unit. How is the phone sound quality through the radio mike?

I like it a lot. It's much better then the factory unit. Very quick response.
The Pioneer MVH-1400NEX can be pairing multiple Bluetooth device at the same time.

 

[BillT]

Hi Willman,

Could you be so kind and answer my questions, since your experience contradicts what the reps from crutchfield.com are tell me about the Metra ASWC-1 interface. you used the Metra ASWC-1 as a steering wheel interface and all the steering wheel controls related to the radio still work as before. You did not need to installed a mic from the radio manufacturer, correct?. Greatly appreciated since I am planing on ordering a Kenwood Excelon DMX905S from crutchfield.com with the Metra ASWC-1 steering wheel interface.

Bill

 

[willman]

Hi Willman,

Could you be so kind and answer my questions, since your experience contradicts what the reps from crutchfield.com are tell me about the Metra ASWC-1 interface. you used the Metra ASWC-1 as a steering wheel interface and all the steering wheel controls related to the radio still work as before. You did not need to installed a mic from the radio manufacturer, correct?. Greatly appreciated since I am planing on ordering a Kenwood Excelon DMX905S from crutchfield.com with the Metra ASWC-1 steering wheel interface.

Bill

The Metra ASWC-1 is only for retain the steering wheel buttons. But not the mic. You will need to use the mic that come with your aftermarket head unit. The factory mic will not work.
I just removed the factory mic from the overhead dome light console and tape the aftermarket mic there.
Check this link out!

This is not C-HR specific. But just to give you an idea how you are going to mount the mic and get rid of unwanted road noise, echo and etc. I followed these steps except I did not put glue over the tape

 

[BillT]

That's a good solution for the mic issue, I took the overhead dome lights assembly out when I installed led. I know exactly what your saying. Great!! thanks,

Bill

 

[jadehawk]

I Just finished my install yesterday but decided to try a different controller than the ASWC-1. I chose the PAC Audio SWI-CP2 controller and all buttons work including the Answer/Hangup and Voice control on the steering wheel.

More info on link on my Signature..

 

[BillT]

Good info, thanks. I just ordered a JVC KW-M845BW from Crutchfield.com with the Maestro iDatalink RR. iDatalink just add the CHR to their web site. Looking forward for the upgrade!!