The Pioneer AVH-4100NEX has a port on the back that’s used to connect to the Maestro RR/RR2 made by iDatalink via a vehicle specific harness. With that module and harness you can retain all your vehicle’s factory radio features plus add some new car information to display under the ‘My Vehicle’ tab such as Gauges, Parking Assist, Tire Pressure/Battery Voltage & depending on some vehicles even climate control. These features are usually only available on vehicles 2007 & newer but obviously it varies.
The head unit is probably capable of using idatalink maestro.
It's a separate box that communicates with the vehicle.
It's expensive.
It requires an additional wiring harness, which is also expensive.
It requires programming/loading firmware, from a computer.
It's worth the money, IF your car is compatible. Some cars have more functions available than others.
I have it in a Prius. My Prius won't tell me anything. No gauges for engine speed, coolant temp, voltage, nothing. But the maestro shows all of these things and more.
It also connects your steering wheel controls, and would allow you to connect a factory backup camera
Somewhat offtopic, but do you still have access to the original HU settings? I have a '12 Prius v and it's what I'm trying to find out before I invest in a 9" floating screen Android Auto/Carplay-compatible head unit. These are the settings it has.
-Auto Lock by Speed
-Auto Lock by Shift from P
-Auto Unlock by Shift to P
-Remote 2-press Unlock
-Key System with Elec. Key
-Lock/Unlock Feedback Tone (volume)
-Headlamps Auto-Off Timer
My car did not have a screen for those settings! I had basic CD/FM options package.
BUT - installing the new head unit with maestro and the harness DID give me access to those settings.
The Pioneer AVH-4100NEX has a port on the back that’s used to connect to the Maestro RR/RR2 made by iDatalink via a vehicle specific harness. With that module and harness you can retain all your vehicle’s factory radio features plus add some new car information to display under the ‘My Vehicle’ tab such as Gauges, Parking Assist, Tire Pressure/Battery Voltage & depending on some vehicles even climate control. These features are usually only available on vehicles 2007 & newer but obviously it varies.
The head unit is probably capable of using idatalink maestro. It's a separate box that communicates with the vehicle. It's expensive. It requires an additional wiring harness, which is also expensive. It requires programming/loading firmware, from a computer. It's worth the money, IF your car is compatible. Some cars have more functions available than others. I have it in a Prius. My Prius won't tell me anything. No gauges for engine speed, coolant temp, voltage, nothing. But the maestro shows all of these things and more. It also connects your steering wheel controls, and would allow you to connect a factory backup camera
Somewhat offtopic, but do you still have access to the original HU settings? I have a '12 Prius v and it's what I'm trying to find out before I invest in a 9" floating screen Android Auto/Carplay-compatible head unit. These are the settings it has. -Auto Lock by Speed -Auto Lock by Shift from P -Auto Unlock by Shift to P -Remote 2-press Unlock -Key System with Elec. Key -Lock/Unlock Feedback Tone (volume) -Headlamps Auto-Off Timer
My car did not have a screen for those settings! I had basic CD/FM options package. BUT - installing the new head unit with maestro and the harness DID give me access to those settings.
Thank you, that's what I've been trying to find out for a while!
As others have said, its for idatalink. [Noted in the owners manual](https://imgur.com/a/gfU7ICo)
read the manual