| Author | Message | ||
     Kilroy |
I just put in a replacement Kenwood stereo for my mom in her 2003 Toyota 4Runner. This had the OEM upgraded JBL sound system in it. Had to use the 100 dollar wiring harness that uses some sort of transmitter possibly for the signals instead of hard wiring (you can tell I am not an expert in modern car audio). Anyway, the thing worked fine when I left. She is now complaining that the system will cut-out intermittently (power stays on, sound just stops). Happens regardless of listening mode (CD, FM, etc). Seems to be no rhyme or reason to the cutting out. Anybody have any ideas before I tear this thing out and start looking for loose connections, etc? Thanks Kilroy | ||
| Xl1200r |
I don't about Toyotas specifically, but the only "transmitting" wiring harness I know about would be for the steering wheel controls. Do you remember specifically what the part was? Not sure why it would cut the sound off unless it was set up improperly, though... | ||
| Darth_villar |
Intermittent would suggest the harness has become loose, or there is a connection that is shorting out on something. If it happens over rough terrain, you can pretty much be sure it is one of those two things. | ||
| Kilroy |
This is the harness interface I installed: The steering wheel control interface is a separate (yet to be installed) item: The TA07SR radio replacement interface was designed to make installation of any brand name aftermarket head-unit simple. The TA07SR allows the customer to replace the factory head unit with an aftermarket head unit and utilize their factory amplifier without having to "re-wire" the entire system. The TA07SR works with data driven JBL systems and JBL synthesis systems in select Toyota vehicles. Through thorough research, Scosche's radio replacement interface offers the "smartest" amplifier retention interface on the market with precision audio matching to factory amplifiers that actually recognizes what system it is being used with and adjusts itself accordingly to avoid distortion of factory speakers. The TA07SR also offers balance control and fading for complete manual sound management. The unit has 4-channel RCA leads so the installer can use the RCA output of the stereo and gain the highest quality sound rather than go through the speaker level output. The 3 wire hard-wired RCA's are color coordinated for left right-front and rear speaker colors and easy installation. | ||
| Airwolf |
I actually own a stereo store and we use these parts from time to time. Quality is not that great (China, sigh.) The JBL system uses a data interface to control functions of the factory amplifier as opposed to old school analog control. This type of system relies on all aspects of the vehicle electrical system being perfect. Small fluctuations can cause undesired operation. That being said, the interface is probably defective. We have seen this problem before. I would recommend a different part from PAC called the TATO. Typically better quality. Hope this helps! | ||
| Airwolf |
One more thing. All of these newer data based vehicles (most manufacturers use some form of CAN system) have various interface reliability issues due to the complexity of those systems (sorry, but computers do not always make things better). The BEST way to get around these issues is to replace the factory amplifier. An aftermarket amplifier will not require the data signal as it will use RCA inputs that are much older tech and much more reliable. Be aware that the replacement of the amp in your vehicle may necessitate the replacement of speakers as well, as many of the JBL systems have active crossover networks that direct different audio frequencies to different speakers (mids, tweeters, etc.). Auto companies try to multiplex systems like this in order to make it more difficult to upgrade your vehicle. They would prefer you to buy the overpriced, underperforming "factory upgrade" systems like Bose, or in your case, JBL. Companies like Mercedes and BMW have been doing this sort of crap for decades. Now, almost all manufacturers have some sort of data integration. | ||
| Xb1125r |
why would you spend money on a RAV4? now your stereo will be worth more then your car! | ||
| Court |
Manufacturers do a fairly poor packaging job. I'm happy with the Sony system in the Titanium but the Porsche Bose system, which requires the $3,500 PCM, on top of the $1,800 Bose option, is legendary for it's suckaliciousness. | ||
| Xl1200r |
There are some good factory stereos out there. My 2006 Chevy Cobalt, of all things, had a pretty kicking pioneer unit with trunk mounted sub. I had no desire to change it. Plenty loud, well balanced. My 2010 Mazda 3 had a Bose system, which sounded decent. Not as good as the Pioneer, but not nearly as terrible as the past Bose systems I had heard. The bose in my mom's 2002 Grand Prix as well my 2002 Camaro were pretty much junk, though my Camaro sounds a lot better with an added 400w 10" sub and a new head unit. The Bose amp has some good built-in cross overs and combined with the adjustability in the head unit and sub amp makes for pretty good sounding system for about $600 (found a couple good bargains). | ||
| Kilroy |
My Mom's no rock and roller. She listens to books on tape (CD). Factory unit quit playing CDs. Figured an aftermarket unit would be cheaper and higher quality then replacing with another factory unit. I just need to get it to where it won't cut out intermittently. | ||
| Nik |
You'd probably be better off just getting another factory head unit. They're 'generally' not the week link in factory stereos (depends who they're made by, some are made by the same people who make the aftermarket ones, some are made by delphi....), and don't scream 'steal me' either. All my Toyota's have a factory headunit, but its not the one they came with, nor is the rest of the system factory. | ||
| Airwolf |
Having been in the stereo business professionally for over 2 decades, my posts were meant to explain basic obstacles to OEM integration. There is WAY more to it. Having said that, if your mom just wants to play CDs, then she may be happier with the factory unit. Most reputable audio shops will be able to repair her factory unit. We would normally charge $200-300 to remove, repair, and reinstall depending on necessary parts. We are, however, on the coast of CA, so YMMV. I find that most "older" folks have no desire to learn how to use a new radio, and are happier with repairing the existing. The cost is usually comparable. | ||
| Kilroy |
Thanks Airwolf - I will probably offer to buy her "new" Kenwood from her and she can use the proceeds to get the factory unit repaired. I can put the Kenwood in my truck where it will be hard-wired in. Kilroy | ||
| Airwolf |
Incidentally, you may find it interesting to note that most factory upgrade sound systems are nothing more than a $20 subwoofer coupled with a $100 amplifier coupled with a $1000+ sticker that says Bose, Infinity, JBL, Sony, Boston Acoustics, Rockford Fosgate, etc. Speakers always sound better with an amplifier. You just pay exorbitantly for the privilege of having a stock one. There are very few manufacturers these days and all of the above mentioned companies (along with many others) are nothing more than marketing and licensing companies. They have gotten really good at making people believe they are getting something good. The majority of "manufacturers" are really just "manupackaging" companies. In fact, most just walk through the same Chinese factories and point at a bunch of stuff and say "put my name on that." It's a shame, really, as I can remember a time not so long ago when you could buy a name brand and get good quality. Now, not so much. The best brands are companies that most folks would not recognize, but they actually build their own stuff (not in Asia). | ||
| Azxb9r |
As Airwolf mentioned, if the car has the factory external amp, the adapter that allows the new stereo to play with the factory amp is a common source of problems. You can either keep huntingfor an adapter that works(this may take several attempts) or you can do away with the factory amp. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I've used United Radio before with great results through work (extended warranty and dealership level) |
