2003 4th Gen Audio Interface

[pants]

I have a 2003 4th Gen (Sport) with the factory stereo - this is not the JBL stereo if that matters, just the Toyota CD/Cassette FM/AM + CD changer.

Pre smart phones i got an iPod interface (i forget which model) that takes the place of the CD changer and lets me play music and advance tracks from the steering wheel controls. All was good, and it continues to work well with smart phones (i use an iphone / lightning connector)

With the advent of 5v iPods and then all of the smart phones this thing is showing it's age. Aside from a few of cable converters (12v -> 5v 30 pin, 30 pin -> lightning) that i've got to use my primary complaint is that it no longer charges my phone as the amperage it puts out is way too low. After going on a longish drive my battery is depleted instead of charged.

I haven't found a viable update to these interface devices for my particular car and i'm wondering what others do in this situation. I don't want to put an aftermarket stereo in but i guess i'm open to the option. I live in an area with a lot of car break-ins and so that's my primary reason for not wanting to put an aftermarket stereo in.

I also don't want to use bluetooth if i can avoid it, it's just another thing to have to screw around with in the car and i already plug the phone in to charge it. If you have had a good experience with a bluetooth adapter though let me know

Cheers all

 

[ClamChowder]

I have a 2003 4th Gen (Sport) with the factory stereo - this is not the JBL stereo if that matters, just the Toyota CD/Cassette FM/AM + CD changer.

Pre smart phones i got an iPod interface (i forget which model) that takes the place of the CD changer and lets me play music and advance tracks from the steering wheel controls. All was good, and it continues to work well with smart phones (i use an iphone / lightning connector)

With the advent of 5v iPods and then all of the smart phones this thing is showing it's age. Aside from a few of cable converters (12v -> 5v 30 pin, 30 pin -> lightning) that i've got to use my primary complaint is that it no longer charges my phone as the amperage it puts out is way too low. After going on a longish drive my battery is depleted instead of charged.

I haven't found a viable update to these interface devices for my particular car and i'm wondering what others do in this situation. I don't want to put an aftermarket stereo in but i guess i'm open to the option. I live in an area with a lot of car break-ins and so that's my primary reason for not wanting to put an aftermarket stereo in.

I also don't want to use bluetooth if i can avoid it, it's just another thing to have to screw around with in the car and i already plug the phone in to charge it. If you have had a good experience with a bluetooth adapter though let me know

Cheers all

$15 dollar bluetooth dongle, like this:

Amazon.com: Mpow BH070A Bluetooth Audio Adapter for Music Streaming Sound System with High-Fidelity,3.5mm AUX & RCA Wireless Audio Adapter for Home Old Non-Bluetooth Speakers,A/V Receivers, Amplifier and Mixer

I keep it in my 4runner, charging all the time and connected to audio.

I click and hold the one button on the dongle until I hear the noise to tell me it is alive. Then, it connects to my phone automatically, making another notification sound.

This one is a bit "larger" (half the size of a pack of cigarettes) than the car-designated models for roughly the same price. I just also use mine to plug into any speaker system wherever I am at as long as it has or can be adapted to headphone or RCA audio jacks, as I prefer not having a designated connector attached.

The battery lasts forever, too. You can absolutely charge it as needed - I just keep it plugged in because it works for me.

Alternatively, sounds like money is less of a concern and ease of use is higher priority:

Get a bluetooth headunit for your truck.

Hell, even get one with a pop-out screen that plays movies and has wifi/cell signal - if you're wanting to feel fancy!

edit: I've had this for 5 years, zero issues with it and somehow the battery still functions well.

 

[MikeinNH67]

ClamChowder, how did you attach that to your OEM radio? I don't recall reading these having RCA jacks in the back. BTW, the link you listed is one that is unavailable now.

 

[pants]

The device i have is similar to (or might actually just be an earlier version of) this USA Spec device

It has both an iPod input and also an additional L/R AUX input. It's kind of clunky to switch between them but it does work. That input is audio only of course, no controls.

 

[CoinBithow]

-

Youve been waiting for years for the 16 bit audio interface?

In addition, the manual says that this interface probably doesnt work with ASIO drivers recommended driver. WDM

 

[pants]

hah hah, exactly, but....

there's so much road noise i haven't really been too worried about it.

One thing that i can say with certainty is that the interface continues to work with full functionality. I've used it first with a gen2 iPod (12v, 30-pin, 4 buttons across the top) up through my current phone which is an iPhone X. By full functionality i mean audio input of course and also the steering wheel / radio controls (track skipping being the primary thing).

The thing i can't tell with these aftermarket adapters is the quality of them. USA-Spec has a Bluetooth 2.1 interface

 

[pants]

Car audio updates with a 17 year old factory stereo is pretty annoying - is what i'm finding out.

I've been looking at replacement head units and i can see some benefit to getting one. The expense of it isn't my primary concern (although they get pretty expensive with a bunch of features i don't want or need), it's more that in 5 years how out of date is the thing going to be. They all seem to have hardwired USB cables for phone integration (and wireless options too) leaving no great option for what happens with new phones charging needs.

Alternately something like that USA Spec Bluetooth device seems kind of limited, but wouldn't sting as much to replace in 5 years.

What do you other 4th gen drivers do - we're all kind of in the same boat right?

 

[V8Limited4wd]

I upgraded to an ATOTO A6 Pro Android head unit (had the OEM nav from 2004) which can also run carplay using an adapter. It has everything I want so I doubt I’ll ever replace it.

 

[SmogSUX]

I upgraded to an ATOTO A6 Pro Android head unit (had the OEM nav from 2004) which can also run carplay using an adapter. It has everything I want so I doubt I’ll ever replace it.

Mine just got delivered. Did you need a mounting kit or anything? Are you still running the stock JBL amp/speakers? Did you retain steering wheel controls? Just trying to plan ahead once I rip out the old NAV/stereo. I've got the stock JBL for now, but going to get a proper amp and speakers down the road...just not today.

 

[VickiT]

I am interested to know more about the Atoto install as well.

 

[ClamChowder]

ClamChowder, how did you attach that to your OEM radio? I don't recall reading these having RCA jacks in the back. BTW, the link you listed is one that is unavailable now.

With the supplied 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male cable that comes with these types of bluetooth dongles, through the center console Aux input 3.5mm female jack.

 

[ClamChowder]

I upgraded to an ATOTO A6 Pro Android head unit (had the OEM nav from 2004) which can also run carplay using an adapter. It has everything I want so I doubt I’ll ever replace it.

Yes, also interested in this. You digging it so far? Saw the $1,600 "floating" kenwood screens and I think part of me died inside.

 

[MikeinNH67]

With the supplied 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male cable that comes with these types of bluetooth dongles, through the center console Aux input 3.5mm female jack.

Ah, yours is the newer year that has that. My 03 does not. Thanks.

 

[ClamChowder]

I upgraded to an ATOTO A6 Pro Android head unit (had the OEM nav from 2004) which can also run carplay using an adapter. It has everything I want so I doubt I’ll ever replace it.

Sooooooo, another question about your Atoto head unit....

Is it part number A6YTY721PR? There is like 6 different models on amazon, and I want the one that I know looks pretty and works in 4th gen 4R (like yours : )

I NEED IT!!!

But for real, I'm super excited to have Torque Pro featured on my dash vs. on a jank tablet holder mounted to my passenger seat bolt. So looking forward to your part number confirmation, and my consequent order

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Sooooooo, another question about your Atoto head unit....

Is it part number A6YTY721PR? There is like 6 different models on amazon, and I want the one that I know looks pretty and works in 4th gen 4R (like yours : )

I NEED IT!!!

But for real, I'm super excited to have Torque Pro featured on my dash vs. on a jank tablet holder mounted to my passenger seat bolt. So looking forward to your part number confirmation, and my consequent order

Yup that's the one.

Amazon.com: [New] ATOTO A6 Pro Android Car Navigation Stereo -2X Bluetooth w/aptX & Quick Charge - for Select Toyota/Subaru - Pro A6YTY721PR Indash Entertainment Multimedia Radio,WiFi/BT Tethering Internet: GPS & Navigation

 

[SmogSUX]

In installed this ATOTO:

Amazon.com: [New] ATOTO A6 Pro Double DIN Android Car Navigation Stereo - 2X Bluetooth & Phone Fast Charge - PRO A6Y2721PR-G Gesture Operation - Car Entertainment Multimedia Radio,WiFi,Support 256G SD &More: GPS & Navigation

and used this:

Axxess TYTO-01 Wiring Interface Connect a new car stereo and retain the factory JBL and JBL Synthesis(R) audio systems in select 2001-13 Toyota and Lexus vehicles at Crutchfield

I maintained the fading ability, but don't have steering wheel controls (adapter would be another $60) or backup camera function (another $60 adapter). So far I like it, but one issue I'm having is the EQ keeps randomly changing and it's super annoying. I'm going to email Axxess and ATOTO and see what the issue might be.