2003 Factory JBL Stereo Problem

[mtskibum16]

To start off, I've done a number of searches for this and haven't found my issue.

I have a 2003 4-Runner with the JBL 10 speaker sound system. In the past I got an occasional cutout from the door speakers that was intermitent and then they would start working again. Well at some point they all just stopped working and now only the front center speaker works (I guess I haven't checked the rear tweaters/sub but think they're dead too). What could be the cause of this (HU, amp, etc)? Has anyone had this happen? I know my way around cars and have basic sound system knowledge but no idea where to start troubleshooting. What should I do to try and track down the problem?

Lastly, if I can't figure it out what would be a good path for an aftermarket system? I'm not an audiophile and don't need anything crazy. I'd probably like to keep some sort of sub though.

Thanks!

 

[mtskibum16]

Update: Pulled the HU to check connectors. They all looked properly connected but wiggled them all in anyways. Turn the stereo on and most of the speakers are working! WTF? So I go around and check them all and everything works except for the front driver side speaker. Probably should have checked the HU for voltage to the speaker but didn't think about it until it was all back together. I'm going to pull the door panel and see if the connector is good and check voltage to the speaker.

Any ideas?

 

[03L4RUNNER]

I had the same issues on my 03, I had to replace the factory amp. that solved the cutting in and out but every now and then mine goes extremely loud, like deafening loud. I have to shut car down and restart and it goes away. Its baffled me. Ill figure it out one day.

 

[mtskibum16]

Well I figured out the problem with the front driver side speaker. Checked for voltage all the way to the speaker leads (the wires that go in to the housing and attach to the speaker) and thats when I noticed one was disconnected where it attaches to the speaker. Is there a correct way to fix this? Looks like there's a tiny wire that it contacts then was glued on. Would this be some sort of conductive glue?

As for everything cutting out, guess I'll wait and see if the problem persists.

 

[mtskibum16]

Well this is an old thread, but no point in making a new one. The original problem got worse and I've basically been living with a faulty stereo all this time.

Edit: I just went and checked out the system. It seem that all my components ARE working. I think that the front center speaker just overpowers everything else at low volumes giving the impression that it's the only one working up front. At stereo volumes that would allow you to talk to a passenger, the front door speakers are so quiet you can't even hear them and the only thing you hear is the center speaker. What are the options to make this thing sound better at low-mid volume without replacing the whole system?

At high volumes (really rocking out) the system sounds decent and you can hear all the components working properly.