2003 limited can I add phone control buttons?
- Thread starter OC2003
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GBagwell
New member
I’m not sure what headunit you are using but I have an 03 Limited and I still am running the JBL system. With all that, I purchased a GTA Bluetooth that allows me to control my phone and plays through the headunit including the steering wheel control. They provide a remote mic as well for harness free calling.
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Between the GTA kit, USB ports and a permanent GPS w/backup camera. The 03 4Runner doesn't feel 19 years old. And with V8 it still produces more torque than the new ones at the same MPG. Go figure.
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Bluetooth and iPhone/iPod/AUX Kits for Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 – GTA Car Kits
ArthurKotb
Member
I have a 2004 T4R V8 with the premium JBL radio (330 watt, rear seat headphone sound). I like the radio but wanted Bluetooth and AUX input. I found this unit at Crutchfield. It's a little expensive if you have the premium radio but cheaper if you have only the standard. (If you have the premium you will also need the special cable offered with it.)
I ordered in 2/2020 and I love it. It syncs with my smartphone so I can receive calls through the phone. It has Bluetooth so I can play my phone's music library through the radio. There's an AUX input for my Sirius head unit and it sounds much better than sending it through an FM channel. There is a USB port but it's only for charging, not an input. There is a MIC input for the cell phone microphone (included).
Steering wheel controls still work. After installation you press the DSC (CD) button then use the #4 button to cycle through BT, AUX and CD.
There is a video on YouTube or on the Crutchfield site for installation. You have to take out a lot of stuff from the center console and dashboard to access the radio but it's mostly just snap together stuff. I was leery about taking it all apart but it went fine, not much trouble at all.
USA Spec BT45-TOY Add Bluetooth(R) functionality to select Lexus, Scion, and Toyota vehicles at Crutchfield
I ordered in 2/2020 and I love it. It syncs with my smartphone so I can receive calls through the phone. It has Bluetooth so I can play my phone's music library through the radio. There's an AUX input for my Sirius head unit and it sounds much better than sending it through an FM channel. There is a USB port but it's only for charging, not an input. There is a MIC input for the cell phone microphone (included).
Steering wheel controls still work. After installation you press the DSC (CD) button then use the #4 button to cycle through BT, AUX and CD.
There is a video on YouTube or on the Crutchfield site for installation. You have to take out a lot of stuff from the center console and dashboard to access the radio but it's mostly just snap together stuff. I was leery about taking it all apart but it went fine, not much trouble at all.
USA Spec BT45-TOY Add Bluetooth(R) functionality to select Lexus, Scion, and Toyota vehicles at Crutchfield
OC2003
New member
Should have been a bit more Spey. My 4Runner doesn’t have the buttons on the steering wheel. I have an aftermarket head unit with all needed steering wheel interfaces for controls, I’m wondering if the steering wheel controls for the phone are available and if the needed wiring is present in the wheel.
ArthurKotb
Member
My 2004 doesn't have phone controls, it wasn't offered. I wanted satellite radio, Bluetooth, AUX input, phone controls etc. They offered 2 radios; standard and deluxe. I got the deluxe. Since phone controls weren't offered as an option, the wiring won't be there and you won't find a steering wheel to replace yours with.
The adapter I got (see above picture) has the phone control to answer incoming calls; Tune up-answer and Tune-down-hang up. Since there is no caller ID, I have my phone on a vent magnet and I just check who's calling and press the button on the phone. (On the 99 Sienna the replacement radio actually has a button and access to the phone's directory, so it can place calls.) You have to place the call from your phone, but the included microphone allows you to speak and the radio plays the caller's voice.
You say 'head unit'. Is this something separate from your OEM radio? When we replaced the 99 Sienna's radio the steering wheel buttons didn't have phone controls but the face of the radio does. Easy to answer but because of the position in the dash it's much easier to just make the call from the phone rather than from the replacement radio.
The adapter I got (see above picture) has the phone control to answer incoming calls; Tune up-answer and Tune-down-hang up. Since there is no caller ID, I have my phone on a vent magnet and I just check who's calling and press the button on the phone. (On the 99 Sienna the replacement radio actually has a button and access to the phone's directory, so it can place calls.) You have to place the call from your phone, but the included microphone allows you to speak and the radio plays the caller's voice.
You say 'head unit'. Is this something separate from your OEM radio? When we replaced the 99 Sienna's radio the steering wheel buttons didn't have phone controls but the face of the radio does. Easy to answer but because of the position in the dash it's much easier to just make the call from the phone rather than from the replacement radio.
blackjackck
Member
HELL YEAH you can. Its super easy
Since you have a HeadUnit ready to go, the wires should be there for you and all you need to do is get the OEM buttons on the Steering wheel. Go to my humble build thread in my signature. Its post #23. I got tons of great information from [MENTION=50507]CookieRoe[/MENTION] build thread as well. I included the part numbers that I bought. I'm no mechanic but it is completely doable!
Since you have a HeadUnit ready to go, the wires should be there for you and all you need to do is get the OEM buttons on the Steering wheel. Go to my humble build thread in my signature. Its post #23. I got tons of great information from [MENTION=50507]CookieRoe[/MENTION] build thread as well. I included the part numbers that I bought. I'm no mechanic but it is completely doable!
AuSeeker
Elite Member
Unfortunately from what I have read about when/what years certain options became available on the 4th Gens, the phone steering wheel controls option started on 2006 models, so the wiring is there for 4th Gens 2006 through 2009 models, unfortunately the 2003 through 2005 models don't have the wiring for the phone switches.
You can read about all the 4th Gen models year changes/additional options etc. at the following link, just click on the different year models, the link starts at the 2003 model.
Toyota 4Runner History 2003
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blackjackck
Member
AuSeeker
Elite Member
Interesting, so are you saying there's wiring in the steering wheel for the phone buttons in a 2004 T4R?
And can you elaborate on the OEM "Mic" as far as is there a steering wheel button for the mic(?) if so I assuming you found no wiring for that button?
The phone buttons just piggy back off the other steering wheel buttons via a flat ribbon cable. Part number 8420458010. It should already be there connected to the existing controls, but if it isn't, that's the needed cable.
I don't know about the factory mic location, I put in an aftermarket stereo on my old 2004 and current 2006, neither came with the phone controls, but both have them now.
The left side controls are 8424735010B0 for years 2003-2009, meaning they always were ready for the right side controls, just the controls were not offered until 2006.
