Blitzsafe bluetooth adapter

[RyanR]

I'm new to the gen 4 scene and like many others, I've gotten completely dependent on listening to music from my phone via Bluetooth or aux... Anyhow for the last couple of weeks I been lost trying to decide if I wanted to upgrade my 6 disk JBL Synthesis system (which I'm happy with atm) or figure out how to add a aux-in. Did alot of searching and really didn't wanna do all the adapters involved with a new head unit. I did a HU swap on my vette and the setup was never right like it was from the factory. So I found this Blitzsafe aux-in box for Toyota's and then found their Bluetooth box for just a little more $.
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=351109774622
I decided to take a chance and buy it even though I've never heard of Blitzsafe and didn't see it in any of my searches on the forum.

It came in just a few days as expected. Nothing really special to look at, a male and female end that plugs into the back of the radio and into the harness, the box itself, Bluetooth antenna, and some basic instructions.

Tore everything down using some of the info I found from here... really basic stuff.

Plugged the box up for a test. It just plugs into the 12 pin port and back into the harness... very simple but sorry I didn't get pics. Turned on the radio, hit the cd button twice until it displayed 1-99 and went to my phone's Bluetooth setting to pick up the signal. It found it instantly, didn't ask for a password or anything and I was jamming.

I placed the box under the head unit slot and above the hvac control area... just stuck it on that harness so its out of the way of everything.

Then I reassembled everything.

However before I completely put it back together, I did a quick search to disable the annoying key-on door dinger lol.

Overall impressions of the Blitzsafe Bluetooth box... I gotta admit I'm completely thrilled with it. I haven't had a single problem yet, super simple 20 minute install, it automatically connects as soon I turn on the 4R, sounds great - cd quality, steering wheel controls and scan-track button will change the songs for me, it will pick up 20ft away... for $100 I'm tickled to death with it and it seems like a great option for 4R owners especially with JBL systems.

 

[RyanR]

I just wanted to do a follow-up on the Blitzsafe box for everyone, if anyone even cares lol... On day 4-5 of use the box got where it would lose connection every time I got a phone call and would not reconnect for nothing. And I tried everything, including pulling over and turning off-resart the 4R, still nothing. Also if you were talking on the phone while starting up the vehicle, it wouldn't connect. So with having those kinda problems already, I contacted Anderson's Electronics for a refund and to return the box. It was a good idea by Blitzsafe but obviously needs some more R&D.

 

[amheck]

That sucks. I was off to look for this product after your first post, thinking all was good.

Any ideas on the next best option? I'm in the same boat? I don't necessarily want to mess with the factory JBL system but would sure like to integrate my phone.

 

[RyanR]

That sucks. I was off to look for this product after your first post, thinking all was good.

Any ideas on the next best option? I'm in the same boat? I don't necessarily want to mess with the factory JBL system but would sure like to integrate my phone.

Yeah it kinda sucks but I'm glad I found out now and not 6 months later. And I know there is another company that makes basically the same thing but you have to buy their aux-in kit, then add on the Bluetooth. It was more expensive but maybe it'll work better. However for me, I'm gonna install an aftermarket headunit with a pac adapter. I was trying to avoid this because of the headaches I've had in the past using pac/axxcess adapters so I know its only inevitable that I will eventually tear all the JBL stuff out and start bringing in the JL Audio components. It's only money :tsk:

 

[Dylan]

I would just ditch the old head unit and get a new one. I didn't have the jbl, but any new head unit on the market right now will be leagues ahead of the old design of the original head units. I got a Pioneer double din with built in bluetooth, usb, cd, and radio of course for $150. You can find them for even less, but this was the one I wanted. I got the metra axxess adapter to keep full function of the steering wheel. The sound is remarkably better than the stock unit, which still worked. I just sold it on eBay. I use Spotify when I listen to my music. I never get dropped calls, or signals. When a call comes in the music pauses and allows me to either answer or push to voice mail, and then the music picks right back up. Also, the head unit will display metadata such as artist, song, album, etc. Eight months in and not a single issue since installing.

 

[JDWX4]

I'm about where you are. Cool find. I've been looking at Grom stuff recently.

Compare GROM Car Audio Integration Kits

Probably this one, and I would guess it needs the $50 BT adapter as well.

Toyota Scion Lexus USB Android iPod iPhone Bluetooth AUX adapter

 

[JDWX4]

So, in all, about as much as a basic replacement head unit. Which makes me just want to go to a Nav double DIN style. Say, $425 for like Jenson on Crutchfield. Seems to have good reviews. I kind of like the stock thing as it doesn't invite theft so much. Hence interest in this thread. Hmmm...

 

[kevinbrennan]

So grateful for the post and update! I'm just starting to assess what my options are for this modernization move