Bluetooth options
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oljedi11950
New member
Depends on your cash flow , check out grom audio or lotta guys have switched over to scion models ! Check down in that thread .
Bumbo
New member
I changed out to a Pioneer media receiver (no CD) type of headunit...
For something so affordable ($100 installed myself) , you sure get a lot of value and it really brings a modernization to the truck.
Bluetooth phone
Wireless audio streaming
skip track type controls on the headunit with an option for steering wheel integrations
On top of all that, it sounds a lot better too.
I say go with a headunit swap.
For something so affordable ($100 installed myself) , you sure get a lot of value and it really brings a modernization to the truck.
Bluetooth phone
Wireless audio streaming
skip track type controls on the headunit with an option for steering wheel integrations
On top of all that, it sounds a lot better too.
I say go with a headunit swap.
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SeriousZebra
New member
I have an 06 SR5 with aux in, I have been using a Bluetooth adapter for the last 7 months, it isn't perfect but it's a whole lot cheaper than a new headunit. I'm planning on getting a new headunit but until then this is working out.
Montego Murph
Member
Last year I installed the BT45-TOY adapter. It was fairly painless and gave me a USB charging port, bluetooth, and AUX-IN capability. Since I have the JBL with NAV in my 03, my options were somewhat limited.
I wrote about it here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/231769-usa-spec-bluetooth-aux-installation-followup.html
I still like the unit and will continue to use it. My only real gripe is that it won't read names from your phone book. So instead of saying "Call From Suzie Jones" it reads the full number. "Call from... three.... zero... nine.......six.." and doesn't stop when you answer. You can shut this "feature" off. I did contact the manufacturer asking how possible a firmware update would be, but he didn't seem interested. Another gripe is that the signal volume sent to the HU is very low -- so if you don't forget to turn the volume down before switching back to FM or CD, you get blasted. I'd imagine I've taken off about 50% of my speaker life that way by now.
Now that my cash situation has improved a bit and I've learned a little more about options (I had only owned the truck for about a week when I got the abovementioned unit) I wish I would have just upgraded the whole HU. I likely would have gone with a Scion unit. I don't like the look and feel of the aftermarkets - I feel the display looks too graish and cartoonish, and doesn't contrast well with the utilitarian nature of our trucks.
I wrote about it here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/231769-usa-spec-bluetooth-aux-installation-followup.html
I still like the unit and will continue to use it. My only real gripe is that it won't read names from your phone book. So instead of saying "Call From Suzie Jones" it reads the full number. "Call from... three.... zero... nine.......six.." and doesn't stop when you answer. You can shut this "feature" off. I did contact the manufacturer asking how possible a firmware update would be, but he didn't seem interested. Another gripe is that the signal volume sent to the HU is very low -- so if you don't forget to turn the volume down before switching back to FM or CD, you get blasted. I'd imagine I've taken off about 50% of my speaker life that way by now.
Now that my cash situation has improved a bit and I've learned a little more about options (I had only owned the truck for about a week when I got the abovementioned unit) I wish I would have just upgraded the whole HU. I likely would have gone with a Scion unit. I don't like the look and feel of the aftermarkets - I feel the display looks too graish and cartoonish, and doesn't contrast well with the utilitarian nature of our trucks.
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Derek
New member
Do you have the AC outlet in your center console? If so, you can buy a simple bluetooth adapter and plug it into the power and the AUX input. That's what I did and the sound quality is great. Here is what I have: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Bluetooth-Audio-Adapter-Streaming/dp/B00IQBSW28/
adkfinn
Member
Like you I have the JBL system (no nav) in my 07. Like some of the other suggestions already posted, I am currently using a simple bluethooth receiver plugged into the 'aux in' port in the center console which works well and was plenty cheap.
I am using this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RH29CJO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has the small control pad that I mounted on the front outside of the console. It sits just under the lid and is pretty stealthy. With my arm resting on the console I am easily able to reach and use the buttons to skip tracks with music apps and/or use the phone functions. I am powering it with a multi-port usb charger that is plugged into my AC outlet in the console. I also added a line noise cancellation add on to clean up the signal noise.
I am using this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RH29CJO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has the small control pad that I mounted on the front outside of the console. It sits just under the lid and is pretty stealthy. With my arm resting on the console I am easily able to reach and use the buttons to skip tracks with music apps and/or use the phone functions. I am powering it with a multi-port usb charger that is plugged into my AC outlet in the console. I also added a line noise cancellation add on to clean up the signal noise.
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Bumbo
New member
Check crutchfield.com
There are kits out there that allow you to hook up to the OEM steering wheel controls on aftermarket equipment.
Personally I opted NOT to have a traditional navigation head unit because the phones today are that much better at the task anyways. That said, I do recall seeing some media receivers that basically just have a screen, and the phones data and information and just displayed on the headunits screen. You might want to look into something like that.
Geologist
Member
I bought a Pioneer unit from crutchfield for $89, and the trim/wiring kit was another $20 IIRC. I went single din because I like having the shelf below the radio, and I don't like displays that are too bright. Bluetooth works great for calls and music. Also the sound quality improved significantly (I have non jbl system). I installed it in about 2 hrs, no special tools necessary.
Bumbo
New member
I am in the same boat, also don't like overly bright screens, and did something very similar.
<$100 unit Pioneer, gave me everything I needed. Nav directions is though the stereo but using the phone as a display. Improved sound even with stock speakers, wireless phone and music streaming is great.
That said, I used the space under the radio for a Yaesu VHF ham radio.
Because I can stream music, nav, and phone over bluetooth, I have a free AUX input, which I can use for the ham radio as well and have loud clear communications in addition to all that.
Install was also super easy so I took the DIY route as well.
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hgill
Member
I have a Kenwood i purchased from Crutchfield.com. I was able to add bluetooth audio streaming, bluetooth for phone calls (came with microphone), and backup camera (purchased separately). Purchased the adapter from crutchfield for steering wheels controls.
All in all I am quite happy with it. My only complaint is the volume knob is too small in comparison to the stock stereo (I had the non nav jbl system in there before). Luckily i have the steering wheel controls
All in all I am quite happy with it. My only complaint is the volume knob is too small in comparison to the stock stereo (I had the non nav jbl system in there before). Luckily i have the steering wheel controls
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simple
Senior Member
I have a Kenwood i purchased from Crutchfield.com. I was able to add bluetooth audio streaming, bluetooth for phone calls (came with microphone), and backup camera (purchased separately). Purchased the adapter from crutchfield for steering wheels controls.
All in all I am quite happy with it. My only complaint is the volume knob is too small in comparison to the stock stereo (I had the non nav jbl system in there before). Luckily i have the steering wheel controls
Did you have to use the pac or metra wiring adaptor? I want to pick up a scion head unit but have heard nothing but headaches about volume issues and stuff.
hgill
Member
I dont remember, but if you go on the crutchfield website and pick a unit and hit checkout, it will give you the option to select the adapter. It should have the detail on the kind of adapter there.
Geologist
Member
I am in the same boat, also don't like overly bright screens, and did something very similar.
<$100 unit Pioneer, gave me everything I needed. Nav directions is though the stereo but using the phone as a display. Improved sound even with stock speakers, wireless phone and music streaming is great.
That said, I used the space under the radio for a Yaesu VHF ham radio.
Because I can stream music, nav, and phone over bluetooth, I have a free AUX input, which I can use for the ham radio as well and have loud clear communications in addition to all that.
Install was also super easy so I took the DIY route as well.
NICE! That's the same head unit I have. How is that HAM mounted down there? I would love to copy this idea. Good thinking about using the aux port for the HAM!
Bumbo
New member
I used the factory radio cage in the picture and just used some long machine screws on both sides to hold it in there. Screw it down until you feel a little tension on the radio cage and call it good.
The radio isn't quite a full DIN size, but its close enough. Been in there like that for a couple years and though a bunch of off-road driving and its held up great.