connect ipod to 4runner?
- Thread starter runi9
- Start date
ryanbt
New member
Not to completely hijack a thread, but I found this eBay store:
Ford Mercury Lincoln, Toyota Scion items in factoryradios store on eBay!
It looks like they take factory headunits and add an headphone/aux jack and then sell them on eBay.
Now I have a question, and I'm hoping someone can help out:
I'm not too concerned about sound quality, and I don't want to put a fancy stereo in a 15 year old truck since it is going to be just an extra vehicle.
My '96 4runner SR5 hasn't been living with me (at our other house) so I can't go take apart the dash to figure out which connectors, amp, etc it has. (I'm flying to go get it and drive it to this house in two weeks and I'm hoping to easily swap out a stereo so i can listen to Sirius through my iPhone on the drive home).
The '96 has this stereo (randomly found this on eBay): Toyota 4-Runner Camry Celica Land Cruiser T100 Previa Supra Radio Cassette 51706 | eBay
But I really like the looks of this one (more modern, and the display is larger):
Toyota CD Cassette Radio Green illum AUX Ipod Sat input | eBay
There were several HU that had very similar/identical faces but with different plugs, such as this one: 98-02 Toyota CD Radio 4runner Avalon Camry AUX Ipod MP3 | eBay
My question is, which one should I get to take with me? Which one will work, because it looks like Toyota used a funky connector in '96-'97 T4Rs, or is that just because of the amp? Are the connectors going into the amp any of the standard ones in these other two units?
This eBay store does have one Toyota HU with the same connector as my T4R (eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices), but I'm really hoping to get the HU with the larger display.
Can anyone help me out?
Thanks!
Ford Mercury Lincoln, Toyota Scion items in factoryradios store on eBay!
It looks like they take factory headunits and add an headphone/aux jack and then sell them on eBay.
Now I have a question, and I'm hoping someone can help out:
I'm not too concerned about sound quality, and I don't want to put a fancy stereo in a 15 year old truck since it is going to be just an extra vehicle.
My '96 4runner SR5 hasn't been living with me (at our other house) so I can't go take apart the dash to figure out which connectors, amp, etc it has. (I'm flying to go get it and drive it to this house in two weeks and I'm hoping to easily swap out a stereo so i can listen to Sirius through my iPhone on the drive home).
The '96 has this stereo (randomly found this on eBay): Toyota 4-Runner Camry Celica Land Cruiser T100 Previa Supra Radio Cassette 51706 | eBay
But I really like the looks of this one (more modern, and the display is larger):
Toyota CD Cassette Radio Green illum AUX Ipod Sat input | eBay
There were several HU that had very similar/identical faces but with different plugs, such as this one: 98-02 Toyota CD Radio 4runner Avalon Camry AUX Ipod MP3 | eBay
My question is, which one should I get to take with me? Which one will work, because it looks like Toyota used a funky connector in '96-'97 T4Rs, or is that just because of the amp? Are the connectors going into the amp any of the standard ones in these other two units?
This eBay store does have one Toyota HU with the same connector as my T4R (eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices), but I'm really hoping to get the HU with the larger display.
Can anyone help me out?
Thanks!
javendan
New member
ryanbt,
i would just get a cassette adapter:
Amazon.com: Coby CA-747 Dual Position CD/MD/MP3 Cassette Adapter: MP3 Players & Accessories
get the 4runner home and then go from there... or, don't
the cassette adapter is easy, as long as your cassette player works, inexpensive and you don't have to take the existing head unit out.
later, if you are interested in a better head unit with more functionality... take a look at crutch field.com or something local.
good luck!
joel
i would just get a cassette adapter:
Amazon.com: Coby CA-747 Dual Position CD/MD/MP3 Cassette Adapter: MP3 Players & Accessories
get the 4runner home and then go from there... or, don't
the cassette adapter is easy, as long as your cassette player works, inexpensive and you don't have to take the existing head unit out.
later, if you are interested in a better head unit with more functionality... take a look at crutch field.com or something local.
good luck!
joel
BrianSD_42
New member
cordrayj1 said
No you do some (more) research. BlueTooth is not superior to a wired connection. Back up that claim with some links because I have used BlueTooth and it sucks.
Any links that are from a site trying to SELL a product are meaningless in an argument. The radios at Walmart all say they are the "best" quality, that does not mean they actually are.
Also I fail to see how BlueTooth could logically exceed the quality of a wired connection. The original audio source is analog, the wire is analog and the audio output is great. Sending it through BlueTooth doesn't make it sound any better, that claim is like saying 480p upscaled to 1080p is the same as true 1080p.
BlueTooth is an industry standard, you can either transmit via blueTooth from an ipod to the car radio assuming the radio supports BlueTooth (Kenwood Excelon) or use a wired connection into a blueTooth and then to another device, either way the quality will be inferior to a wired connection. Also even if some device claims to use the newest *super HD BlueTooth audio", I am sure that the head unit won't be able to take advantage or those features.
When you want to start talking about sound quality there are so many other factors as well that are extremely important like the quality of the amplifier, the pre-out voltage, the RMS wattage, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the source quality.
If you want to read more about audio/video quality I suggest researching in Crutchfield's forums, avsforum.com or diymobileaudio.com/forum
:bat:
No you do some (more) research. BlueTooth is not superior to a wired connection. Back up that claim with some links because I have used BlueTooth and it sucks.
Any links that are from a site trying to SELL a product are meaningless in an argument. The radios at Walmart all say they are the "best" quality, that does not mean they actually are.
Also I fail to see how BlueTooth could logically exceed the quality of a wired connection. The original audio source is analog, the wire is analog and the audio output is great. Sending it through BlueTooth doesn't make it sound any better, that claim is like saying 480p upscaled to 1080p is the same as true 1080p.
BlueTooth is an industry standard, you can either transmit via blueTooth from an ipod to the car radio assuming the radio supports BlueTooth (Kenwood Excelon) or use a wired connection into a blueTooth and then to another device, either way the quality will be inferior to a wired connection. Also even if some device claims to use the newest *super HD BlueTooth audio", I am sure that the head unit won't be able to take advantage or those features.
When you want to start talking about sound quality there are so many other factors as well that are extremely important like the quality of the amplifier, the pre-out voltage, the RMS wattage, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the source quality.
If you want to read more about audio/video quality I suggest researching in Crutchfield's forums, avsforum.com or diymobileaudio.com/forum
:bat:
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BrianSD_42
New member
ryanbt go to the /audio/ section on T4R. There are two stickeys at the top that cover installing and buying SCION radios.
BrianSD_42
New member
@ runi9, that is a decent Alpine but I would advise you purchase an older Alpine that has the Tilt feature and V-Drive. You can buy a 9835 (awesome) that is from 2004 for as low as $120 on EBAY.
Check out my thread, I have documented my stereo hunt.
I bought an Alpine 9835 for $110 and a brand new faceplate for $89. The radio is far superior to anything you can buy for less than $300 these days. Even if it breaks down the road, Alpine will repair and warranty any of their older stereos for a flat fee of $105. The one I bought off of EBAY works great and I am not worried.
If you are insistent on getting a newer radio then check out some of the audio threads. I would probably go with a Kenwood Excelon but the downside is they feel flimsy.
See this audio thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94843-do-i-have-ty-sound-system.html
:bat:
Check out my thread, I have documented my stereo hunt.
I bought an Alpine 9835 for $110 and a brand new faceplate for $89. The radio is far superior to anything you can buy for less than $300 these days. Even if it breaks down the road, Alpine will repair and warranty any of their older stereos for a flat fee of $105. The one I bought off of EBAY works great and I am not worried.
If you are insistent on getting a newer radio then check out some of the audio threads. I would probably go with a Kenwood Excelon but the downside is they feel flimsy.
See this audio thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94843-do-i-have-ty-sound-system.html
:bat:
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Nervo19
Member
I got this "Toyota iPod adaptor" off eBay for $40.00 shipped. As the factory units that don't have iPod adaptors already are dying out I think they don't make it anymore. It plugs between the harness and radio and you run the iPod cable out to the glove compartment or ashtray. It was new in package for $40 shipped. Works great!
Attachments
:wtf:ryanbt said:
@brianemc2_42 - Any Amazon equivalent to what your recommendation above? I do not trust purchasing anything on ebay. I really only trust Amazon for the most part... But I don't think it's available on Amazon:
Amazon.com: Alpine CDA-9835 - Radio / CD / MP3 player - Full-DIN - in-dash: Car Electronics
If I can't purchase what you recommend via Amazon then I guess I can purchase it via Ebay. But I am very reluctant to purchase anything via Ebay since I don't trust their service/return policy since I live in Hawai'i. Your thoughts? Also, can you provide links to both of the products you mentioned or whichever one(s) I need? This is what I found so far:
1. Alpine CDA-9835 Replacement Faceplate Face Plate NEW | eBay
2. Parts and Accessories Library from PacParts
Is the faceplate the only thing I need? I'm a bit confused. But what you recommend does seem to be a great option since Alpine has just discontinued that product. (That usually happens when it is doing well and it's a good product, I am assuming...)
BrianSD_42
New member
Sorry but you will have to start trusting EBAY. Only buy from a 5/5 star full time seller. There are plenty that have 2000+ perfect reviews, that is how I bought mine. Yes it is used because as I mentioned they stopped making them in 2004.
With EBAY you should be able to find one that is in "perfect working condition" with minor scratches on the faceplate - which you will be replacing anyways so it feels perfectly new.
The faceplate link you found is fine. I bought mine for $89 but $110 is fine as well. You can probably "buy it now" and find one that works perfectly with a used faceplate for anywhere between $110 and $150 on EBAY. Be prepared to look for at least two weeks. I saw 3 auctions during the week I bought mine. Don't BID until at least 2 hours before the sale ends. I would just get a "buy it now" if possible.
EBAY is protected, you will setup a paypal account and then the product is guaranteed to work when you receive it or your money back. It is pretty legit these days. Also remember we aren't talking about Tiffany's jewelery here, just a MP3/CD Head Unit. It will either work or it won't but to test it you will need to install it right away so that you don't wait more than 7 days to file a claim. I installed my own and I suggest you do the same if you have the skills. It is really easy on a 4Runner to replace the factory head unit - really really easy, just follow the T4R threads.
If you try to buy the faceplate from PacParts they will charge $350 just for the faceplate. This was a $600 stereo when it was released. Yes it is old but with a new faceplate it will work great and even if something fails you can get it refurbished for $105 from Alpine with short warranty and all. I bought this older deck because the older Alpines were really nice and they just don't make them like they used to.
Check out Youtube videos of the 9835 if you want to see more.
:bluejump:
With EBAY you should be able to find one that is in "perfect working condition" with minor scratches on the faceplate - which you will be replacing anyways so it feels perfectly new.
The faceplate link you found is fine. I bought mine for $89 but $110 is fine as well. You can probably "buy it now" and find one that works perfectly with a used faceplate for anywhere between $110 and $150 on EBAY. Be prepared to look for at least two weeks. I saw 3 auctions during the week I bought mine. Don't BID until at least 2 hours before the sale ends. I would just get a "buy it now" if possible.
EBAY is protected, you will setup a paypal account and then the product is guaranteed to work when you receive it or your money back. It is pretty legit these days. Also remember we aren't talking about Tiffany's jewelery here, just a MP3/CD Head Unit. It will either work or it won't but to test it you will need to install it right away so that you don't wait more than 7 days to file a claim. I installed my own and I suggest you do the same if you have the skills. It is really easy on a 4Runner to replace the factory head unit - really really easy, just follow the T4R threads.
If you try to buy the faceplate from PacParts they will charge $350 just for the faceplate. This was a $600 stereo when it was released. Yes it is old but with a new faceplate it will work great and even if something fails you can get it refurbished for $105 from Alpine with short warranty and all. I bought this older deck because the older Alpines were really nice and they just don't make them like they used to.
Check out Youtube videos of the 9835 if you want to see more.
:bluejump:
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Two weeks?! Yikes! Hmm, guess I'll have to exercise some patience for a bit. Darn ebay! I just want to purchase it now and have the same guy, who fixed my 4runner, install it.
On second thought, I think I'll just go with this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpine-CDA-9835-Replacement-Faceplate-Face-Plate-NEW-/190408009785?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5533a839
^ That's all I need to buy, right?
I really don't like the fact that should the product not work like it's supposed to then I have to pay for the return shipping AND a restocking fee. Amazon does not play these games... -_- (guess I have no choice though...)
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BrianSD_42
New member
That appears to be a faceplate for $109. You would also need to buy the actual head unit. I suggested buying a new* faceplate because it is highly unlikely the used radio will have a perfect faceplate and the new one really makes the unit seem new.
You can also just buy a new Kenwood or Alpine. Frankly that may be a better option since you aren't familiar with EBAY and seem risk averse. The Alpine I mentioned does not sound any better than the units below (assuming you are using a separate amp) but it does have a lot of features for ~$200 including tilt which is pretty cool. The units below will sound pretty good as well.
Check out Crutchfield.com
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X995 CD receiver at Crutchfield Signature
Kenwood KDC-BT948HD CD receiver at Crutchfield.com
Also see:
Alpine CDA-117 CD receiver at Crutchfield Signature
Alpine iDA-X305SBT Package iDA-X305S digital media receiver and Bluetooth® adapter at Crutchfield Signature
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Amazon.com: ALPINE CD PLAYER MP3 CDW AAC WMA USB - CDA117: Car Electronics
I think I'll go with this one. That's the second time someone recommended that precise model to me. What do you think about Amazon's price?
I noticed you mentioned something about amps. I don't have neither will I be using anything like that. I am just going to have the guy install it for me right out of the box and throw away the factory installed stereo. That's all. I am telling you this just to make sure I don't need anything else. If I don't need anything else, then please let me know and I'll go ahead and order the CDA-117 from Amazon. (not sure if I should get new, used, or refurb...)
I think I'll go with this one. That's the second time someone recommended that precise model to me. What do you think about Amazon's price?
I noticed you mentioned something about amps. I don't have neither will I be using anything like that. I am just going to have the guy install it for me right out of the box and throw away the factory installed stereo. That's all. I am telling you this just to make sure I don't need anything else. If I don't need anything else, then please let me know and I'll go ahead and order the CDA-117 from Amazon. (not sure if I should get new, used, or refurb...)
javendan
New member
i just show this as a reference... but you should purchase and provide to the installer a wire harness. it will make the install go a lot faster.
http://www.amazon.com/Coby-CA-747-P...JPFU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1318696512&sr=8-3
call and talk to your 'guy' and see if it is needed - meaning, he doesn't already has one.
if needed or you can save money buying yourself verify the correct wire harness.
joel
http://www.amazon.com/Coby-CA-747-P...JPFU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1318696512&sr=8-3
call and talk to your 'guy' and see if it is needed - meaning, he doesn't already has one.
if needed or you can save money buying yourself verify the correct wire harness.
joel
Amazon.com: ALPINE CD PLAYER MP3 CDW AAC WMA USB - CDA117: Car Electronics
I think I'll go with this one. That's the second time someone recommended that precise model to me. What do you think about Amazon's price?
I noticed you mentioned something about amps. I don't have neither will I be using anything like that. I am just going to have the guy install it for me right out of the box and throw away the factory installed stereo. That's all. I am telling you this just to make sure I don't need anything else. If I don't need anything else, then please let me know and I'll go ahead and order the CDA-117 from Amazon. (not sure if I should get new, used, or refurb...)
BrianSD_42
New member
any new kenwood or alpine head unit will come with a wiring harness that plugs into the unit and has exposed wires on the other end. sometimes you can find a fully plug and play adapter for toyotas, that might be what the previous poster is referring to.
IanB
New member
Ya, he's talking about a harness to plug into factory wiring to connect to the deck harness. NEVER cut factory wiring to install a stereo!
theizzardking
New member
i don't know if your running a cb or anything but this double din unit is the best i could find for the money, been using it for about 2 years now, no problems and does almost everything, keep in mind the gps only works if you spend $200 for the additional gps receiver.
i had to have double din because i wanted it to stay looking stock and i think the single din housings look cheap with the pocket or not, just doesn't look stock....that said i really do love this unit streams all of my media from my phone and various other devices, also has an SD card reader which is amazing!!!! i recommend this option highly on any unit you look at, a 16 gig sd card is like $25 can hold thousands of songs and takes up litterly no space in the car or in the deck, i use the sd card as my primary source of music with my phone running last.fm or pandora or straight from my phones sd card into the head unit....
so if you think about it with this unit you can have a 32 gig sd card, a phone with 32 gig sd card and internet streaming plugged in, ipod, rear cameras, a dvd or cd with music all plugged in at once with only 1 visible cord (for the phone)
basically limitless music and everythings hidden barring 1 cord.
fyi also check that you have the right blutooth streaming profiles, this unit doesn;t support the profile for streaming music, just voice chat over the phone, the next step up has the ad2d (i think thats what it is called) profile that supports bluetooth data/audio streaming
Pioneer AVHP2300DVD 5.8" Widescreen Touch Display in Dash DVD Receiver
i had to have double din because i wanted it to stay looking stock and i think the single din housings look cheap with the pocket or not, just doesn't look stock....that said i really do love this unit streams all of my media from my phone and various other devices, also has an SD card reader which is amazing!!!! i recommend this option highly on any unit you look at, a 16 gig sd card is like $25 can hold thousands of songs and takes up litterly no space in the car or in the deck, i use the sd card as my primary source of music with my phone running last.fm or pandora or straight from my phones sd card into the head unit....
so if you think about it with this unit you can have a 32 gig sd card, a phone with 32 gig sd card and internet streaming plugged in, ipod, rear cameras, a dvd or cd with music all plugged in at once with only 1 visible cord (for the phone)
basically limitless music and everythings hidden barring 1 cord.
fyi also check that you have the right blutooth streaming profiles, this unit doesn;t support the profile for streaming music, just voice chat over the phone, the next step up has the ad2d (i think thats what it is called) profile that supports bluetooth data/audio streaming
Pioneer AVHP2300DVD 5.8" Widescreen Touch Display in Dash DVD Receiver
I'm not sure what a "cb" is...
@theizzardking - I was just getting ready to order the CDA-117 that Brian recommended but I guess I could quickly consider that Pioneer you mentioned as well. How do you think the Pioneer you mentioned compares to the Alpine CDA-117?
BrianSD_42
New member
personally, I think you get more out of the Alpine including 4V pre-outs, built HD radio tuner (i believe), higher signal to noise ratio.
on lower end, less than $800 touch screen models, a lot of the cost of the unit is going to the screen. they have to make up for the parts $ by using cheaper parts elsewhere in the unit. but I am kind of picky and have redone my entire stero system with aftermarket.
EDIT: only the $350 Kenwood Excelon appears to have a built in tuner, not the Alpine --117
on lower end, less than $800 touch screen models, a lot of the cost of the unit is going to the screen. they have to make up for the parts $ by using cheaper parts elsewhere in the unit. but I am kind of picky and have redone my entire stero system with aftermarket.
EDIT: only the $350 Kenwood Excelon appears to have a built in tuner, not the Alpine --117
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