Is my JBL amp going out?

[haganwalker]

New to the forums, hope y'all can help! I also used search before I posted, but didn't see an exact answer to my question.

I just picked up a 2006 4Runner Limited 4x4 that has the JBL Synthesis 6 disk CD, love the car, and the sound is ok...but not what I expected at all. My dad has a 2003 4Runner SR5 with the regular 6 speaker system (I believe...it might be 8 speakers though.) and his bass is alot louder than mine! I am not new to the sound world, and can do basic installation and wiring (I put memphis audio speakers and a Pioneer AVIC F700 in my old 1998 4Runner), and I have already found the stock sub and amp in the rear panel, and was mad there were no adjustments that could be made on it.

So my question is this: the sound overall is ok, but there is NO bass...the rear sub barely moves at all...whats wrong?? I picked up the vehicle in Tennessee and while driving back to my home in Mississippi, I also noticed that at some points, the sound seemed to improve for slight moments...I figured it was just getting a better signal from radio stations, but I think my amp might be going out...possibly. How can I test this thing, or where can I find a new OEM amp for this thing? I fiddled with the amp for a little while and found that it powers all the speakers in the car when I unplugged one of the ribbons...I would rather just try a new OEM amp and just have to replug it instead of hiding another amp and hooking it up to another sub, because I'm scared eventually this thing might die altogether. I KNOW it has got to be louder...if my dad's basic system in his 2003 is better, especially with bass, something is wrong...I just want suggestions of what you would do or where I can find this amp and how much it is...if that's what y'all think the problem is. Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Easy solution: add an aftermarket amp and replace the OEM sub. I did this, much improved. Sub is in stock location so no space is lost, and amp is under the passenger seat. You'd never know I had a system till you hear it. If base is your only complaint, I say go this route and don't even mess with trying to figure out the current one. Link is in my sig to my write-up which has a lot of discussion on the setup I used (and several others also installed).

 

[haganwalker]

Thanks swamp rider, I actually saw your post when I was looking around earlier...and figured this might be the next best thing. Tomorrow, if I find some time, I might go out and disconnect the sub altogether and see if it helps the amp pump more to the other speakers. My only problem with your setup, is if the stock amp goes altogether, a separate amp just for the sub isn't really going to help me.

I was looking at your pictures, and didn't remove as much as you did to get to the sub, but what is the box that is on top of the wheel well in the second picture? Thanks for your solution though, I do like how you fitted your new sub into the existing spot. I have a 10" external sub, but like you said...I don't like wasting space if I don't have to, and I really don't like the aftermarket look of something being there that isn't supposed to be. Thanks again, and if anyone else has replaced the actual OEM amp or has a price, let me know!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I don't think you want to try buying the OEM amp. Just the OEM sub/box from a discount store is over $400 if I remember correctly. I can't imagine what the amp would be. There should be a way to test it with a multi-meter, I'm just not sure how. The box you're looking at is the OEM navigation. That's where the map disc goes.