JBL Stereo - Volume/Steering Wheel Controls Don't Work

[tollboothwilley]

Hey Guys - I just bought a 2003 Sport Edition 4runner and I'm wanting to fix all the issues that the previous owner had neglected.

#1) The stereo headunit - everything displays correctly, like the radio station name and the song playing, HOWEVER there is no sound AND there is no volume control. The steering wheel controls won't increase volume and spinning the knob by hand is more for exercise than function for the stereo. Additionally, the MODE knob just adjust the bass, treble, etc doesn't engage the audio options. It does, however, spin and change the radio frequency as it should.

I've been doing a lot of searching and haven't found a ton of good info regarding this problem other than most being replaced by factory while under warranty.

I have checked radio 1 & 2, all seem good.

Does anybody have clue as to what is the problem or a solution. The obvious solution is to replace the head unit, but I'm wondering if there is anything else that people have done for a solution to the problem.

There are other things I will tackle, but music/sound is the #1 concern that I'm focusing on.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

John

 

[Zulu95]

Most likely need something like a Parrot Interface module to get the controls to work. If this came like this then all sorts of disasters could be waiting for you relating to the install. you may need to start a the beginning and cover the whole install to ensure it was done properly.
GL.

 

[tollboothwilley]

Zulu - it is a factory stereo... I am not new to stereo installation so am not concerned if the only route is replacing the factory unit with an aftermarket option, just wondering if there are other routes.

 

[zopperman]

You can buy my old JBL OEM HU from an 03 limited....

 

[Zuke]

Sounds like the HU is bad or the factory JBL amp may have crapped the bed. That will cause no sound but the other audio options would show up...

 

[tollboothwilley]

if the amp was bad the head unit would still display "volume" as it changes, right?

so its probably internals of the head unit

I guess i will need to just throw in a diff head unit. Was hoping this was my option since I love audio, but the wife likes the stock look.

 

[zopperman]

if the amp was bad the head unit would still display "volume" as it changes, right?

so its probably internals of the head unit

I guess i will need to just throw in a diff head unit. Was hoping this was my option since I love audio, but the wife likes the stock look.

Buy mine!!!!

 

[tollboothwilley]

haha, i have no interest in keeping the stereo stock unless it is a simple fix. Money invested into the stereo is gonna be aftermarket for sure. I already bought a new head unit, PAC TATO adapter, steering wheel control adapter. I might need just one more item - the ASWC for the steering wheel controls but i'm not 100% sure if i need it yet

 

[riverwolf]

haha, i have no interest in keeping the stereo stock unless it is a simple fix. Money invested into the stereo is gonna be aftermarket for sure. I already bought a new head unit, PAC TATO adapter, steering wheel control adapter. I might need just one more item - the ASWC for the steering wheel controls but i'm not 100% sure if i need it yet

John, taking a long shot and necroing your thread.

Did you ever get the factory system working properly?

After 17+ years of ownership, this morning my system behaved exactly as you described. Can power on/off display and change radio stations, but no volume change indication or access to tone/balance controls via knobs or steering wheel controls.

Coincidentally, last night was probably our first night below freezing this year. Got the cabin nice and toasty during the morning commute, but no joy. Still hopeful it's temperature related and will return to normal after the day warms up. I don't really want to put money into a sound system overhaul after putting it off for 17 years. Especially since I think I've finally identified a replacement for the 4th Gen...the new Bronco...I know, blasphemy, but anyway...

Thanks for any info you can offer.