need some help w my jbl synthesis H/U

[dirt hooker]

hey everyone- i'm really hoping someone could give some advice as what to do with my JBL head unit- its the 10 speaker 6 disc changer model- its in a 2003 Sport- the stereo works as normal, but will not play or eject discs...at least for now, im pretty happy with the sound and want to keep things factory...i've read a bit and heard these arent the highest quality units, but i was hoping there might be something i can try before i go tearing into things or buying new equipment..

if there is nothing to be done with my current head unit, is the next best thing just to buy another exact model so its an easy swap?? do i need to stick to 2003/2004 years or will any gen 4 swap in no problems?? if anyone has any advice as to an aftermarket H/U that swaps in easy, then please let me know- i dont know jack about this stuff : (

also, i just bough an iPod Touch and would like to use it for music in the truck- there is a wiring harness for ~$140 that will allow me to do that- if there is a better solution, factory or not, im all ears

i tried searching a bit, but my laptop crapped on me and my desktop at work is painfully slow...electronics dont seem to like me lol

i really appreciate any assistance/advice

 

[emelianenkov]

I would try the following:

- Unplugging the negative cable from your battery.
- Take it to Toyota.
- Look for the radio's model number on the face of the unit and google "model #_______ issues".

As for a replacement HU, you have an issue with the 10 speaker system. You might have to put in an amp to be able to distribute to the 'extra' speakers (the rear two, subwoofer, and center channel on the dash). I was looking into putting speakers in instead of the backup mirrors in the cargo area, but my sound guy said it wasn't really worth the time and effort.

If you do look for a replacement HU, go to www.crutchfield.com and enter your vehicle specifications. They'll give you a list of compatible HU's. Once you find a radio you like on their site, search for that unit on eBay or google. Crutchfield has lots of knowledge, but their prices are ridiculous. I just use them as a shopping guide

Good luck! PM with any other questions you have.

Alex

 

[Patrick A]

I have the same sound system, and mine recently started doing the same thing. They have replacement head units on ebay all the time for 2003's, just search for "4runner jbl radio"-- our stereo configuration does require us to stick to the JBL multidisk model unless we want to do some rewiring and install the bezel trim that comes in 4runners with the standard sound system. You could do what I want to do and look for a JBL 6 disc unit from a 2006-2009-- they updated the radio on these years so that it's MP3 CD capable, got rid of the cassette deck, and simply looks a lot nicer in my opinion. It's a plug and play and won't require any modifications to the bezel-- it'll fit right in and communicate with the existing amps and speakers.

 

[GROVERUNNER]

I had a similar problem but mine would eject the Cd's. Easiest way I found was to buy a direct replacement on ebay. I picked one up for $50 so they are out there and fairly cheap. I didn't want to get something that didn't look like it belonged in the car and I feel unless your going to get a DVD or Nav unit the factory JBL is hard to beat.

I used this to help me take everything apart and actually it was very easy and only took about half an hour.
How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

 

[emelianenkov]

I opted to tear out my old stereo system completely because the cheap cardboard speakers were brutally maimed by the previous owner.

I ended up snagging a pioneer BT9000 and pioneer speakers all around. Unfortunately, the pioneer's backlighting was blue, which fueled this LED swapping rampage haha

I did really love the stock JBL synthesis system that my dad's 2005 Limited had though, and if I had it in my truck, I'd most likely opt to save it.