Radio CD upgrade

[RAP]

Stock radio CD upgrade

I recently purchased a 2004 4Runner with a basic non JBL single disk CD player. I would like to upgrade to a six disk in dash unit. I have found several JBL 6 disk units for sale but have read that they might not work with my current set up. Is that correct? I read on this forum that there may be another option for a 6 disk in dash unit for my 2004 4 Runner. Is there a non JBL 6 disk cd player available that will work in my car? I am sure this is an easy question for you but I am having difficulty getting a straight answer. Thanks for your help.

 

[wolfgang]

If I'm reading all the threads correctly - there are 2 problems. The JBL systems use different wiring to include a rear mounted amplifier. The single CD (and Nav unit) use a different radio surrount and AC/digital read out panel than the 6 CD unit. So that leave following factory options - a remote yot CD changer or a later model radio that has AUX input for an MP3 player and is WMA/MP3 compatible (to play ripped CD with more songs than a single CD).

 

[RAP]

Thanks for the input. It will be a big help in how I upgrade the radio.

 

[vando45]

What wolfgang said.

You could possibly go with a '06+ 6-disc unit, I've seen a few on eBay but it's pretty rare. A scion unit is a good option for a cheap upgrade.

 

[RAP]

Thanks, I was thinking about going in that direction. I read about some problems with the Scion 6 CD units. Is the 06 unit more reliable than earlier versions?

 

[RAP]

Can an external multi CD changer be connected to the 2004 stock Toyota 4Runner single CD radio or to one of the Scion HUs? The specific CD changer is a Matsushita model # 74820. It was taken from a 1997 Toyota Avalon.
Thanks for your input.

 

[MLB]

6 disk

I've got a factory 6 disk out of my 07 that I'm going to be replacing.

PM me if interested.

 

[BigSRB]

I would go with a new head unit that has a usb port. That is what I upgraded to and I have an 8gb thumb drive connected with over 100cds copied at 320kbs. I will never have to change a cd again! It also sounds great with my stock speakers.

 

[kimboy]

I just bought the scion navigation system for $600 off of ebay. Should do the trick

 

[RAP]

Thanks for the ideas. They both sound like a big improvement over the stock single CD player. I never thought of using a USB connection. I would like to hear how you like the Navigation unit once you have a chance to use it. It is a bit expensive but would be a great addition. I will have to check out Ebay. Thanks again for the ideas.

 

[RAP]

Scion 6 CD unit "Error 3"

I purchased a Scion T1802 in dash 6 CD radio on Ebay as an easy upgrade. After following the detailed directions I found on this forum I was able to install the new CD player. It was quite a task to install. I was greatly disappointed when I turned the new radio on and it read "error 3". I have read on this forum that that code may be the kiss of death for a multi CD Scion unit. (This is the first time in over nine years that I have had bad luck with Ebay.) I took it out and reinstalled my original unit. Are there any stock looking head units that have a USB connection for an Ipod? Any other suggestions for an "error 3" code?
Thanks for your suggestions and ideas.

 

[BigSRB]

RAP, sorry to hear that you got burned on ebay! I would stay away from used stereos at this point. Again, go to www.crutchfield.com and see what stereos will fit your runner. Then you can shop around and see if you can get a better deal. I have a Kenwood with a usb jack in the front and Ipod jack in the rear. I have an 8gb thumb drive full of MP3 songs and I am really happy with the sound quality. It sounds much better than my stock unit. I paid $170.00 for it and then another 50 to get it installed. I did not want to take all those parts off just to get to the stereo.

 

[claydoctor]

RAP, sorry to hear that you got burned on ebay! I would stay away from used stereos at this point. Again, go to www.crutchfield.com and see what stereos will fit your runner. Then you can shop around and see if you can get a better deal. I have a Kenwood with a usb jack in the front and Ipod jack in the rear. I have an 8gb thumb drive full of MP3 songs and I am really happy with the sound quality. It sounds much better than my stock unit. I paid $170.00 for it and then another 50 to get it installed. I did not want to take all those parts off just to get to the stereo.

I'm probably old- fashioned but I have always been down on aftermarket units. The ones with any quality cost right much and you never get your money back when you sell the vehicle and they are usually distinguished by a multitude of tiny buttons that are for the most part illegible. I try to get the best factory unit available and forget about it. Your experience may differ.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

RAP, sorry to hear that you got burned on ebay! I would stay away from used stereos at this point.

Whoa, that's a pretty harsh statement! The Scion units are a very value-oriented upgrade with good sound and decent features to boot. They're plug-n-play on the 4th gens; that's not something you can really say about any aftermarket unit.

There are plenty of warnings about the 6 disk Scion units, which he says he read (I'm assuming before purchase), but he gambled and lost in this case. Just as many other threads have recommend, I would stay away from the 6 disk players. The single disk units are very good, and cheap on ebay.

Anyway, try this. I recall reading about some people getting the 6 disk to work by turning it upside down and shaking and banging on it. The sellers are supposed to put the players in a "ship mode" before shipping them to avoid this problem. My hunch is that the disk carriage mechanism gets out of whack if the unit is turned upside down without being in ship mode. I would guess that if someone was handy enough, they could easily take it apart and get the carriage lined back up properly (best way to fix it) instead of the brute "turn it upside down and shake" method. Without personal experience, I can't say for sure though. Hope that helps.

 

[kimboy]

I just installed the scion nav and will be selling my 6disc scion unit on the for sale section. Let me know if your interested. I have it already boxed up and ready for shipping.

Unit was put in the "Ship" mode. So you will get a working unit.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

Whoa, that's a pretty harsh statement! The Scion units are a very value-oriented upgrade with good sound and decent features to boot. They're plug-n-play on the 4th gens; that's not something you can really say about any aftermarket unit.

There are plenty of warnings about the 6 disk Scion units, which he says he read (I'm assuming before purchase), but he gambled and lost in this case. Just as many other threads have recommend, I would stay away from the 6 disk players. The single disk units are very good, and cheap on ebay.

Anyway, try this. I recall reading about some people getting the 6 disk to work by turning it upside down and shaking and banging on it. The sellers are supposed to put the players in a "ship mode" before shipping them to avoid this problem. My hunch is that the disk carriage mechanism gets out of whack if the unit is turned upside down without being in ship mode. I would guess that if someone was handy enough, they could easily take it apart and get the carriage lined back up properly (best way to fix it) instead of the brute "turn it upside down and shake" method. Without personal experience, I can't say for sure though. Hope that helps.

Yes, there have been many on this forum who upgraded to a "single disk" CD Scion radio and are very happy. This is the best "bang for your buck" upgrade available for the 4Runners!