xlaxx
New member
OK,... so as most of you might notice from some of my posts on RickC's thread about the Scion T1808 radio, I too,... was looking to mount this particular radio into my 06 Runner. The stock radio in this year completely and utterly SUCKS :barf: and is in need of changing. I am not going to bore you with a whole mess of pics, but did want to make some points about my install that took approx 2.5 hours to complete. Hope this helps others...
1) The install T1808 is 'plug-n-play' as long as you do your research on this forum and scionforlife.com. You also need some intestinal fortitude to pull apart your dash. I grabbed myself by the manhood and dove in.
2) I ordered parts from Crutchfield thinking I was going to install a different Alpine rig I had available,...their directions are helpful with pulling apart the dash if you decide to go that route...at least you have a piece of paper with pictures in your hand to do so. The links provided on this site are good and clear ones.
3) I did perform the 'resistor mod' and inserted a 1k Ohm 1/4 watt 5% resistor per this thread,...http://www.xbsite.com/forum/thread-1702.html. The resistor mod worked for me but was VERY stubborn :redbrick:during the insertion stage (jamming it) into the white male plug that slips into the back of the T1808. I believe, I made good contact with the wires (should have used a multi-meter :nerd: to double check) as the resistor end did not slide back out easily. I taped it with 3M electrical tape to the other wires so it would not move during driving conditions.
****I have an 06 T4R WITH AUX. I did NOT test the T1808 to see if the AUX function still worked WITHOUT the resistor mod installed, I just went ahead and inserted it anyway into the back of the T1808 at pins 14 and 19. Most threads I have read, do not clarify this (if the resistor is actually needed or not for an 06 Runner) and testing should have been done on my part, but it was hotter than dog poo outside today and with Hurricane Irene coming, I just wanted to finish the project. The AUX does work with the 'resistor mod' inserted for me,...BUT it might work without it too,...your mileage may vary here.
4) The radio system sounds absolutely fantastic now with more adjustability of audio quality. :thumb3: I have the non-JBL system. The low end frequencies are more adjustable and cleaner sounding than the stock radio was before. The 'Feel' mode on SSP is a good choice. The 'Hear' mode is for more vocals and the Neutral mode is well,...'neutral', where one can adjust treble and bass to one's own tastes. :guitar3:
5) I did use the coax METRA Ltd 40-UV43 Motorala Antenna Y-adapter and Scosche Mda-B Micro / Delco Antena Adapter Tip to mate the T4R antenna connectors to marry with the single antenna plug on the back of the Scion 1808. I haven't noticed the increased performance/reception of surrounding FM/AM stations yet but I am sure it is the same as when stock.
6) I should make mention that the (2) screws holding in the radio brackets should be kept loose while re-inserting the plastic console trim around the radio. The Scion T1808 needs to be pushed up some so the existing stock trim can be pushed in around the radio. Took me forever to figure this out but finally got everything snapped back in,...THEN I snugged up the radio bracket screws using a ratchet extension.
7) You can score the T1808 fairly inexpensively now. Mine was a C-list find for $30, Brand New
. The Scion iPod adapter cable was $17 off of eBay and I purchased the Scosche passPort Charging Adapter for the iPod for $17 from Amazon. I am going to check and see if my Classic iPod battery needs charging again in a few days. If so, I will use the Scosche charger.
8) In regards to cosmetics,... the T1808 screen and backlights are more Tangerine in color than the stock radio was. The match is not exact. It is not hateful either and is not a bother to me. The Scion and Pioneer logos are ever-present and is certainly not a Toyota logo, but there is no way I am going to touch the surface with acetone, etc. :happens: If someone knows of another label to stick on there as to cover the Scion logo, please let me know, I am all ears.
9) User-friendly? -- The jury is still out here. I can tell you that scrolling thru all the artists that I have is a pain in the arse with this radio already and does not come close to the ease I had with my former Alpine ida-x305 unit. I have a Classic 80GB iPod loaded up with just 4GB left and it is difficult to get to the many artists that I have on my iPod.
Sorry for the long explanations, just wanted to provide my points for others. Overall the radio is a pretty slick one, a nice, straightforward mod / alternative to the stock radio. I would recommend it for sure as it does match the stock cosmetics closely, is far better sounding, and has the additional iPod option. :thumb3:
1) The install T1808 is 'plug-n-play' as long as you do your research on this forum and scionforlife.com. You also need some intestinal fortitude to pull apart your dash. I grabbed myself by the manhood and dove in.
2) I ordered parts from Crutchfield thinking I was going to install a different Alpine rig I had available,...their directions are helpful with pulling apart the dash if you decide to go that route...at least you have a piece of paper with pictures in your hand to do so. The links provided on this site are good and clear ones.
3) I did perform the 'resistor mod' and inserted a 1k Ohm 1/4 watt 5% resistor per this thread,...http://www.xbsite.com/forum/thread-1702.html. The resistor mod worked for me but was VERY stubborn :redbrick:during the insertion stage (jamming it) into the white male plug that slips into the back of the T1808. I believe, I made good contact with the wires (should have used a multi-meter :nerd: to double check) as the resistor end did not slide back out easily. I taped it with 3M electrical tape to the other wires so it would not move during driving conditions.
****I have an 06 T4R WITH AUX. I did NOT test the T1808 to see if the AUX function still worked WITHOUT the resistor mod installed, I just went ahead and inserted it anyway into the back of the T1808 at pins 14 and 19. Most threads I have read, do not clarify this (if the resistor is actually needed or not for an 06 Runner) and testing should have been done on my part, but it was hotter than dog poo outside today and with Hurricane Irene coming, I just wanted to finish the project. The AUX does work with the 'resistor mod' inserted for me,...BUT it might work without it too,...your mileage may vary here.
4) The radio system sounds absolutely fantastic now with more adjustability of audio quality. :thumb3: I have the non-JBL system. The low end frequencies are more adjustable and cleaner sounding than the stock radio was before. The 'Feel' mode on SSP is a good choice. The 'Hear' mode is for more vocals and the Neutral mode is well,...'neutral', where one can adjust treble and bass to one's own tastes. :guitar3:
5) I did use the coax METRA Ltd 40-UV43 Motorala Antenna Y-adapter and Scosche Mda-B Micro / Delco Antena Adapter Tip to mate the T4R antenna connectors to marry with the single antenna plug on the back of the Scion 1808. I haven't noticed the increased performance/reception of surrounding FM/AM stations yet but I am sure it is the same as when stock.
6) I should make mention that the (2) screws holding in the radio brackets should be kept loose while re-inserting the plastic console trim around the radio. The Scion T1808 needs to be pushed up some so the existing stock trim can be pushed in around the radio. Took me forever to figure this out but finally got everything snapped back in,...THEN I snugged up the radio bracket screws using a ratchet extension.
7) You can score the T1808 fairly inexpensively now. Mine was a C-list find for $30, Brand New
. The Scion iPod adapter cable was $17 off of eBay and I purchased the Scosche passPort Charging Adapter for the iPod for $17 from Amazon. I am going to check and see if my Classic iPod battery needs charging again in a few days. If so, I will use the Scosche charger.8) In regards to cosmetics,... the T1808 screen and backlights are more Tangerine in color than the stock radio was. The match is not exact. It is not hateful either and is not a bother to me. The Scion and Pioneer logos are ever-present and is certainly not a Toyota logo, but there is no way I am going to touch the surface with acetone, etc. :happens: If someone knows of another label to stick on there as to cover the Scion logo, please let me know, I am all ears.
9) User-friendly? -- The jury is still out here. I can tell you that scrolling thru all the artists that I have is a pain in the arse with this radio already and does not come close to the ease I had with my former Alpine ida-x305 unit. I have a Classic 80GB iPod loaded up with just 4GB left and it is difficult to get to the many artists that I have on my iPod.
Sorry for the long explanations, just wanted to provide my points for others. Overall the radio is a pretty slick one, a nice, straightforward mod / alternative to the stock radio. I would recommend it for sure as it does match the stock cosmetics closely, is far better sounding, and has the additional iPod option. :thumb3:
