Installed Metra Ipod/MP3 adapter

[Triggin]

ok, this is great information, but what about those of us who have an 02 taco with the stock radio. I want the simplest option, have any of you tried this or know anyone who has? Im sure it is very similar, but since mine doesn't have a cd changer (i have the stock single cd/radio/tape player), I wasn't sure if there was still an open port in the back of my radio. any suggestions? thanks guys,


scott

[Triggin]

oh yea, also, to me i would rather not have a charger on this adapter and would actually prefer to use the Ipod itself to control what songs i want to play.

[rhoppas]

Sorry Scott, I wish I could help you but I have no experience with the 1st generation Tacomas.

[TDooley57]

Originally Posted by Triggin

oh yea, also, to me i would rather not have a charger on this adapter and would actually prefer to use the Ipod itself to control what songs i want to play.

Not really sure what it'll do on the Gen. 1 trucks either, but I do know that the Metra adapter charges my Ipod (and I haven't found any way to turn this feature off), and I have to use the Ipod itself to control.

[maverick491]

Originally Posted by Triggin

ok, this is great information, but what about those of us who have an 02 taco with the stock radio. I want the simplest option, have any of you tried this or know anyone who has? Im sure it is very similar, but since mine doesn't have a cd changer (i have the stock single cd/radio/tape player), I wasn't sure if there was still an open port in the back of my radio. any suggestions? thanks guys,


scott

The USA spec site says that both the 11TOY and the 12TOY units work on Toyota radios from 1998-2007. I know those are not the device in question here, but I am assuming that both the metra and USA spec device use the same plug in the back of the stock radio, and if that is the case then you should be good to go. Just to make sure though I'd go through your local circuit city instead of mail order just so it's easier to take back if I'm wrong.

[Loweezy]

For anyone wondering. The Metra works with the 2008 tacoma as well. I just put it in, but I haven't finished (the sun came down)... I just need to figure out where to run the cable. Anyone got any ideas?

[rhoppas]

Most of us run it either to the glovebox or the center console box. The glovebox is easy. It takes a bit more work to get it to the console box.

[06tacoma]

okay i have a questions i want to order one of these problay before the end of the week my first question is does this work on trucks with the JBL upgraded system

[rhoppas]

I don't have the JBL system but I am fairly certain it works with ALL 05+ tacomas.

[bwhit]

If your having problems with your volume read the thread about volume adjustment in Itunes. That might solve your issue. It sounds like it has nothing to do with your stereo rather the settings of the MP3.

[calyork2]

Can someone tell me how to install the USA-SPEC PA12 toy on a tacoma 08 through the glovebox that is without changing the OEM stereo? I don't have an ipod but have another MP3 player...does that mean I have to buy an additional aux plug to connect it to my MP3 player?

[maverick491]

Originally Posted by calyork2

Can someone tell me how to install the USA-SPEC PA12 toy on a tacoma 08 through the glovebox that is without changing the OEM stereo? I don't have an ipod but have another MP3 player...does that mean I have to buy an additional aux plug to connect it to my MP3 player?

Without an Apple IPOD the PA 12 toy is a waste of your money. Buy the USA-Spec DF toy instead. It is half the price and does nothing more or less than the pa 12 toy would do when not connected to an actual IPOD.

You answer your original questions. To use either device with another brand of mp3 player you would need a RCA to 1/8th inch head phone cable.

Remove the climate controlls and headunit as per the instructions in 007tacoma's stereo upgrade thread stickied at the top of the audio/video section. Plug the USA-Spec device of your choice into the correct port on the back of the headunit (It will become self explanatory when you are looking at the harness and the back of the radio. Remove the glove box zip tie the USA spec controll box to the duct work, then connect the rca end of the cable you purchased to the usa spec box, and route the other end into the glove box. Plug into the headphone jack of your MP3 player, select CD1 on your head unit and enjoy the music.

Regards,

[calyork2]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Using this device rather than the PA12, does this mean I can control the MP3 player through the head unit? or do i have to change the songs through the MP3 player?

[maverick491]

Originally Posted by calyork2

Thanks, I appreciate it! Using this device rather than the PA12, does this mean I can control the MP3 player through the head unit? or do i have to change the songs through the MP3 player?

Through the MP3 player, but a pa12-toy will only control an Apple brand IPOD through the head-unit. Even with the pa12-toy you could not control a third party mp3 through the head unit.

[calyork2]

Originally Posted by maverick491

Without an Apple IPOD the PA 12 toy is a waste of your money. Buy the USA-Spec DF toy instead. It is half the price and does nothing more or less than the pa 12 toy would do when not connected to an actual IPOD.

You answer your original questions. To use either device with another brand of mp3 player you would need a RCA to 1/8th inch head phone cable.

Remove the climate controlls and headunit as per the instructions in 007tacoma's stereo upgrade thread stickied at the top of the audio/video section. Plug the USA-Spec device of your choice into the correct port on the back of the headunit (It will become self explanatory when you are looking at the harness and the back of the radio. Remove the glove box zip tie the USA spec controll box to the duct work, then connect the rca end of the cable you purchased to the usa spec box, and route the other end into the glove box. Plug into the headphone jack of your MP3 player, select CD1 on your head unit and enjoy the music.

Regards,

They discontinued the USA-Spec DF toy model. I spoke to a crutchfield representative and she recommended the PA12. Is there any other product I should look at?

[rhoppas]

Circuit City sells the Metra for $50. It works perfectly for a non-Ipod mp3 player. That is what I use. It plugs into the back of the radio just like the USA-Spec.

[calyork2]

Originally Posted by rhoppas

Circuit City sells the Metra for $50. It works perfectly for a non-Ipod mp3 player. That is what I use. It plugs into the back of the radio just like the USA-Spec.

And the Metra doesn't allow you to control it through the head unit, huh?

[ZonKs]

the DF TOY does not either. You need to control it on the MP3 player itself.

[calyork2]

I see bad reviews on the metra. Should I just go with the PA12 OR what about the PIE TOY03-AUX Auxiliary Input Converter OR Blitzsafe?

[Loweezy]

Originally Posted by calyork2

I see bad reviews on the metra. Should I just go with the PA12 OR what about the PIE TOY03-AUX Auxiliary Input Converter OR Blitzsafe?

I have an 08 double cab. The PIE TOY03-AUX doesn't work with it. I used that on my old Scion... but honestly, I'm glad it didn't work, because it forced me to buy the Metra, which I like much better since connects to an IPOD through the dock port (better sound quality) and also has an Auxiliary input. The aux input which would be what you connect to in the PIE TOY03 is amplified which can distort audio at times... If you don't care about using your head unit to control your IPOD, the metra is the cheap and easy way to go.... and by no means do i believe that you are sacrificing quality.