Stereo Upgrade BASIC How To... (2nd Gen)

[007Tacoma]

We talked about theft on another thread a few months back (a member had his 1st gen Tacoma stolen from a parking lot in CA). Unfortunately if a theif wants your truck or what's in it, he is going to get it. The best thing you can do is make it difficult to steal (engine disabler, locking braces on your deck, alarm system, etc...), make it easier to recover (GPS tracking, VIN etching, etc...), or make it less appealing to steal (like you can do that to a Tacoma).

I would go with what you want (double DIN) and just be careful. That is what I do (plus the upgraded security system and the engine disabler ).

[acbaccus@hotmail.com]

Thak you guys! for all that information, but I bought this JVC XG-500 double din on e-bay with the Scosche dash kit, without the harness. So what do I do to install it? The colors that come with the original harness on the JVC don't match. What do I do?
I appreciate any infromation to help me.

[biorunner1]

1st Are you sure you have the correct harness? If you have to, go to your local stereo shop or even a Best Buy and see what harness they have for your truck. It should come with a color code or some sorta schematic. 2nd if you dont already have the system manual make sure you get it so you can match up the signals from both documents (not necissarily colors) to the harness. Good luck.

[acbaccus@hotmail.com]

I appreciate you taking your time to help me out!
I will try.

[biorunner1]

By the way here is a picture of my Harness, the color code with the signals are on the package. This is how yours should be. Then the harness you have that came with the unit should plug right into to this. Its even easier than I thought. I got mine at Circuit City. Let me know how it goes.

[acbaccus@hotmail.com]

I went to Circuit City this morning and I got the harness.
Thank you!

[05PreRunner]

Thanks i'll be using this in a couple days to install my new headunit. Once again, thanks for the awesome write -up!!

[bbarian333]

Here's my question regarding stereo upgrade. I have the factory 6 disc cd player, with controls on the steering wheel. Does anybody know if there's a system i can install where the steering wheel controls will work?

[RockinP]

Originally Posted by bbarian333

Here's my question regarding stereo upgrade. I have the factory 6 disc cd player, with controls on the steering wheel. Does anybody know if there's a system i can install where the steering wheel controls will work?

There are a couple of threads dedicated to this topic, within the audio video area, search for them if necessary. From what I understand you have 2 options. You can go with an Eclipse deck. Most of them have connectors that are directly compatiable with the steering wheel controls. You just splice 2 wires. Seems like the best option, direct connections are always the best.

Your other option is an IR repeater like the PAC SWI-X from Crutchfield for $70. It is basically an infrared device that relays the steering wheel control buttons into your new deck. I have heard good and bad reviews of this device, guess it depends on the setup.

Hope this helps.

[gsm]

007Tacoma or whomever may be able to answer:

I have a standard radio with single CD player (not MP3 compatable). I don't have numerous CD's but I do have a large collections of MP3's, a portable CD/MP3 player and a PDA/MP3 player that I'd like to be able to attach via a Aux input.

Anyone know of a kit or a add-on that can be wired to the factory setup so that I may be able to plug these in? And maybe which wire to attach this possible jack too?

I know I could replace the actual radio system with one built in but prefer to just add a jack/plug-in with the existing system.

Thanks

[isusww]

I am going to be installing THIS from USA Spec. There are several threads about this device and can give you more information if you'd like. I've even seen this items for sale in the forums here. Hope this helps.

[jdubh]

I'm looking for pics of how to get an XM antenna on the roof. I've searched the forum and read that some have ran it up the headliner and out the back light and to the roof, others have removed a plug in the firewall and routed it up. Pics of any would be great.

[next]

Originally Posted by jdubh

I'm looking for pics of how to get an XM antenna on the roof. I've searched the forum and read that some have ran it up the headliner and out the back light and to the roof, others have removed a plug in the firewall and routed it up. Pics of any would be great.

Were you ever able to find this info? I am looking for the same thing.

Thanks!

[calyork2]

I'm installing my audio system and I'm wondering where is the best place to route my power wire into the cabin?? Anyone know?

[biorunner1]

I ran mind on the drivers side under the trim. There is a rubber plug in the firewall under the dash way up in there behind your pedals. You can run it through there if you seal it up water tight. Keep that power cable away from any audio signals or you will get that irratating alternator noise.

[bfriatc]

Originally Posted by kingtaco

Whats up fellas? Thats good info. Does anyone know where the factory amp is located? Can I use it with a aftermarket stereo?

isn't the factory amp built into the factory stereo? any aftermarket stereo will have a built in amp. and you could always buy and wire your own.

[BlueSilver]

Originally Posted by 007Tacoma

I guess Toyota didn't think we would need to be under the hood enough to justify putting on gas shocks.

Just a way to help keep cost down. plus they become dangerous missiles during engine fires.

[BlueSilver]

Originally Posted by bfriatc

isn't the factory amp built into the factory stereo? any aftermarket stereo will have a built in amp. and you could always buy and wire your own.

An aftermarket stereo will not have an amp built in. Your toyota stock system should have it built into the bass tube. make sure your new stereo supports the stock equipment.

[burnt_tiger]

whats the difficulty on this (1-10)
would pulling out a aftermarket double din go about the same way?

[Dirtbag]

I found ONE plug in the firewall, I ran the wire down the windsheild weather stripping ( I used one of my daughters plastic toy butter knives, ran it down in front of the wire to open the channel up and pushed the wire in behind it. Then you can remove the little trim piece at the bottom corner of the windshield to route the wire under the hood, then I cut a slot in the rubber plug put the plut on the wire, used some black tape to seal it and pushed it back in. The hole comes out behind the A/C box inside, then I took the glove compartment out to route it. I bought a xm fm modulator and installed it ( had to remove the radio) and double side taped it next to the glove compartment. I have attached some pix, let me know if you can view them. I don't know how to insert them.