Missing features on the TRD Pro Manual

Strap it on! The Taco is ready.

 

That’s my secret captain, I’m always strapped.

 

And ready.

 

The only missing "feature" that surprised me was the JBL stereo. No subwoofer? On the Pro? Makes no sense.

Six months in, I appreciate the extra storage much more. Like I need a sub to listen to The Daily and All Things Considered. Yeah, getting old is weird sometimes.

 

I thought it was a little odd that my truck has no hill start assist. Almost got into to trouble reversing out of a spot that sunk forward... kind of headed towards a parking pole, and when I didn’t hit it my lady friend, whom just said, “Hah now what are you gonna do?” was impressed, but seriously folks, it’s a manual. Doesn’t mean it’s gonna do everything for you. Glad it doesn’t have lane assist and other bullshit I wouldn’t use. Back to the cup holders, they just aren’t big enough. While the push to start is cool, I’m good with the H key, never knew that about the clutch start cancel, I’ve started more than one car without the clutch engaged and it was always a big no no.

 

Best I got is they designed the MT wiring loom differently from the AT one, and it doesn't have the leads for hooking up the JBL system. Since manuals make up 0.nothing% of Toyota's overall sales numbers, they decided it wasn't worth "fixing".

 

I'm so glad I found your post. I thought I was going crazy trying to figure out why my speakers weren't JBL even though she has all of the tech packages, etc. What a random thing to omit the premium speakers based on the transmission. But at least I'll rest easy now knowing this is how it's "supposed to be"...

 

This nifty sign was on the dash of my new truck. Ill give up JBL just for the sign.

 

I don’t know the process of purchasing a vehicle where you live, but over here, we know exactly what we purchase. It was clear from the brochure and website that a MT wasn’t coming with the start button and the JBL system. It was even clearer when you walked around the vehicle before signing the contract.

 

I just missed the fine print that said the premium speakers were not part of the package with the MT and it didn't dawn on me until months later that I didn't notice the JBL logo anywhere.

...Not suggesting anything on the site or materials is misleading, and not suggesting I didn't have the opportunity to inspect the vehicle I ordered before signing off on it.

 

The $450 I spent adding an amp and replacing all the speakers and adding sound deadener makes it sound at least as good as the JBL.

And this is without a sub woofer.

 

The manual also doesn't door chime when you open the door while driving. On my auto it did.

 

Jesse, any info on your audio upgrade would be great. I'm going to do it soon. Ish

 

I started with replacing the tweeters with DS18's. Several members here recommended them and they are a direct swap. It wasn't an immediate improvement but over the next day I was happy. When the stereo was completely stock I didn't want to turn it past 15 because it just wasn't pleasant to my ears. These obviously improved the sound in the upper ranges only, but that helps a lot when originally it was sub par everywhere. This also meant it showed how deficient the rest of the speakers were.

$85 DS18 PRO-ST OEM Subaru/Toyota Upgrade Bullet Compression Tweeters with Crossovers 1.9" - Car OEM Tweeter Upgrade Kit for Many Subaru/Toyota Models - Replacement for H631SFJ101 and H631SFJ100 (Pair)

https://www.amazon.com/DS18-Replacement-Compression-Tweeters-Crossovers/dp/B09HVCQZXF?crid=239NUJY9CII9Z&keywords=ds18+tweeter&qid=1673057726&sprefix=ds18+tweeter%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-6

I then swapped out the 6x9's and back 6.5's and added sound deadener in the door panels. Cleaned up the sound and I actually could listen to it at higher volumes. With that said I lost bass and volume since the factory head unit is very low powered, but the clarity and quality were improved. Meaning I have to turn up the volume a bit more to get the same amount of volume with the new speakers compared to the factory speakers. But, I could also crank things up higher and it didn't just sound like louder trash.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_108R9632IM/Infinity-Reference-REF-9632ix.html?tp=105

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_108R6532EM/Infinity-Reference-REF-6532ex.html?tp=105

I always planned on adding an amp and if I didn't I would have simply stopped at only replacing the tweeters. The amp made the largest improvement over everything. Even the rear 6.5's will deliver some respectable mid bass, I did have to turn the rear gains up about 20% for it to match the fronts at 0%.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500KTA450/Alpine-KTA-450-Power-Pack.html?tp=72998

I initially wanted to get some nicer Morel speakers, but know the weakest link in my system was the factory radio which I don't plan on replacing because I'm a huge fan of factory integration. I've seen some real nice aftermarket head units with other kits that integrate the factory camera, settings, buttons, etc but I just didn't care for all the adjustability and such. Also, the Infinity's were practically half off during black Friday and that swayed my decision a bit.

I'm currently very happy with the way things are, all in a factory looking and working head unit. I listen to mostly country (Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Johnny Cash), classic rock (AC/DC, Metallica, Journey) some pop and alternative. The 6x9's provide enough bass for most of what I'm listening to. Only when I'm listening to 90's hip hop do I desire a bit more from the lower frequencies. I'll probably add a compact self powered sub I can shove under the seats down the line.

All in all, for the reasonable amount invested it sounds better than many "premium" systems offered by manufacturers.

 

Outstanding writeup. I'll just copy your work. You clearly put thought into it. Thank you

 

I really miss the absence of the valet key in the 6MT with the H key. With the A/T smart key you can lock your glove box and keep the metal key when giving your truck to a valet or dealer service. No such option with the H key, and a true valet key is no longer provided.

 

Thanks.

The majority of the information I researched and gathered from Tacomaworld. I don't think you can go wrong with most of the offering from Crutchfield. I'd suggest not to go with more than a coaxial up front. Having 3 tweeters can be much too bright as sometimes it can be for me already.

If I were to replace the headunit, I'd get nicer speakers and a more powerful amp but of course now we can easily triple the budget.