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Tacoma radio upgrade

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Danhauf, May 10, 2025.

  1. May 10, 2025 at 2:44 PM
    #1
    Danhauf

    Danhauf [OP] New Member

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    Dan
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    2011 access cab
    I have a 2011 access cab. I recently tried to replace my radio with a nice touch screen type from Amazon (Chinese). My factory radio is a regular Toyota brand, not the JBL upgrade. The one I ordered did not power on and after research I found out I ha a jbl replacement radio with what I think is the wrong wire harness adapter cable. Can anyone here give me a decent suggestion on a not too expensive touch screen type replacement? I’ve already run the cable for my new backup camera and am ready to go. Just need a radio that will plug in to my wiring. Hers a pick of the sockets.
    I’d also like to say I’m not looking to spend more than a couple hundred dollars. I know this sounds cheap on my part but this is just an upgrade to get som audio in the cab.
    thanks for any suggestions.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. May 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
    #2
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    You can probably just get the non-jbl version and be fine
     
  3. May 11, 2025 at 2:25 PM
    #3
    soundman98

    soundman98 Well-Known Member

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    you said you're just trying to get audio in the cab. did the current oem radio stop working? or did it never work?

    i believe the jbl and non jbl used the same power harness connector in most toyotas. so my suspicion is on the new radio or truck wiring first. check the fuse on the back of the new radio, and any of the radio fuses under the dash. if you're ok with wiring, pull up the factory wiring pinout diagram for the truck, and use a volt meter to verify that you have +12v, +12v-with-key-on, and ground in the harness.

    on the smaller, but fatter-pinned harness(top left in your picture), that should be your main power/key power/ground and front speaker connections.

    just note, this image is looking at the back of the plug, where you'll likely be looking at the front of the plug while in the truck.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. May 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
    #4
    Danhauf

    Danhauf [OP] New Member

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    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2011 access cab
    Thanks soudman98, my original Tacoma stereo worked ok until a few years ago then the cd player started cutting out. I ordered this new stereo from Amazon and no, it never worked or seemed to get power. So I will look at the fuses on both new stereo and my trucks fuse box. on another note, the Chinese company has been emailing back and forth with me and after many discussions they are going to send me a wiring harness that they think will solve this.
    right now I’m pretty sure that it’s just the new radio that’s not compatible. But it’s worth my time I believe to see if I can make this work with a harness adapter or whatever they send. I can only commend them for offering to help and figure out where I goofed up. I’ve done a lot mechanically with my truck with the exception of stereos and wiring. So this is a learning experience. Thanks for the input and I’ll let you guys know what happens. :)
     
    Pray4Mojo and soundman98[QUOTED] like this.
  5. May 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM
    #5
    Danhauf

    Danhauf [OP] New Member

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    2011 access cab
    Update, the Chinese company came through and after a few weeks I received a nice new correct wire harness that I popped in and voila, everything works great. The sound is even better than the oem radio. Very satisfied now and thanks for all your help everyone.

    IMG_6105.jpg
     
    Pray4Mojo and soundman98 like this.
  6. Jun 27, 2025 at 6:48 AM
    #6
    pjason23

    pjason23 Well-Known Member

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    Just get a Stinger, Kenwood or pioneer and call it a day. You'll end up replacing those Chinese head units
     

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