Stereo System Replacement?

My truck has been having issues for a while where the stereo system cuts in and out. It’s incredibly irritating.
Does the software need an update or should I replace the system?
Would a standard swap out of stereo system work for this issue, or is it something deeper (like power supply issue)?
Would love to hear to from others who have dealt with the same issue

 

2015 puts you at about the 10yr mark, which is about average for a stock stereo amp chip.

Couple questions, what are you listening to when the sound cuts out? (BT, radio, USB, etc.)
Does the stereo display that it’s still playing when the audio cuts out?

 

I only really listen to bluetooth, so I’m unsure if it is a problem with other forms of music. The system will completely freeze, showing the moment the stereo stopped, but unable to change anything, even turn it off, until it restarts. Often happens multiple times.

 

Mine does this too, has for a number of years. The navigation also freezes up and requires a reboot of the whole head unit. It’s inconsistent on when it occurs. It might be months between episodes or multiple times in a day while on a long drive. So annoying and I have been looking at options to replace the head unit. I really like the onboard navigation though instead of relying on cell service to use google or apple maps but the units with built in nav are a lot more expensive…

 

So, what I think is happening here are two ways to the same result. The amp chip is on the way out for both of you, causing the UX chip to pitch a fit. Freezing, shutdown, screen going black etc, all indications of this. It’s cost prohibitive to repair, you can look into it if you want. Replacement is the smarter route, IMO.

 

Thanks, that’s helpful feedback! What route would you take to replace the system? Do you know of any that are compatible or any specs that I need to include when searching?

 

Next question- Is it the JBL system? Look at the 6x9 grills in the door card. Does it say JBL on it? Is there a JBL badge on the headunit? If “yes”, your best bet is used from a junkyard, both the headunit and amp under the pass. seat.

If “no”, well then my friend, the world is your oyster. You can buy just about any aftermarket headunit you want. Pick the features that are most important to you and shop around. When you buy one, get the adapter harness for it (can’t remember the part number off hand), and that will connect power, speakers, and get the USB adapter as well, to keep your factory USB location. Solder the wires together from the stereo and adapter (color coded for your protection ) and use the dash kit, (you got one of those too, right? ) to plug-n-play into your dash.

Crutchfield is your friend here. You plug in the make/model/year and they will direct you to ALL the stuff that fits. And they’ll make sure to recommend all the adapters you need to make it work.

 

A quick fix for the JBL radio systems cutting in and out - on trucks that have the factory navigation system - reseat or change the SD chip. I have no idea why the nav chip would have impact on the rest of the system. The chip has a tiny plastic detent in the edge that latches it in place - over time the detent gets worn from dash vibration and won't stay put. I just bought a CHEAP pirate chip with the current ID number and installed it per the instructions - and the problem was cured until that chip wore out the engagement detent as well. The truck is eleven years old and over 100K miles - can't justify a change of dash units. So I've changed the chip twice over the years to get a fresh detent in the tiny plastic card.

Recently had the XM sound quit - but not the ID's on the audio screen - just went silent. XM on line told me to turn the channel to 001 - if there was sound, leave it on 001 for at least 15 minutes to relearn the system. Worked.