Audio signal troubleshooting

Hi all, new forum user here, just got a 2020 TRD off road (stoked!) and the first thing I wanted to change was the factory speakers. I hooked up a compact sub, replaced all 6 speakers (with thanks to Crutchfield), and left the factory stereo for now (will upgrade next.)

Everything was working fine but there was a slight distorted effect on the front door speakers with some songs/frequencies and Crutchfield couldn't figure out why after we checked all my connections, harnesses, the resistance ratings on the speakers, everything the tech helping me could think of... so they just recommend swapping/replacing the speakers (free within 60 days of purchase) in case there was something faulty in the crossover or speakers or whatever.

Just got the new speakers and hooked them up in the exact same way as the previously working set and now no sound is coming through the radio. I reconnected the original set the same way and now they aren't working either. So confused...

The other odd thing is that in turning on and off the truck multiple times to test things, a 1/2 second blip of the fm radio came through then went silent again.

I already did a factory reset on the stereo (with the apps button and the headlights) and no change. I didn't pull out the radio or mess with any other wiring.

Thoughts? Input appreciated!

 

Correction: I forgot when I connected the compact sub I tied in a remote turn on wire to a red wire in the speaker harness of the stereo (per someone's recommendation on these forums.) This worked fine with the original speakers mentioned above, but for whatever reason it is now the cause of the lacking audio signal. With that disconnected, the audio comes through normally.

Time to figure out a more suitable location for the remote turn on wire.

 

Route it down a bit lower in the dash and tap the cig lighter. Turns on/off with the trucks, and not involved with any audio signals or radio wiring

 

I’d also be interested to know how the sub is getting its signal. There’s a possibility that something isn’t correct there

 

Thanks for the input and curiosity destin.
Tied in the remote wire of the sub to the 12v and that works to power on/off the sub, but now the usb port is now not working.... confusing!

I just pulled the stereo out to be sure I didn't accidentally jostle loose the usb harness on the inside end. I also tried removing the "T" of the remote wire to see if it was a power issue then plugged the 12v back in and still nothing on the usb.

Any ideas/knowing why the usb stopped working?

The sub is getting signal from speaker wire connected to the rear speakers (which is insufficient for the "auto power" feature to kick in, hence the remote wire to the 12v.) Sub is Sound Ordnance B-8PTD if you want to check it out.

 

This solved the USB connectivity issue:
1. unplug the negative terminal on the battery under the hood.
2. hold down the foot/regular brake for 10-20 seconds. I was told 10, did 20 just to be sure.
3. reconnect the battery
4. Restart all phone/devices
5. Turn on truck and plug in phone/device

This does some sort of data reset. I don't know how it works, but during my troubleshooting with Crutchfield tech support we did this for an attempt at resetting the master window controller (didn't work for that.) I had the thought to try it for the usb issue and it worked once the phones were also restarted.

Still curious about your thoughts on the speaker wire to the sub. It's working, but I'd prefer RCA cables. My understanding when I began my install was that the factory radios simply don't have RCA inputs. This is the case with the current head unit until I upgrade.

 

I am having the same issue here! Worked fine and then stopped. Was able to get it working following a suggestion on this (or another similar thread)forum suggesting unlocking the phone with passcode after it has been connected to usb port. Worked with that suggestion yesterday, but today not working again! Sad

 

Try the above battery/brake reset, restart your phone, then try again. I've not had any issues on multiple devices since doing these steps.

 

Just bumping this because it solved my USB connectivity issue and I haven't had any issues since. 2020 Taco