Adding bluetooth to stock stereo/radio/head unit

It took some time to find threads on adding bluetooth to my stock head unit so I thought I'd assemble some information here.

I wanted to keep my stock head unit. The looks work for me, the price is right, I don't want to toss it in the trash and I don't want to save it in the garage (for my big BaT pay day) so storing it in the dash of the Tundra works well for me. I may improve the sound with a sound processor an amp and speakers eventually, but for now I just want to bluetooth audio from my phone to the stock stereo.

These threads were helpful:

• https://www.tundras.com/threads/aux-or-bluetooth-in-stock-headunit.35744/
• https://www.tundras.com/threads/can-i-add-an-aux-to-the-stock-head-unit.68899/

The GTA unit mentioned in the threads gets good reviews but at $140 I thought I'd look around and I took a chance on this at $56:

$60 Yomikoo Bluetooth Car Kit, Car Audio USB AUX Input Adapter Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 for Toyota Camry Tacoma Corolla Tundra 4runner RAV4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1IFWA1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

The compatibility chart says it fits 2004 - 2011 Tundras (I've got a 2003) and the first question on amuhzon asks about 2003 Tundras and doesn't get a helpful response. After some research I decided that since it uses the 6+6 plug that matched the plug for the unused 12 pin CD changer jack on my stock head unit I'd take a small risk and order it. Since my dash was already apart, I had it plugged in and paired with my phone in less than 10 minutes.

Verdict: after a few days use I can say it works. I paired it with my phone once and when the radio is on and my phone is nearby it automatically connects. The on/off button on the radio pauses/resumes play of the music on my phone, the Seek button on the radio advances/goes back on tracks. So far there are no annoying glitches. I've made a couple of phone calls and still need to position the mic but it seems that it will do phone calls (a super low priority for me but it sure is handy when it's available).

In addition to bluetooth input it has a 1/8" audio aux jack and a USB port to plug in cards or a phone/ipod.

Once plugged in, you push the DISC source button to select the existing CD player or push it again to select the bluetooth device, i.e. it's pretty simple to go from radio to CD player to bluetooth by using the source buttons.

Recommended.

Photos

Here's the 2003 non-JBL head unit in my Tundra, #16836 in the upper right corner...


The jack in the middle is the magic 12 pin (6+6) jack that the CD changer plugs into. This seems to be pretty standard for many Toyota stock head units for 15 yers or more...


The $56 Bluetooth receiver plugged into the 12 pin (6+6) CD changer jack. This 12 pin plug seems to be consistent on many of the stock Tundra radios. If you have a CD changer you'll lose that boat anchor and replace it with a new future boat anchor (the bluetooth receiver).


I hope this helps someone else who wants to keep stock head unit but have it communicate with a phone via bluetooth.

 

Bummer for my 2002. I suppose I could change stock radios to yours. I don't think the bezels changed until 2004?

This is a fantastic write up btw!

 

^^^ The Amazon question for the unit I bought mentioned this company had one compatible with a 2002. I'll look...

Do you have a 5+7 pin jack? It looks like this may fit a 2002...

$56 Bluetooth Car Kit, Yomikoo Car Audio USB AUX Input Bluetooth 5.0 Music Adapter with Wireless Hands Free for Toyota 5+7pin Avensis Corolla Highlander RAV4 Yaris

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Yomikoo-Wireless-Receiver-Highlander/dp/B01N441F30

 

Great write up! I bought one of the FM bluetooth wireless car adapters for mine. Works well and plays music off of a micro USB card . I have a CD player waiting to be installed in place of the factory unit whenever I get around to it.

 

Thank you so much for digging this up for me! The uncircled connector in the top right appears to be a 5+7. I'll give this a shot.

These are my only pictures I took that day. Which is why I quoted it in here instead of just posting a picture.

Where did you run the mic, or its unnecessary? Usually with Bluetooth devices I can select whats "allowed" on my phone and deny call access. I may give it a go with this though!

I'm ordering right now! I can always send it back if it doesn't fit/work.

 

I stuck an under $100 aftermarket Kenwood with BT in mine and there is nothing about the stock radio that I miss in any way.
I can also stick my Scan Gauge in the now free DIN slot below the Kenwood which is a huge upgrade too!

 

For now, I just ran the cables and put the unit in the glovebox. When I'm confident that all is well I'll tidy up the cables and hide the unit behind the venti/radio panel. The GTA video recommends running the mic wire behind the dash/lower panel in front of the driver's shins and up the A-pillar and attaching the mic on the A-pillar. I'm not a big phone talker, esp. in the car, but since this unit is setup for bluetooth calls I'll install it. I'm sure Mom will call one day when I'm driving and we'll have a good chat while I'm on the road.

 

That sounds like a nice setup. I definitely looked at single DIN head-units and wondered what I'd do with the new found space.

As for missing the stock radio, what do you play your cassette tapes on?



(I do remember the day a million years ago when I tossed all of my tapes from the 80s. Goodbye Foreigner, goodbye STYX, etc. Now I have boxes of CDs in the attic - fortunately, I was able to grab some some when I got the Tundra.)

 

i installed a newer Toyota factory radio.. been great

 

Thanks for posting the information! I now have choices and $56 is not bad as I was looking at the GTA, not sure which option.

Regarding the last post by "empty-lord" do you have the year of the newer Toyota factory radio that will fit and does it give you the auxiliary option and what other features does it have? A picture would be great of the install.

Thanks for the information, at least I have options now -

2003 Toyota Tundra Extra Cab Limited 4 x 4.

 

This is how I ran my mic and it works perfectly! No problems hearing or being heard.

 

2000 SR5

Easy-peasy. I use a Scosche FM/Bluetooth unit. It's small and simply plugs into the cig lighter. Done. No wires no mess. I use my iPhone to stream music, GPS and calls to the stock unit. Sound quality is as good as a CD in the stock unit.

Been using it for about three years. Automatically pairs with my iPhone when I start the truck. Works perfect for what you're looking to do and takes about two seconds to install. $40.

 

That does look easy. Does it have a separate mic for the phone or does it use the the phone mic to pick up your voice?

 

Scosche has no microphone. It uses the microphone in the iPhone.

 

I have the same radio as he does. It's a 2017-2019 '86'. Fits the updated interior bezel that is 200mm wide (8"). Doesn't fit the older style 180mm (7") bezel.



I didn't wire it in but I think an aux can be wired to it. Add a mic for handsfree phone calls (I haven't, yet).

I use it for the backup camera, Bluetooth audio and improved internal amp. I also added steering wheel controls. I removed the OEM Tundra amp.

 

This looks like a great option. I tend to prefer oem head units because they often look and feel better (those are reasons I kept my oem head unit)

I was going to ask some install questions but it looks like they're all answered here (this thread covers all sorts of touchscreen head units):
https://www.tundras.com/threads/touch-screen-head-unit-whos-got-what.65309/

And there's a super-detailed write-up here:
https://thetrackahead.com/projects/the-ultimate-scion-head-unit-t10015-4th-gen-toyota-4runner/

Thanks @empty_lord and @assassin10000 for mentioning the oem upgrade.

 

Aux can be added, but you’ll need to use shielded wire

 

Just ordered the GTA Kit, should have looked at this Amazon option first.

Anyone have advice on or a thread going for replacement speakers? My preliminary research makes it seems like the Amazon spacers allow you to select almost any 6.5” speaker you like. Also seems to do away with the second tweeter in the lower speaker housing.

 

There are s

There are some good threads on speakers. There's also an Audio forum where you might find some good info. I haven't replaced speakers yet so I don't have personal experience. Also, the Crutchfield site is helpful as is their phone staff. Crutchfield is much better for buying car audio than Amazon (they were out of stock on the BT adapter I needed though).

 

Will the Yamikoo 5+7 Pin for 2002 Tundra allow me the Stream XM Radio via my iPhone XM App?

If so, I’m all in as I like the OEM Radio Style. For $55 this is a ‘no brainer’ as I’m looking to rid myself of the old XM Receiver mounted at my right knee cap and eliminate some ‘antennae shadowing’ on certain tree lined roads.

 

Thats similar to what I did. That way I can use it between my Jeep and my tundra. Although it did drive me crazy at first when I started the engine it would say "waiting for Perry". Im like I dont have any songs named Perry. Then I figured it out..waiting to Pair

 

I just tested these apps on my phone and they all bluetoothed through this box to the stock sound system: Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud and a few others. Google plays its audio prompts over the app that is playing but it's audible (I think it suspends the other audio app on other BT systems I've used but that may be a setting). My guess is that your XM app would bluetooth to the radio just fine.

I often have better cell coverage than AM/FM coverage so I listen to AM/FM via TuneIn and iHeart Radio. Regarding your XM reciever, I wonder if it gets better reception than cell coverage. Do you drive across Montana w/out cell coverage often?

Edit: I have the 6+6 pin but I assume the 5+7 pin version operates the same but just ahs a different plug.

 

"Surely you can't be serious," "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley."




Must be your avatar.

 

I have the 5+7 Pin Bluetooth Unit sitting next to me right now and may install it tomorrow. My XM is Satellite and for the most part gets good coverage except in Summer Thick Canopy. Also, XM has expanded their stations on their App, yet those same stations can’t be accessed on my 2003 Receiver.

Even XM new receivers ($50+) don’t offer their expanded station list in totality.

If I can Stream Via Phone App, it should work well for me.

Bought a Magnetized Phone Holder and will post pics soon. Looking to mount the BT behind the radio or better yet up near the ECU area to keep the device away from extreme heat from the ducting during winter heat mode. I’ll run a Phone Charger through the duct work and mount the Magnet Mount at Radio Level. The Charger has 90° Input End for clean install.

Everything might change, but thats how my mind sees it currently.

 

Good luck to ya....we have SiriusXM contract for wifes High and have Sirius app on my Iphone and via CarPlay on my Kenwood HU jam away CH 17 The Bridge

 

@Professional Hand Model, that sounds like a good plan. I'm looking forward to seeing your phone mount. I've been puzzling that one. I have one that clamps to the vent but thats a bit wobbly and it blocks the vent. I'm not crazy about adhesives on the dash or suction cups on the glass. I want it near the forward line-of-sight, etc. I may learn something from your black belt ninja mastery.

 

I was just out going through Mock Hand Maneuvers for tomorrow. Things are looking ok per the Original Vision. My Mag Mount might not have enough Projection to go where I want it. Like you, I don’t like all this stuff cluttering the top dash like I see some have blocking vision.

This Mag Mount is super small with a high strength magnet. I’m now wondering if its too strong and will rip the adhesive backer off the base? We’ll find out!

 

Got her in. Used the 5+7 Pin Unit for 2002 Tundra. Nothing sexy so no pics of the install. Did use double sided tape on the BT Box Unit and stuck it on top of the CPU behind glove box.

As far as the Phone Mount, the Scosche Elite Unit is pretty nice. Its their strongest magnet. You peel and stick a metal plate on your phone (between the cover and phone in my case) and she stays. Time will tell on the durability of the 3M tape. I choose the dead center mounting to access the knobs on either side of the stereo as well as keeping the CD Button unblocked for toggling in and out of the BT Mode.

I’m keeping my existing XM Receiver in place/hooked up for now to keep my options open if something goes awry. With the XM App, one can get their ‘Xtra’ Stations not available on Antennae so this was my main reason for going this route with BT. Also, Summer Jungle Canopy blocks Sat Signals on a few roads and having the Streaming via LTE will hopefully eliminate this.

BT ($55) plus the Scosche Mag ($20) for a total of around $80 is not bad for an easy plug and play hook up that keeps many options open.

Never did run the charger wire through the Vent as proposed as the BT Box Plug in did not register on my iPhone. I’ll just run a wire down to my Charging Ports on the Pass Side Footwell (18” L wire). Maybe look for a reel up wire set up to keep things clean.

 

You're gonna have a heckuva time changing cassette tapes though.