No stereo functionality

Hey all, I've got the 2018 limited jbl system. It's been a while since my factory hu produced any music sound through the jbl system.

I've been trying to troubleshoot the issue, but I suspect the hu has gone. I've checked all the fuses, it looks like there is power going to the factory amp w/ about 12v. Now, the navigation works and gives audible directions through the front dash speakers. I just don't know if it's still a problem with the hu, or maybe it's an amplifier malfunction. Just giving it one last troubleshooting attempt before punting.

If I do swap it, I'm looking at the Alpine 511, upgrading with the Alpine amp and maybe their speaker kit too. Looks like Trail Grid Pro has all compatible connectors that work perfectly with the Tundras.

Anybody have the same issues with their hu, or have other troubleshooting ideas? Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Be grateful you were given a good reason to ditch the OEM POS HU.

I recently installed a Kenwood DMX1057XR and just swapping the HU made a substantial improvement in sound quality even with my stock non-JBL speakers.

Plus SO much more... better NAV, better voice control, Android Auto / Carplay for the wife, gauge packs, and wireless screen mirroring for Netflix, YouTube, Prime, etc.

Added a front camera too.

It was kind of a tossup between this and the Alpine but I like having an actual volume knob, so Kenwood won out.

 

Cool, nice build. That's a great point about the volume button with that deck. Yes, front camera is on the list too, seems like a great feature. Tks!

 

It really is handy.

I've always been pretty good about knowing where my wheels, bumpers, corners are but two years in and I really have no idea where the front of this big, beautiful pig is. The sensors are nice but the front ones only look at corners, if you're pulling straight ahead at something they'd likely let you drive right into a wall without beeping.

I think I'm really close to something and I'm actually like 18" away.

With the front cam placement I can see my bumper and easily get an inch away from something if I need to.

*Worth noting* If you go with a new HU and are getting the Maestro (to retain steering wheel controls) I spent the extra $50 to get Maestro RR-2 instead of the RR, and it gives you a couple of programmable inputs so when I eventually install a light bar up front it will let me control them from the HU without having to run wires & switches into the cab.
The RR-2 is also Bluetooth programmable if you ever need to reflash it, or want to change configurations on your steering wheel controls.

You get secondary "Press n' Hold" functions from some of the buttons. Like if I press "Volume Up" it turns up the volume, if I press n' hold it brings up my gauges screen. Another button brings up the front cam, another TPMS

 

I went with the Sony XAV-9000ES from Trail Grid, was doing a whole system upgrade and wanted to save time on install so I went with them. Was actually cheaper through them than Crutchfield, great customer service, no complaints. Adding a front cam on your own is easy, I added an Amazon cam that works great.

As for your system, in a 2018 with JBL, all of the speakers get signal from the JBL amp. In non-jbl like my truck, the center dash and corners get signal directly from the head unit. As you said, it could be the amp, or it could be the head unit. One way to know for sure would be to use a multi-meter and check both the input and output sides of the factory amp to determine if the amp is getting signal from the head unit or not. If the voltage is good going into the amp and bad going out, the amp is the problem. If the voltage is bad going into the amp, then the head unit is the problem.

This video from 5 Star Car Stereo explains it better. They're testing voltage at different frequencies to determine what input voltage they'd need in an aftermarket amp, but the premise is still the same. Basically you'd just want to test for current on the speaker channels before and after the amp to figure out if the amp or head unit is the problem:https://youtu.be/ktQ57XzCsio?t=192

Since the navigation system is outputting signal through the dash speakers, it's hard to say which is the problem without testing. It would be odd for either the head unit or amp to only burn out on the non-dash speaker channels, but stranger things have happened.

 

Thanks for the info and Sony suggestion. I do like the Sony products and may go with the ES lineup, maybe the 9500. Did you replace the factory amp along with the 9000? The front camera would be a great new feature too.

 

So I actually left the factory amp in place but it’s not doing anything. I installed a JL RD900/5 from my last truck, ran rcas to it, and ran new speaker wire throughout. I’ve been loving the 9000, only reason i didn’t go 9500 is i park outside on a main road and the bigger screen is more eye catching for thieves. As far as functionality it’s been great, no dropped connections etc. Only thing I don’t like is there’s no wires car play, only wireless, and there’s a slight lag when changing songs as a result. One thing to keep in mind is that in both JBL and non-JBL, if you’re replacing the amp, you’ll likely want to replace speakers too. Reason being most aftermarket amps, even the less powerful ones, will be too much juice for the factory speakers. Similarly if you replace the factory JBL speakers but keep the JBL amp, the amp will likely be underpowered for your new speakers. I’m always happy to help gather options at different price points for people depending on what their goals are. Trail Grid Pro are great beyond their deals too, they’ve got great install videos and awesome customer support. I’ve always been a Crutchfield/Sonic Electronix/ABT Electronics customer, but for the price Trail Grid was a no brainer. I feel like they should be added to the good vendors list on here

 

Yes, I gotta be more cautious with that screen sticking out, definitely a concern in my neighborhood. Yes I agree with the speaker replacement as well as the subwoofer too, don't go half- ass right? Even if the stereo were working, new speakers would be a decent upgrade. Trail Grid Pro has some great content videos with replacing audio parts, I'm leaning towards the kicker 660.5 amp along with 10pc. Alpine speaker set. Also been looking at the Taco Tunes woofer boxes, or maybe just go with the Alpine woofer. TGP have been great so far with their responses, no complaints & clear video content. I'll post results in a while.