8" to 14" JBL question

Like I posted in the other conversion thread, I picked up a 14" unit the other day. In good shape, and not too bad~1400. I thought I had gotten the non JBL, but was disappointed to find that wasn't the case when I opened the package. Came with everything, vents as well, so I thought was pretty good deal all things considered.
I had heard there were some issues with the jbls, but I couldn't find a clear answer. After installing, I found that the unit worked, but I had no volume control. Of course, I don't have the external button yet and had no way to adjust.
This is a deal breaker if it can't be adjusted. I am preparing to return and seek out a non-jbl, but wondering if there is a way to update the JBL unit to use the steering wheel control. If I could get that working, that would be enough for me right now.
Before I give up, has anybody ran into this issue before and found a solution?

 

I am in the same boat. I found that since I was going to upgrade all the door speakers anyway. I decided to run all new speaker wire to the new door speakers and to the subs. That is all ran off of a 4 channel and a mono amp. The audio signal/source is a Bluetooth amplifier I bout for around $100 off of Amazon. This is the only way I have had any success since I spent so much on the screen upgrade. I would highly recommend returning if you have the ability and save yourself the headache. If you choose to go the way I did it, you can still use your apple CarPlay/Android auto but have to select where you send your audio from your phone.

 

You bought the wrong unit, you need a non JBL version

 

After more searches, I see that now. I had previously seen concerns about which unit to buy, but I missed the "JBL" on the front corner.
When I was researching previously, I didn't see the explanation. What I found is that the software is different between the two, so the audio volume is not compatible.
I cannot confirm that is the true reason, but yeah, audio levels cannot be changed using a JBL 14" unit in a non JBL tundra.
Thanks for the responses!

 

The jbl system controls the volume and other functions through the amp. The head unit is more or less a preamp and display for the amp which is stupid IMHO but is what it is.

 

That explains the issue with volume controls a lot better. I appreciate the feedback.

The facts are rather disappointing, as I have not been able to locate reasonable priced non-JBL units anywhere.

I've gone ahead and returned the JBL unit and will keep looking for a replacement compatible version.

A side note, in my research, the only P/Ns that I have found to be compatible as non-JBL are the following:

86100-0C360
86100-0C361
86100-0C401.

Has anyone found any other versions that are compatible?

What are the differences between the units listed above?

Thanks again.

 

Pretty sure discussed in the 10+ page 8 to 14in upgrade thread. Would refer you back to that thread for info. Been a while but iirc it was differences in geographical locations (IE Mexico, Canada,US).

 

That does sound like a headache. Sorry for not responding earlier, I saw your response, but I wasn't able to process the arrangement you have and was curious of the control you have.

I was able to return the JBL head unit, but I would like to see if there may some way that the surplus of these JBL units could be used as alternatives.

With your arrangement, are the steering wheel controls able to operate the amplifier volume? Just wondering if the system just needs a amplifier to add back the control...