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View Full Version : FREE stock radio mod!!!



tacoclimber
11-30-2007, 09:04 AM
Ok, I searched and didn't find anything on this, so I'm gonna throw it up here. I do know that this works on my 2003 Tacoma radio. I don't know if it works on any other year or model radios.

When I first got my truck, I was a little bummed that the radio didn't have a "mid" setting on the equalizer controls. I found out about this mod on another forum, tried it and decided that I didn't need to replace the stock radio.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/tacoclimber/radio.jpg

Here's the trick: While the radio is on, push and hold the Control Mode knob/button (the big one to the right of the lcd display - like in the picture) until the radio beeps. Once it beeps, cycle through the setting options by pushing it. You will come to the bass setting, then push it again, and the display will read something that looks similar to "MID". Set it where you want it and enjoy the new better sound.

Here is the only catch. Once you set it, if you do not turn off the radio BEFORE turning off the ignition, you have to go through the whole process again. To avoid that, simply turn the radio off before shutting off the truck. I have had may radio like this for almost three years, and it's such a habit to turn off the radio now, that the only time I have to re-set the mid setting is if my wife has driven the truck.

So, there you go. A completely free mod. Don't say I never gave you anything. :hillbill:

If anybody tries this on other years and models and it works, make sure you post up so others will know!

04 Rocko Taco
11-30-2007, 09:13 AM
Way to go CJ!! I will be trying as soon as I go to lunch! i'll let you know how it goes in my '04.

Rock Slide
11-30-2007, 06:39 PM
Wow CJ, that sucks you have to do all that just to get a MID selection on the stock HU? Not to mention keeping the level saved after you turn the vehicle off...

I'll have to look and see what model oem HU I have in my '02 4Runner, b/c mine looks very similar to yours, yet works completely different. It's not nearly as picky as yours? Here's a picture of mine:


http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i60/Fastluck/Stereo/CIMG0333.jpg


On my HU, to access the sound settings, it's the same button as yours (big knob to the right of the display), however you just depress it and let go and the first setting appears (No beeps on mine either.) The first option that comes up is the BASS level. Once you adjust that to your liking, press the knob again and you access the MID level. Adjust that, press the knob again and you access the TRE selection. Press the knob again takes you to the BAL section. Press it again, takes you to the FADE selection. By pressing the knob over and over, you will cycle back through the 5 options I have just mentioned above. Once a button has not been depressed for a few seconds, the sound settings will disappear and the display will return to where it was before you selected the sound settings.

Oh and the nice thing is, once you set the bass, mids and treble sections, they stay at that level no matter if you turn the radio off first or turn the ignition off first. The only time I have to change them is A. if I manually want to change them or B. if I unplug the battery or radio itself. I'm really surprised you have to turn the radio off first just to keep your settings? IMO, that's too much work! I've never had to do that on mine.

If you like the look of a stock HU just as I do, you might want to consider swapping in a HU out of a 4Runner that's a similar model so you don't have to turn the radio off first everytime just to keep your settings.

tacoclimber
12-01-2007, 02:14 PM
Slide: Yeah, I don't know what the deal is with the 03 radios. Apparently, this is common to that year. Anyway, I thought about replacing it, but I've gotten so accustomed to turning the radio on and off that I don't even think about it. The other nice thing is that if you have a tendency to listen to your music loud (like I do) having to manually turn the radio on after starting the truck keeps you from soiling yourself if you've forgotten that your radio was turned up the last time you drove... :laugh:
For me, I'd rather just deal with it the way it is and use the money for something else on my rig. But that's just me... :D Now, if someone wants to donate a compatible HU I'd be more than happy to take it. :hillbill:

oly884
12-02-2007, 03:34 PM
Nice trick! I would sure do it if I had my original HU, haha.

Lee
12-03-2007, 07:13 AM
i had heard a different version of this that i tried on my 00 camry, to no avail.

ill have to give this a try, though mine doesnt beep :(

04 Rocko Taco
12-03-2007, 07:30 AM
Way to go CJ!! I will be trying as soon as I go to lunch! i'll let you know how it goes in my '04.


CJ, Awesome trick! Works on my '04 DoubleCab HU.

I did notice that you do HAVE to be in FM mode on mine, if I am in AM, or CD, or Tape, it won't ever beep, and it wont work, I have to switch over to FM to get the mids in there.

Lee
12-05-2007, 03:30 AM
oh cool ill try it on FM :)