Toyota Camry Audio Questions

bbinsd

I have the JBL without NAV and the dealer throw in Sirius for free. They installed the chip and antenna yesterday. They wanted to put the antenna inside next to the rear window brake light. I insisted on in being centered above the rear window external. The cord is tucked under the window seal then into the trunk. It worked great last night. Location is the key.

blindmantoo

If needed, I'll move mine outside also. It's being installed at the "port" next week - so only time will tell.

Here's some pics of my xm roady2 antenna installation on my wife's Maxima (being traded in on the SEV6):





Yes, that's a heavy dose of pollen on the car. The antenna has been on for one year - through a mild winter - with no issues. I routed it through the trunk and under the carpets on the driver's side up to the unit - which was mounted w/ velcro on the dash.

rmartinez1

I think toyota should pick a satellite provider and build it into the car seamlessly like Honda has done with the Accord. I'll consider replacing my accord once they get the satellite right given there aren't many other problem issues with camry. I know it sounds picky but my wife just loves the ease of use with the accord. Just my 2 cents. :shades:

ehasz

Anyone have any pics of what the antenna looks like on the Camry? It sounds like in some cases they are installing it INSIDE the car, near the brake light? DO they ever do it externally?

(Is there a good source for info about this -- maybe buried deep in one of the more general Camry threads? Or another web resource? I really want to get XM for my TCH (whenever I get THAT), and have no idea how to go about making it happen. Is it something I should be asking the dealer for and paying some installation fee? Again, sorry if this info is readily available somewhere... I have done some searching and haven't found clear answers... maybe I just need to be more thorough and persistent.)

anniemfuse

I think toyota should pick a satellite provider and build it into the car seamlessly

I disagree. I am a current SIRIUS customer and want the content they provide. Let the customer decide what radio channels they want. Thank god Toyota isn't doing these exclusive contracts with a single provider like some auto companies. That gives us choices. Select the content you want, then get a satellite radio receiver to match.

Toyota provides a factory radio that integrates easily with EITHER an XM receiver or a SIRIUS receiver. And the third party satellite radio receiver companies like Factory Interactive will have fully integrated XM and SIRIUS receiver/antenna units for the 07 Camry available shortly. Once installed either should provide ease of use and integration with factory radio controls.

Antenna placement and reception issues can be easily resolved. If you can't get good reception inside then a small shark fin or disk can be placed outside. The dealer should move the antenna for free or if the service guys at the dealer are clueless then any car stereo shop can install an outside antenna for you or you can move it yourself as blindmantoo did (nice pictures, blindmantoo). You can even get a color matched cover if you want. Fsowirles is exactly correct - a ground plane improves reception and an external mount will probably always be superior.

I drive a 93 Camry with SIRIUS and am awaiting the arrival of my TCH with SIRIUS later this month. If the TCH antenna is inside and reception is bad, I'll have it moved outside. For my '93 camry I installed a AM/FM radio with an input jack for satellite radio and also installed a satellite radio receiver. The receiver unit is hidden inside dash behind radio. The antenna is installed on front right roof near windshield and near passenger door. The wiring is completely hidden. The only thing visible is the anntenna with wire tucked into windshield gasket and the console-mounted display unit (S50). I never have reception problems except in a canyon or tunnel.

dretep

I'm due for installation next week. The guy doing the job says the factory kit calls for a trunk mounted antenna - he says he prefers to put the antenna inside, on top of the dash right under the windshield - I asked him about a roof mount through the back window and he said breaking the window seal could cause problems for me.

General consensus seems to be outside>inside. Any opinions on the trunk vs. roof? Thanks.

anniemfuse

I'm due for installation next week

XM or SIRIUS?

The guy doing the job says factory kit calls for a trunk mounted antenna.........he prefers dash under windshield...asked him about roof mount through the back window

Some installers don't use satellite radio radio themselves and may not have directly dealt with good reception issues. And some installers are focused on doing a clean looking installation that is relatively easy to do without much consideration to reception. A dash mount puts the antenna very close to the receiver unit inside the dash and involves less antenna wire routing. Routing the antenna wiring is easier for a trunk mount than a roof mount. Any routing can be done but some take a lot more time than others to do cleanly.

There are many factors that affect reception.
- antenna size
- whether there is a ground plane/size of ground plane
- whether antenna location has unobstructed view of sky regardless of orientation of car (e.g car driving south versus north)
- to a small extent, whether XM or SIRIUS, in conjunction with where you are located geographically - they have different satellites (number and location in sky) and different numbers of ground repeaters.
- if inside install, whether window has metal in window tint

Also note that if the receiver output wire (to display unit) is too close to the power wire (actually any power wire) then static interference can arise. A good installer will make sure this doesn't happen and will test/move wiring in dash as needed to get it right.

There is a lot of good info on the XM and SIRIUS user forums.

spiff72

This was posted in another forum as a photo of where the Sirius antenna is. Can anyone out there confirm that this really is the sat radio antenna (maybe someone without Nav in their car)?

http://greenhybrid.com/discuss/showpost.php?p=66873&postcount=14

heathinsd

Hi Gene22,

I was wondering what you've decided to do as far as getting XM in your Camry.

I am in the same situation and am not sure what to do. I've found a kit on eBay for $289 + shipping but don't know if that's a good price or if I can install it myself.

I just don't want to get ripped off by the dealer either.

Thanks!
Heath

anniemfuse

Factory Interactive has developed their SIRIUS receiver for the 2007 Camry and needs a customer to bring in a car so they can videotape the install. They provide installation videos with their receivers. Once that is done the unit goes on the market. They are in New Jersey. They already provide XM and SIRIUS receivers for the Prius, Highlander, and Lexus.

franklin6

Just bought a 2007 Camry and the message on the radio when you first start the car is 'Welcome to Camry' is there anyway to personalize this message? Looked in the manual but didn't see anything...
Thanks!

gene22

Got my kit today from Toyota Dealer via ebay. Same $300 range. Came with printout of dealer/tech installation. Not complicated, but very involved. They have the "box' being installed in the trunk, so you have to run heavy wires from dash all the way back. Remove kick panels, back seat, etc. etc. With the exception of a "nylon removal tool" need to pry certain pieces off, the rest of the tools are normal stuff.

The instructions also list small parts that you MIGHT need for reassembly - clips and stuff. I guess in case something breaks along the way.

I now see why the dealer wanted so much to install it.

queenbetty

After I found out how much the "factory" XM install cost, I just tossed my Roady in the little cubby under the radio and plugged into the AUX jack. Ran the antenna out the side hole provided, and just keep it in the little tray on the passenger side. When I want to listen to XM I toss the antenna up on the dash. Works fine. I can't see what's playing, but I don't care. I only listen to three or four XM channels, so I just use the presets when I want to change. Cost: zero.

spiff72

Have you installed your kit yet? Also, did it come with the "nylon removal tool"?

Thanks,
Jeff

gene22

I was in a big hurry to get my XM kit, but it now sits in the trunk. A few reasons. Fairly long install as you have to remove half of the trim from the dash down the passenger side and into the trunk. Not afraid of the hours, but more concerned with breaking some clips off along the way. They install list shows some clips that might be needed, but are not provided. Suggests use of nylon removal tool, but not included either. The actual install looks easy... screw box down, plug in some wires, etc.

blindmantoo

:surprise: I understand your concerns - I installed a trailer package on my new Odyssey last summer. It required (and I'm not a mechanic, but I have a lot of tools) removing the front & rear bumpers, lots of trim panels, installing the electrical harness and hitch, power steering and tranny coolers, and more. I saved about $400 by doing it myself. Yes, I broke a few clips, cursed a whole bunch, wondered if it would blow up when I was done. It took eight hours - and everything worked out fine. I picked up a few new clips the following day and have no regrets. Just start doing it!

tvuong

Hi all,
Does the standard single CD/MP3 player have the Auxiliary Audio Input for an Ipod? I read the Spec/feature and it says there is one for all models, but I did not see one when test drive the LE/XLE/SE. Please tell me if there is one and where it is located? Thanks.

kiawah

go to www.toyotaiguide.com

Put in the model you want info about, and cruise thru the interactive guide. Choose the audio section, it'll show you where it's at

njerald

Yes, behind the door in front of the shifter.

tvuong

great! Thanks alot

mitchjav

So, after having the car back into Toyota twice and them insisting that there was no problem (in fact, in the area of the dealership, it was working fine) --- I pushed back and told them that there WAS a problem - either fix it or give me my installation cost back. They claim they got on the phone with Toyota corporate support and found out that the installation instructions had been revised since many customers had been reporting problems similar to mine. They rerouted to an antenna located in the rear window. It's like night & day now - I'm actually now enjoying XM.

spiff72

You didn't seem to say where the antenna was originally mounted. Where was it before they put it in the back window?

ganryu34

To retain steering wheel radio control with an aftermarket radio use the PAC SWI-X. Crutchfield, Ebay, and bunch of other folks sell it. For your doors, just buy the modifier kit for 6x9 to 6 1/2" or fab it out of MDF at you local hardware store. Trust me it's not that hard. Save your cash and do the install yourself.

khanh007

Could anyone let me know where the speakers in the new 2007 Camry JBL system are located?

It states 8 speakers in 6 locations.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Khanh

njerald

2 in the dash, 2 in the front doors, and 4 in 2 locations on the deck behind the back seats.

xitco

Is there is any way to access my ipod files once I have plugged into Auxiliary Audio Input? If a special cable is needed does anyone know where it can be found? Or can I only control the volume thru the stereo controls?
Any help is greatly appreciated

khanh007

Thanks! Exact info I was looking for.

Regards,

Khanh

mitchjav

cohort

Well I had the installed XM but really wanted Sirius. I made a deal with the dealer and am having issues with Sirius. The Sirus radio is a factory Toyota reciever along with HU. No FM Mod.

Issue #1
When I had XM hooked up to my Toyota Camry I swear it scrolled the letters so you could read all of the text. Now that I got Sirius it only shows 10 letters and I can't read 800 numbers or full names. It's a Toyota factor Sirus reciver that directly connects to the head unit and is not connected by FM Mod.

Issue #2
When the treble is turned up I get distortion. Crackles or sounds like distortion when someone talks, a vibration of the voice like the speakers is blown or vibrating and only when Serius is on, AM and FM are fine along with a CD. Once I turn the treble to -1 to -5 it goes away but once I turn the treble up is when I have the problem. I messed with it today, it's like the treble setting in the sirus reciver is set to high so when the treble is turned up it vibrates or distorts. I didn't have this problem with XM.

I have had the dealer check all the connections and had Sirus send another signal to my radio, no luck.

norbert3

I have the Camry XLE JBL head unit with dealer installed XM radio and the text for artist and selection does not scroll sideways to expose the full information.
8 of the 10 characters that can be displayed at once seem to load and no more.

Is this the normal behavior of that unit's display?

johnbom

:confuse:

I've got 2 Sirius Starmate Replay ST2's that will not finish the "power on" cycle, in my car.

1. gets to the Dog logo screen and stops responding.
2. doesn't turn on at all. (no response) (WARRANTY REPLACMENT)

I tried both in a 2002 Ford Explorer hot 12V connector, Results as follows:

1. Same
2. gets to the activation screen on the radio!!

I tried the 12V connector from the old and new one on both and that didn't change the behavior.

What can I check on my 2002 Toyota Camry to see if it will work?

My AC/DC adaptor (for the kiddie's DVD player) works fine in the 02 Camry.

Should I call Sirius? The Toyota Dealer? A Trusted Mechanic? A Friend who works at the Caddie dealer and does stuff on the side?

Thanks for any help!!

terry92270

I hate to ask the obvious, but you did actually subscribe to Sirius :confuse:

Merely getting the radio doesn't mean you get the programming, you have to activate it. If you have done so, it's a Sirius issue, and is under warranty.

leyenda00959

Hi All:

I' am new here. I want to replace my Toyota Camry 1998 stereo. My question is, Anybody knows the clor code for the speakers in the wire hartness? I was searching in the forum post but not find anithing. Thanks in advance,

Luis

terry92270

There are audio forums here. You can also check with Crutchfield, who sells lots of after-market audio, and has self-install guides on their website. crutchfield.com

pat

This is one of the audio forums here.

terry92270

Yeah, thanks, Pat!

I tried to get back and edit that, to say "Other audio forums" but I was too slow, due to aging process. :P

johnbom

Yep -- subscribed and activated -- I am tired of dealing with warranty issues -- this is my third radio.

annapolis_se

I have an 07 Camry SE with the navigation and the cd track info does not display while the car is in motion. But the radio stations do. Toyota says that this is a saftey feature. As a Software tester I believe this to be a design flaw. How can you say it's a safety feature to not display CD track names but you display the stations name and call letters and freq. My question is has anyone found a way to get the track info to display while the car is in motion?

fsowirles

1. Get to the volume screen
2. Press the speaker icon in the top left of the screen.
3. Then press the bottom left corner of the screen
4. Press the speaker icon for the second time
5. Press the bottom left corner for the second time and the service screen should appear.

6. Now press and hold the "Override" button until it beeps.

7. That's it, you may now use ALL Dest buttons while the vehicle is moving!

empurple

I just bought the car so I don't have any clue about how I plug my ipot in the Aux jack. The Aux seems to be installed sooooo deep inside the pocket, I can barely see inside to figure out what kind of cable I have to plug in And it has the power source right next to the aux jack hole so it seems that I should plug multi cable in there. Can anyone tell me where the heck I can find out the cable? Btw, CE doesn't come with the keyless entry, so I'm thinking I should install one. Should I see my dealer about that for the cheapest price? Or any other cheaper service out there? Thanks for responding

kiawah

I had posted in one of the forums here about 6 months ago, the Radio Shack p/n for the IPOD. It's a standard male-to-male cable. Came in I think a 1' or 6' version, we bought the 6' version so anyone in the car front or back seat can control it. Cable is like 4-5 bucks or so. We just leave the cable plugged in deep inside the cavern, and connect the ipod on the outboard end whenever it's desired.

annapolis_se

Thanks for the info but this doesn't work on the units in the 2007. Any other suggestions?

07xle

Not true!

It works on release 5.1 but not the new 6.1 that is included with later '07's.

empurple

Camry 2007 CE>> I just bought the ipod car charger which, according to the seller, has to be connected to ipod for the power resource AND I can listen to the music from the ipod at the same time. But I realized I had to plug separately the cable into the aux jack of the car to listen to the music. Otherwise, it keeps only charging, not playing (it doesn't even try to read the ipod) . This is kinda annoying..

pabugeater

Correct. You have to make a hybrid nav DVD: copy the 6.1 DVD to a computer, replace the loading.kwi file with the one from a 5.1 DVD, and burn a DVD+R DL "combo DVD" with "booking type DVD-ROM". With the new DVD in the navsys unit, pull circuit beaker "Radio 1", located under the hood - for 60 seconds, and then replace the breaker. Start the car and let the old firmware load. It takes about 30 econds - DO NOT INTERRUPT this process.

drjames

Sorry to hear that. Most OEM Aux jacks will not display Ipod info, but you can always install something like this....

http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-TOYOTA-CAMRY-DIRECT-iPOD-INPUT-W-TEXT_W0QQitemZ15007517- 2216QQihZ005QQcategoryZ32812QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

stlpike07

I know there are many features included with the JBL stereo.......can someone highlight what some of these feature are?

What is the purpose of the scan button and folder button?

I would appreciate any input/advice on how to effectively use all of the features.

Thanks in advance.

drjames

There are alot of features involved with the JBL. I'd suggest looking at the manual. you'll learn more there than here.

stlpike07

Thanks for the response

I looked through the manual briefly a few weeks ago. As I remember, it didn't go into much detail about the scan feature and folder feature.

I will look again more thouroughly this time.

I just figured that someone on here would have it mastered and could give me some tips, which would be easier than looking through the manual (which can sometimes be confusing).

drjames

If you're wondering specifically about the two buttons... then....

The "folder" button, allows for you to create mp3 CDs, however, since CDs can hold hundreds of mp3s, you can create folder within each CD with separate genres or artists. ie. one folder with just Rock songs, another for hip-hop, another for jazz... Or you can rip different CDs into separate folders. All for better organizing. Just like you can create folders in Windows. Just a tip, if you are creating your own mp3 CDs, when you rip them, make sure to create ID3 tags, so that the song title/artist/folder can be read on the LED stereo display.

As for the "Scan" feature. It simply makes the CD play every song for a 5 or 10 seconds, then skips to the next... so you can "scan" through the CD, until you find the song you wanted.

Hope this helps.