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Comments
It's a learning experience for both of us as I'm new to car audio too!
I saw in the soundgate document the reference to relocate the HL HU, and I agree that's a ridiculous solution; I assume it relates to HUs in general and not to a specific model?
Out of curiosity I downloaded the installation manual for the DEH-3700MP and they have a wire labeled "Blue/white -- To system control terminal of the power amp or Auto-antenna relay control terminal (max. 300 mA 12 V DC) / System remote control" which I take to be the "remote" line, so not sure why this wouldn't control the factory amp properly. I went the other way -- am controlling an aftermarket amp with the HL OEM HU; connected the OEM HU's "remote" line to the aftermarket amp's remote input, and it works fine.
Anyway you've got your system working, and based on the above post from chrisb74, you're probably better off without the factory amp!!!
Three years back tried contacting JBL to get specs for the HL's speakers but their response was the same as the one they gave you...
I'd be very interested to see those pics!
I'm pretty sure the XR4 app notes refer to the specific Highlander HU that's paired with JBL amp. There seems to be some strange interaction between the to that makes replacing the OEM HU hard.
I think Toyota switched the Highlander's sound system circa 2004, since aftermarket harnesses for Toyota Highlander HUs for 2000-2004 doesn't fit my 2006 HU, which has 20 pins.
I'm leaning hard towards bypassing the JBL amp and drive the speakers directly from my Pioneer HU. Just a bit more research to see if I can use the JBL amp from the Pioneer HU's line level outputs...
Congrats chrisb74 on a successful install! Love to see those pics too.
Khoa
My HL is an '01, as I believe chrisb74's is too. I never replaced my HU, just the power amp and speakers, but since chrisb74 just changed his hopefully he can tell you (hard to judge from chrisb74's photo in post 1046).
I know the XR4 app note referred to the HL's HU, but I'm assuming the XR4 is a headunit model and thus that document was specific for the XR4, and maybe the XR4 for some reason can't turn on and off the HL OEM amp, whereas other aftermarket headunit models perhaps can.
The 2004 model year seems reasonable for an upgrade to the HL's sound system as this model year saw a minor redesign to the HL.
Out of curiosity do you know where the OEM amp is located on your '06 Highlander Hybrid? I suspect it's not in the exact same location as for the '01s-'03s as '04 saw the introduction of the third row seat and the relocation of the spare tire from the interior cargo area to the exterior under the vehicle; also I think the traction batteries for the hybrid are under the second row seat?
Also, the amp I believe is somewhere in the right rear cabin. I will try to find it tomorrow. I remember sneaking a peak at the Toyota parts dealer's schematics on their computer. Yes, the hybrid batteries are under the 2nd row seats.
BTW, the XR4 is a line level converter that's meant to go between after market HUs and OEM amps. This is the reason that I believe their assertion that the JBL amp needs the OEM HU to work. Afterall, it's not to their advantage to suggest "relocation" if it's not necessary, right?
Khoa
Here is a link to some pictures I took during the install. I just dumped all the pictures so some of them are reduntant.
Highlander Head unit install
Didn't realize the XR4 is a level converter; can't say I remember anyone in the HL boards saying they drove the OEM amp with an aftermarket HU, and you'd expect soundgate would know what they're talking about, so it may indeed be the case.
Since chrisb74's 15W per channel estimate of the factory amp's output power agrees with mine made a while back (see post 289), and since the Pioneer DEH-3700MP is rated at 22W per channel, you're probably better off powering the speakers with your HU (although the installation will require running speaker wires from the HU to the speakers). You might first try temporarily running speaker wires to verify the sound indeed sounds good enough for you; if not consider adding an aftermarket amplifier...
chrisb74:
Wasn't able to see the photos; just saw the faces.com logo and a small box; may have something to do with the "MemberID" term in the URL. But judging from the photo at crutchfield.com I imagine it looks pretty slick!
On same similar subject, my back seats are looking dirty with teenagers spilling food on it. Any products to clean the seats out there someone would recommend.
I want the bug deflector for the hood, wind deflector for the moon roof and maybe the little visors for the windows
thanks in advance
I have the Toyota brand hood bug deflector and it was quite easy to install -- no drilling; just affixing adhesive-backed sheet plastic strips to protect the paint and tightening some set screws. The Toyota brand is shaped a bit differently than the aftermarket ones, so you should look at both to see if you have a preference.
The sunroof wind deflector I installed was a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Toyota brand, meaning it's the one sold in Japan for HLs there, and is different from the one sold here in the U.S. interestingly enough; available from www.myautofashion.com and also quite easy to install; only reason I bought this one is the U.S. Toyota version wasn't available yet at the time.
any idea where i can see pics of the toyota brand and after market hood deflector would be nice if shown on a bluestone. I would really like a nice form fitting that matches the hoods contours
thanks for the replys
bhennessey at bluecrab dot org
gazguzler, "Toyota Highlander Owners: Accessories & Modifications" #967, 8 Aug 2005 2:21 pm
Also i would like to add 1 sub just for a little bass is there any easy way to do this.even a self powered sub would be fine.
I have the limited HL with the JBL 6disc changer head unit.
Thanks in advance
Do I just pry the surround which I have numebered (1)off? Or must I do something with the parts numbered (3) & (4)?
Thanks..
Once 1&2 are gone, there are 6 10mm bolts holding everything else in.
Oh, and (at least on my 2006) you cannot do this without first popping the little cap forward and to the left of the shifter with a small flat headed screwdriver. Once the cap is off a small button is exposed. Pressing this button releases the shifter so you can take it all the way down and out of your way. Parking Brake HIGHLY recommended.
Good luck!
As an aside, I am in Australia and my car has the shift lock override button labeled and readily accessible. Different laws I guess! Cheers.
Thanks.
After 9 years hauling all sorts of stuff, the cargo area still looks brand new. I was hoping to be able to do the same in the HL.
Some tips:
1. It's easy to scratch or nick the plastic panels with a screwdriver if you're not mindful of what you are doing; go slowly.
2. Put two or three layers of masking tape on slotted screwdrivers if they are used to pry plastic parts to minimize nicking.
3. Be sure to keep track of which screws go where.
Let me know if you have any specific questions, and let us know how it goes!
gazguzler, "Toyota Highlander Owners: Accessories & Modifications" #1092, 30 Nov 2005 6:35 am
1. There is a Toyota-brand center console available for '01s from the dealership that is a stand-alone console, completely different from the console integrated with the shifter introduced with the '02 HL. It retails for around $200 and looks very nice; some '01s came from the factory with these. I've seen them for sale on eBay occasionally in the past; haven't checked recently. See post 926 for more info.
2. You can buy the parts for the '02 style console that is integrated with the shifter; the cost is around $1000 and requires some creative retrofitting. See posts 268, 314, 343 and 320 for more info.
3. It's possible there are aftermarket center consoles out there, though I haven't looked into this. You might start with www.jcwhitney.com.
do you have to remove the shifter knob to remove the center console?
and where are the three screws that hold the console to the dash located?
Finally some recognition around here!
do you have to remove the shifter knob to remove the center console?
No, the shift lever and the black panel below it are not affected by the console removal; you just need to remove the woodgrain/aluminum/hammeredmetal colored bezel that houses the 12V outlet and cigarette lighter. To do this grasp firmly around the inside of this bezel and pull straight up and away.
and where are the three screws that hold the console to the dash located?
These screws will be readily visible after you remove the aforementioned bezel.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
The first question is on the rear heater, is it an electric heater seprate from the HL's regular heating system. just wondering if it was more of an instant heat or does the HL engine have to be warm before it produces heat?
The second question is on wiring. My HL did not come with the AC or the A/V plugs that are located in the back of the center console if you purchase the HL with rear seat dvd. I wanted to know if the wiring is actually there but not connected incase i decide to add some type of rear seat entertainment, i understand i would have to add the jacks and plugs ect.
The last question is on leather seats. I have factory cloth but we may add leather and i wanted to know if any one has tried to install the leather kits that are sold such as katzkin or classic soft. i have installed many car stereo's so i know interior but never really stripped or added material to seats.
any help is greatly appreciated.
I am new and this is my first post, hopefully in the right section. Anyhow, I've been searching to see if anyone has or knows how to convert the keyless entry into the actual factory alarm. I've seen websites on other Toyota vehicles, but no the '06 Highlander.
Thanks!!!
I have a 2005 Highlander and enjoy modifying my cars. I am not that big into performance mods, but do enjoy doing appearance mods.
I understand that the Kluger (our Highlander overseas) has some different options and parts offered for it. If there is anyone over seas that could help me get some of these, I would greatly appreciate it.
If anyone can help, please feel free to email me at drmonkey1313@cox.net. Also, if there is anything I can do to help you, then please let me know and I will be glad to help.
Thanks!
I have purchased several appearance (but functional) items from the above website. Join the free VIP club as they continually have 20 - 25% off sales.
Thanks for all your help..