stock unit - separate power amp? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

neil · 08-02-2003, 07:48 PM

Forgive what might be a repost of a frequent question. I checked the stickies and saw some similar posts, but still must ask for clarification.

My son recently acquired a '92 Paseo that had an aftermarket CD/radio with an Alpine amp. The existing stereo had to be returned to the previous owner, so we searched the auto recycling yards for a replacement. We found what appears to be a stock AM/FM/Cassette/CD unit. Actually, it is two units - the AM/FM/Cassette is labelled A16403 and the CD player is CD34203. The CD player sits below the radio/cassette and uses the standard mounts.

Is there a separate amplifier for this configuration? We can get each of the units to work, but there is no audio. I can hear a faint pop from the speakers as the unit is turned on or off, but that is it. I removed the glovebox and found a plug that includes many of the wire combinations from the two connectors at the back of the radio. There is nothing plugged in at this location.

I am thining I have to return to the recycler to get the amp, but would like to confirm that fact before heading off on the 3 hour return trip. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Neil

Stealth · 08-03-2003, 12:42 AM

There are some that do and some that don't. If you could give us a pic of what yours looks like, or find a pic that someone posted before I think we would be able to tell you.

neil · 08-03-2003, 09:04 AM

Here is a shot of the front of the unit that we purchased at the recycler

This is the back of that same unit. We were able to match up all of the wires from the stereo to the wires behind the dash once the previous stereo was removed.

And finally, the connector that I found behind the glove box. There was nothing connected at this location. I am guessing there must have been an amp in the doner car that I should have picked up.

Stealth · 08-03-2003, 03:35 PM

Yup that one doesn't have a built in amp. Maybe you're better off with an aftermarket cd player? They're pretty cheap now.

neil · 08-03-2003, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the information. Since I already bought the radio/cassette/cd from the recycler, I will try to get the amp as well. If that does not work out, I will take your advice and find an aftermarket radio/cd.

Neil

jjthenovice · 08-04-2003, 10:57 AM

Anyone know anything about the amp in a 03 Camry XLE with the JBL system?? What I'm interested in is if the amp has any outputs for a subwoofer. Toyota list as one of the accessories for the 03 Camry a subwoofer. I was wondering how much trouble it would be to hook it up???? Thanks for any help.

neil · 08-09-2003, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by neil
Thanks for the information. Since I already bought the radio/cassette/cd from the recycler, I will try to get the amp as well. If that does not work out, I will take your advice and find an aftermarket radio/cd.

Neil

Well, the connector behind the glove box seems to have nothing to do with the radio, Instead, the connector attaches to a box that contains a circuit board. Hard to tell what it is, but I suspect it has something to do with air conditioning (the doner car has air, my son's does not).

Any other suggestions as to where the amp is located (if in fact this radio has a separate amp)?

thanks

Neil

neil · 08-21-2003, 06:51 PM

I took the radio/cassette/cd unit to the dealer and guess what? contrary a suggestion otherwise, this unit has no separate amp. The parts staffer got out the Toyota service manual and allowed me read the diagnostics section. Everything points to a bum head unit.

Off to the stereo shop, and 20 minutes later my son has a functioning radio/cd/mp3 player.

Neil