HELP: Subwoofer Replacement - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

richardls · 11-05-2005, 02:33 PM

The factory subwoofer on my wife's '02 solara convt is shot. I'd like to replace it. Can someone provide me specs and install instructions. I tried to access it from the trunk, but realized I'll need to get behind the rear seatback to remove it. Thus, I guess it's really more instructions on removing the rear bench (or seat back if it's two parts).

Thank you in advance for your responses.

-Richard

Phreakdout · 11-05-2005, 04:20 PM

It should be two pieces. The bottom seat comes out first then the back is probably bolted down. This photo is from one of our SG members.It should give you an idea of what you're looking at.

richardls · 11-07-2005, 02:13 PM

Thank you for this reply and picture, but I know her back seat doesn't have head-rests, so I'm not sure if this will be helpful. Also, where are the bolts to remove the bench and how large is the woofer?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phreakdout

It should be two pieces. The bottom seat comes out first then the back is probably bolted down. This photo is from one of our SG members.It should give you an idea of what you're looking at.

WortownSolara · 11-07-2005, 02:54 PM

i would not try and buy an aftermarket replacement. The amplifier has a built in EQ tuned for that subwoofer. Most aftermarket subwoofers are too power hungry to operate of the limited power that the factory system has.

richardls · 11-07-2005, 03:52 PM

Thanks for your feedback. My wife actually found it to bassy with the sub and doesn't want to spend the $ to replace it. She wants me to just remove it. I thought it should be replaced. What would you suggest given your concerns now that it's blown?

Quote:

Originally Posted by WortownSolara

i would not try and buy an aftermarket replacement. The amplifier has a built in EQ tuned for that subwoofer. Most aftermarket subwoofers are too power hungry to operate of the limited power that the factory system has.

volvoex · 11-08-2005, 08:35 AM

I've got an '02 convert also and the subwoofer drives me crazy. When it blows it'll stay that way. The JBL system in this car is the only disappointment in an otherwise super vehicle. The menu-type adjustments for bass, treble, etc. are hard to use. too much fiddling to get a decent sound. Had the same setup in my '01 Celica. Hey I'll live with it to have a dependable and comfortable ride.

WortownSolara · 11-09-2005, 09:34 AM

My first thought here is to actually dissconnect the sub. Ask your wife to listen to the system without the sub. MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! See what volume she is playing it at when there is no sub connected. The reason i say this is that, humans in general will subconsciously tuen the volume up to get greater depth in music (depth being sub frequencies). If she is happy with the sound she is getting, and NOT playing the system at an abnormal volume. I would just leave it disconnected.

If she is not happy. I can do some digging, and im sure i can send you in the right direction to get the sub to be 3 or 6db's lower than what it is set for (FYI: every 3db loss is half the percieved volume)

Let me know what i can do for you.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Marc

skadoo323 · 11-09-2005, 07:02 PM

wow i didnt know they had an option for a sub from factory. do you have the JBL system or do you guys have some other head unit?

WortownSolara · 11-10-2005, 09:20 AM

it is a fujitsu radio with a JBL passive crossover board in place. For those of you who dont know Fujitsu is the company that makes Eclipse. Now dont expect the OEM versions to have the same clarity as an aftermarket eclipse. But at least you know where its coming from.

PDM · 12-29-2006, 10:55 AM

Hey Guys, this is interesting. I was going to post a question on the forum, but this thread seems to be 'right on the money' for our problem. My wife has a Solara but hates the sub-woofer sound. I was going to try to disconnect it but am not sure how to go about this? Also, I noticed one of the replies on this thread discusses a possibility of reducing the dB level of the sub-woofer... how do you do this? I have tried reducing the bass on the stereo head unit but to no avail. Any help and/or advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

toyotaholic · 12-29-2006, 06:23 PM

^ why dont you just turn the bass level ot zero

PDM · 12-31-2006, 01:40 PM

The first thing I tried was turning the bass to zero, I even tried 'upping' the treble and mid tones to max (+5). The sub-woofer is still filling the car with bass sound. Any other suggestions?