Hi guys,

Apologies if this is not the proper forum. I just wanted to see if anyone else ran into this issue.

I have a 2006 Scion xA with the stock Pioneer stereo (single disc, no iPOD). The stereo no longer produces any bass, only treble despite messing with the settings. There was a period where I could tap on the dash and make the bass cut in and out, but now its just out.

Now, I did previously have a sub-woofer installed the car by Best Buy so the amp kit is installed and their wiring is still behind the stereo but the sub has been disconnected. I was never one to blast the bass, I just had the sub for enhancement. I agree the speakers could potentially be blown, but I don't know how all 4 speakers could blow bass-only at the same time. Plus the tapping on the dash steers me away from the speakers as the problem.

Is this a known issue with these stereos? Could there possibly be a fuse blown in the stereo or something? I'm just unsure where to put my money into the fix at this point. I can pay a stereo place to rip open my stereo and look try to figure out the problem, or I can just look for a new head unit. Though if the problem isn't the stereo, that money is wasted. I really do like the stock stereo and having the Aux input. Is there a reliable place I can get a replacement besides the overpriced dealership or eBay? Or can someone recommend a nice double-din replacement stereo?

Thanks for any advice.

 

Not sure how the tapping fixes the issue but if just mids and highs are being produced it sounds like a crossover is blocking low notes from being played I'm guessing the amp in the headunit has went bad and isn't producing lows

Cheaper to replace headunit

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

No radio issues posted on Scion life. My wife has an xA. Sounds like your old school Stock factory radio is bad or maybe you have a loose/broken harness wire to your speakers. You won't know until you pull out your radio + look, which is the 1st thing to do. Do not pay a repair place $90.00 an hour to do something that u can simply do unless you have extra $$$ LOL

I recently up graded my outdated 2004 aftermarket radio in my xB last month, cause i wanted a Aux input for MP3 player etc. + a USB port, which can play music with a memory stick or I-phone/ I-Pod.

Believe it or not i found a great buy last month from Crutchfield Stereo. I only usually use them for only info as to what fits im my car or reviews, since they are kind of expensive + find it cheaper elsewhere.
But, they had a good inexpensive buy + this what i puchased
JVC Arsenal KD-AHD79 with HD radio CD receiver $129 with Three sets of high-powered 5-volt preamp outputs not the usual 2.5 volt, two Aux ports ( rear + front), USB front port etc. Rated on the internet best buy for budget headunits. Warranty: 2 years
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDAH...4#overview-tab
And remember you get all this with free shipping, free installation guide, free $15.00 Stock adapters to plug in your new aftermarket headunit and a free $15.00 receiver adapter box to fit your new receiver in place of the OEM radio spot + free excellant technical support if needed while you try to do the install. Just double check the Tech hours.

Also, where are you located? no info on your personal info????

I'm pretty sure you can pick up a local stock radio close to nothing $ if you do a wanted post. For many people have upgrade to aftermarket radio with a amp.

I happen to have 3 Scion radio's lying around. Two which are the Scion factory Pioneer radio/6 CD disc changer. One was in my 2004 Limited edition xB + given to my wife xA, but she has also upgraded again to an after market radio. The other Pioneer radio/6 CD disc changer sitting brand new given out at a Scion VIP car show event.

Good Luck...... + let us know the end results

 

Thanks for the advice, guys. I did find a tutorial on disassembling the radio console so I have taken it apart. I didn't see anything obvious but I'm certainly no expert. I took a look at that JVC stereo you suggested. Doesn't the single-DIN (not sure if that's the right term) stereo size look wonky in the Scion? Don't you have to replace it with a similar size radio? Also you have to pay another $70 for an adapter to make the steering controls work. Yikes! I may just stick with the stock version. Maybe I'll try Craigslist.

I'm near Pittsburgh, PA by the way. Thanks again!

 

You do not need to put in a double din radio for a replacement. If you order from Crutchfield you get the free radio adapter dash box + will have a 1 1/2" open shelve below the radio for like for cd storage. I have a show car + it looks perfect. Plus my wife has a single din radio + it looks fine in the xA.
As for the steering controls it's a good feature, but not more essentail than a better radio. Does not take much effort to use the radio controls on the dash the old fashion way LOL.

Axxess Steering Wheel Control
http://www.axxessinterface.com/steer...ntrol_new.aspx

http://contentdocs.installernet.com/...icle/10957.pdf
- Look on other sites or you can get for about $40.00 Amazon shipped. Remember, Crutchfield is more costly on items unless they have a good sale. I basically use there site for purchasing info.

Today, a newer inexpensive after market radio will bring you into the present technology, HD sound, 3 band equalizer + now compatabile with MP3, USB, IPhone + blue tooth alot better than the outdated Scion Factory Pioneer radio. So I say it would be a good trade off.


Also, instead of Craigs list, I would post On Scion life or register on Scikotics.com (Scion car club) in the Pittsburgh PA region to get a Scion radio + a quicker response from somebody local Pittsburg + may have one lying around + not advertising.

Good Luck........

 

I’ve had a similar issue with my stock stereo losing all bass recently. It’s like the sound just doesn’t have that punch anymore. I tried tweaking the equalizer settings, but nothing seems to fix it. Does anyone know if this could be related to a system update or maybe a compatibility issue with the device? It’s kind of like how sometimes with certain file formats, like MKV, my devices just don’t seem to handle them well, especially on my Mac. Speaking of which, I’ve been looking into the best apps for playing MKV files on Mac in 2025. Anyone have any recommendations for that?