AudX Plug & Play JBL Bypass 5-Channel Amplifier Kit Install Guide | 2014–2021 Tundra
Welcome to the installation guide for your 2014–2021 Toyota Tundra AudX Plug & Play JBL Bypass 5-Channel Amplifier Kit with Factory Head Unit from Trail Grid Pro! Follow these steps alongside our installation video to replace your factory JBL amplifier while keeping your original radio.
Most of the installation takes place under the passenger seat. You’ll also route a new power wire from the battery and install the remote bass control knob. You do not need to remove the factory head unit.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Important installation notes: Vehicle compatibility, speaker requirements, and preparation.
- Installation video: Timestamp links for each major step.
- Tools needed: What to gather before getting started.
- Step-by-step instructions: Disassembly, wiring, mounting, tuning, and reassembly.
- Common troubleshooting solutions: Checks for connection and sound issues.
Table of Contents
- Important Installation Notes
- Installation Video
- What’s Included
- Tools Needed
- Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
- Step 2: Remove the Passenger Door Sill, Kick Panel, and Seat
- Step 3: Remove the Center Console Trim
- Step 4: Remove the Factory JBL Amplifier
- Step 5: Prepare the Power Wire and Fuse Holder
- Step 6: Route the Power Wire Through the Firewall
- Step 7: Assemble the Amplifier, Bracket, and DSR1 Harness
- Step 8: Prepare the Ground and Route the Interior Power Wire
- Step 9: Route and Install the Bass Control Knob
- Step 10: Mount the Amplifier and Make Connections
- Step 11: Secure the DSR1 and Wiring
- Step 12: Reinstall the Seat and Restore Power
- Step 13: Connect to the DSR1 and Set the Basic Tune
- Step 14: Test the System
- Step 15: Finish Reassembly
- Common Troubleshooting Solutions
⚠️ Important Installation Notes
- JBL systems only: This kit is exclusively for 2014–2021 Toyota Tundras with factory JBL amplified audio and the factory head unit.
- Aftermarket speakers required: This amplifier kit is designed to be paired with suitable aftermarket speakers. The video specifically identifies it as an aftermarket-speaker solution, not a factory-speaker solution.
- DSR1 flashing is handled for you: Your Rockford Fosgate DSR1 arrives flashed for your vehicle. You will still need to complete the tuning setup using the PerfectTune app.
- Subwoofer installation is separate: The main video covers the amplifier kit. See the separate subwoofer video below if you are adding an aftermarket subwoofer.
- Protect the seat wiring: Follow Toyota’s battery-disconnection and supplemental restraint system procedures before unplugging any seat connectors. Reconnect all seat wiring and secure the seat before restoring power.
Written-guide sequence: The steps below keep the amplifier power lead disconnected from the battery until the wiring and seat installation are complete. Follow Toyota’s service specifications for seat bolts, battery connections, and other factory fasteners.
🎥 Installation Video
Watch the complete Tundra AudX JBL Bypass Amplifier Kit installation video.
Adding a subwoofer? Follow our Tundra aftermarket subwoofer installation video for that portion of your upgrade.
What’s Included
- AudX EZV1K Amplifier
- Rockford Fosgate DSR1
- Tundra-Specific JBL Bypass Plug & Play Wiring Harness
- Tundra Amplifier Mounting Bracket
- 4-Gauge Amplifier Power and Ground Kit — Prepped for You in Advance
- Large Zip Tie for Routing Wires
- Smaller Zip Ties for Wire Management
- All Installation Hardware
🛠️ Tools Needed
- Ratchet and extension
- 7mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets
- 3mm Allen key
- Phillips screwdrivers in two sizes
- Screwdriver for opening the unused firewall-grommet passage
- Panel removal tools
- Wire brush and a clean towel
- Cutters
- Electrical tape
- Heavy-duty hook-and-loop fastener for mounting the DSR1
- Included large routing zip tie and smaller wire-management zip ties
- Compatible smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth and the Rockford Fosgate PerfectTune app
Pro Tip: Keep factory bolts, trim clips, and seat covers organized as you remove them. Several factory fasteners will be reused.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
- Confirm that your truck has factory JBL audio, the factory head unit, and suitable aftermarket speakers.
- Park securely, turn the vehicle off, and keep the key away from the vehicle.
- Position a power seat for access to its mounting bolts before disconnecting the battery.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal and follow Toyota’s specified waiting period and procedures before disconnecting seat or restraint-system wiring.
- Keep the new amplifier’s positive battery lead disconnected throughout wiring and assembly.
Step 2: Remove the Passenger Door Sill, Kick Panel, and Seat
- Pull upward on the passenger door sill trim to release it and set it aside.
- Unscrew the retaining knob securing the passenger kick panel, then remove the panel.
- Remove the two front seat-mounting bolts with a 14mm socket.
- Remove the two rear seat-bolt covers and the two rear 14mm bolts. Reposition the seat as needed; do not reconnect power while seat wiring is unplugged.
- Tilt the seat carefully to access the connectors underneath.
- Release the white and gray connectors using their locking tabs.
- Release the yellow connector’s secondary lock before disconnecting it. Watch the video closely for its two-stage release; do not force it.
- Release the harness retainer from the seat and carefully lift the seat out of the truck.
⚠️ Important: Do not switch the ignition on while the seat connectors are disconnected.
Step 3: Remove the Center Console Trim
- Open the center-console lid.
- Use a panel tool at the trim’s separation groove to release the small rear trim section shown in the video.
- Release and lift out the remaining console trim section to access the bass-knob wire route.
- Disconnect any accessories attached to the trim as needed.
Special Note: The truck in the video has an aftermarket switch panel. Your truck may not have the extra connector shown during console removal.
Step 4: Remove the Factory JBL Amplifier
- Locate the factory JBL amplifier under the passenger seat.
- Depress the locking tabs and disconnect all three factory amplifier connectors.
- Remove the three 10mm mounting bolts: two at the front and one at the rear.
- Lift out the factory amplifier.
- Save the three mounting bolts for the new amplifier bracket.
Step 5: Prepare the Power Wire and Fuse Holder
- Lay out the prepped power-wire sections and fuse holder.
- The short section connects the battery’s positive terminal to the fuse holder. The long section runs from the fuse holder to the amplifier.
- Remove the fuse-holder cover. Use the 3mm Allen key to loosen the wire terminals as needed.
- Insert each prepared wire end fully into its terminal and tighten securely. Do not leave exposed strands outside the terminals.
- Secure the fuse holder to the bracket near the battery using its mounting provisions and a zip tie, as shown in the video. Keep it close to the battery and clear of moving parts.
- Replace the protective cover. Do not connect the short lead to the battery yet.
- Route the long wire toward the rear of the engine bay and across to the passenger side.
- Remove the three upper retainers on the rear engine-bay panel shown in the video to access the routing space behind it.
⚠️ Important: Keep the wire away from heat, moving components, and sharp edges. The demonstration truck has additional aftermarket wiring; your engine bay may look different.
Step 6: Route the Power Wire Through the Firewall
- Locate the passenger-side firewall grommet shown in the video.
- Confirm the unused upper nipple and the space behind it are clear of factory wiring before opening it.
- Carefully snip the end of the unused nipple and open the inner rubber layer. Do not cut or pierce the main factory harness.
- Cut the locking head off the included large zip tie to use it as a wire-routing aid.
- Tape the amplifier end of the power wire securely to the zip tie, making a smooth leading edge.
- Feed the zip tie through the opening and locate it from inside the passenger footwell.
- Gently pull the zip tie and wire into the cabin, then remove the tape.
- Pull through the slack while leaving enough wire in the engine bay to reach the fuse holder and battery without tension.
- Check that the grommet remains seated and seals around the new wire.
Pro Tip: Fold a small tab at the end of the electrical tape so it is easy to peel off once the wire is inside.
Step 7: Assemble the Amplifier, Bracket, and DSR1 Harness
- Lay out the amplifier, mounting bracket, DSR1, harness, and supplied hardware.
- Install the four amplifier-mounting screws upward through the threaded bracket holes, following the video’s orientation.
- Position the amplifier so its controls and connections face the bracket edge with the three wire-management holes.
- Lower the amplifier over the screws.
- On each screw, install a flat washer, lock washer, and nut. Tighten the nuts with a 7mm socket.
- Connect the three keyed harness plugs to their matching amplifier sockets.
- Connect the three DSR1 harness plugs to their matching input- and output-side sockets.
- Check that every connector is fully seated. Do not force a connector into a socket.
Special Note: The video shows an extra screw, washer, lock washer, and nut as spares. Only four mounting sets are used for the amplifier.
Step 8: Prepare the Ground and Route the Interior Power Wire
Ground reference: 28:57 · Interior power-wire reference: 31:07
- Pull back the passenger-side carpet to expose the factory ground location shown in the video.
- Remove its 10mm bolt and retain the factory ground connections.
- Use a wire brush to clean the contact area to bare metal, then wipe away the debris.
- Install the amplifier ground terminal at that location along with the original ground connections. Reinstall and securely tighten the bolt.
- Route the power wire along the factory passenger-side floor channel toward the amplifier location.
- Reclose the wire-channel retainers and bring the power and ground leads through the carpet opening into the amplifier area.
- Check that neither wire will be pinched by the carpet, bracket, trim, or seat tracks.
Step 9: Route and Install the Bass Control Knob
Routing reference: 32:57 · Knob installation reference: 37:48
- Set the amplifier assembly loosely in position without fastening it down.
- Choose an accessible bass-knob location. The video uses the switch blank near the engine-start area on the driver’s side; an available console switch blank is another option.
- Route the bass-control cable from the amplifier area under the carpet and console trim.
- If using the driver-side location, continue across the console and up behind the selected switch opening.
- Leave enough cable at each end for the connections, then bundle the excess in the console with a small zip tie.
- Plug the cable into the knob assembly and snap the assembly into its mounting location.
- For the switch location demonstrated, orient the circuit-board side toward the center console.
- Keep the cable clear of pedals, seat movement, and trim attachment points.
Special Note: The knob is already installed in its switch insert when this portion of the video begins. If yours requires assembly, follow the instructions supplied with that mount before snapping it into the dash.
Step 10: Mount the Amplifier and Make Connections
Mounting reference: 38:39 · Power and ground reference: 39:29 · Factory harness reference: 41:14
- Align the new bracket with the factory amplifier mounting locations.
- Start all three original 10mm mounting bolts by hand, then tighten securely.
- With the battery lead still disconnected, use the 3mm Allen key to open the amplifier power terminals as needed.
- Insert the black ground wire into the terminal marked for ground and the red power wire into the positive power terminal. Verify the labels on the amplifier.
- Tighten the terminals and gently tug each wire to confirm it is secure.
- Connect the bass-knob cable to the amplifier’s matching remote-control socket if not already connected.
- Connect the three factory plugs removed from the JBL amplifier to the matching keyed plugs on the bypass harness.
- Confirm that all plugs are fully seated and locked.
Step 11: Secure the DSR1 and Wiring
- Use the bracket’s wire-management holes and small zip ties to anchor the harness, power wire, and ground wire.
- Bundle the remaining slack neatly without pulling on any connectors.
- Secure the DSR1 under the passenger seat with heavy-duty hook-and-loop fastener, as demonstrated.
- Leave its identification labels visible and position it away from the seat tracks and moving mechanisms.
- Trim zip-tie tails and check clearance around the amplifier and DSR1.
Step 12: Reinstall the Seat and Restore Power
Seat wiring reference: 45:20 · Positive battery connection reference: 43:30
- With the battery still disconnected, carefully return the passenger seat to the cabin.
- Reconnect the yellow, gray, and white seat connectors to their original locations and engage their locks.
- Reattach the seat-harness retainer and check that the wiring is clear of the seat rails.
- Position the seat, start all four mounting bolts by hand, and tighten them to Toyota’s specified torque.
- Reinstall the seat-bolt covers.
- Double-check amplifier polarity, ground, fuse-holder connections, and cable routing.
- Attach the short fused amplifier power lead to the positive battery terminal, as demonstrated. Secure the connection and protective covers.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal after all wiring and seat connections are complete.
⚠️ Important: The video shows the positive power connection before seat reinstallation. This written sequence completes the seat wiring and mounting before restoring power.
Step 13: Connect to the DSR1 and Set the Basic Tune
Your DSR1 is already flashed for your Tundra. The following steps cover the app connection and the basic tuning demonstrated with the video truck’s aftermarket speakers.
Connect with PerfectTune
- Download and open Rockford Fosgate’s PerfectTune app on a compatible device.
- Enable Bluetooth and allow the app’s requested Bluetooth permissions.
- With the vehicle and audio system powered on, open the app’s Bluetooth device manager.
- Scan for the DSR1, select it, and connect.
- Return to the home or tuning screen. The app can read settings already stored on the processor.
Set Levels and Crossovers
- Open the tuning controls and check the master and subwoofer levels.
- The video recommends leaving the master level at 0 dB as a starting point; reduce it if needed.
- Open Advanced Tuning, then Crossovers.
- Front speakers: Select high-pass, 65 Hz, with a 24 dB-per-octave slope.
- Rear speakers: Select high-pass, 70 Hz, with a 24 dB-per-octave slope.
- The demonstration has the left and right channels linked within each speaker pair. Check the linking in your app and apply settings to both sides.
⚠️ Speaker-Specific Settings: These crossover values were demonstrated with the video truck’s aftermarket speakers. Confirm that they suit your speakers before using them. They are not a factory-speaker tune or a universal protection setting.
Time Alignment and EQ
- The video demonstrates a custom driver-focused alignment beginning around 52:12.
- Open the time-alignment controls and select each connected speaker channel.
- Front left full-range delay: 87 ms.
- Front right full-range delay: 87 ms.
- Rear left delay: 5 ms.
- Rear right delay: 4.5 ms.
- These are the custom settings demonstrated for the driver’s listening position. You can fine-tune them to your preference or use measured speaker distances for a different alignment.
- The demonstration leaves the EQ unchanged. Start with a neutral EQ and make small adjustments to suit your speakers and preferences.
- Do not change unused output channels or enter subwoofer settings without confirming your system’s configuration.
Step 14: Test the System
- Start at low volume and confirm that the factory head unit operates normally.
- Listen to each speaker and check for missing channels, distortion, popping, or unwanted noise.
- If an aftermarket subwoofer is installed, verify its output and confirm that the bass knob adjusts its level.
- Gradually increase the volume while listening for clean output. Reduce the volume immediately if you hear distortion.
- Confirm that the passenger seat moves through its range without contacting the equipment or pulling on wires.
- Check that no seat or restraint-system warning remains illuminated.
Important: Resolve connection and tuning issues before reinstalling the remaining trim. Do not operate the vehicle with unsecured seat hardware.
Step 15: Finish Reassembly
- Reinstall the passenger kick panel and its retaining knob.
- Press the passenger door sill trim back into place.
- Reconnect any accessories disconnected during center-console removal.
- Reinstall the console trim and smaller trim section, pressing gently until the clips seat.
- Reinstall the three rear engine-bay panel retainers removed for wire routing.
- Confirm that the fuse holder is secure, its cover is installed, and all wiring is protected.
- Perform one final sound and seat-function check.
Congratulations on installing your AudX Plug & Play JBL Bypass 5-Channel Amplifier Kit! Enjoy upgraded sound while keeping your Tundra’s factory head unit.
🛠️ Common Troubleshooting Solutions
Turn the system off and isolate battery power before changing wiring or reseating power connections.
No Sound From Any Speakers
- Confirm that the factory radio and amplifier are powered on.
- Check the amplifier fuse and the power and ground connections. Replace a fuse only with the specified type and rating after resolving the cause of failure.
- Check the three factory harness connections, amplifier plugs, and DSR1 input and output plugs.
- Verify that the DSR1 output levels are not muted or turned down.
No Sound From One Speaker or Speaker Pair
- Check the affected speaker’s connections and the matching amplifier harness connections.
- Inspect for bent pins, loose plugs, or pinched wires.
- Check the DSR1 channel levels, mute settings, and crossovers.
PerfectTune Cannot Find the DSR1
- Confirm that the DSR1 is powered and its harness plugs are fully seated.
- Enable Bluetooth and check the app’s Bluetooth permissions.
- Scan from the Bluetooth device manager inside PerfectTune.
- Disconnect another phone or tablet that may already be connected, then rescan.
Distortion or Excessive Volume
- Reduce the radio volume and return EQ boosts to neutral.
- Verify that suitable aftermarket speakers are installed.
- Check the DSR1 output levels and speaker-specific crossover settings.
- Have the amplifier gain settings checked if distortion continues; gain is not a volume control.
No Subwoofer Output or Bass-Knob Response
- Confirm that a compatible aftermarket subwoofer is installed and connected.
- Check the bass-control cable at both ends.
- Check the processor’s subwoofer level and your system’s subwoofer settings.
- Review the separate subwoofer installation video.
Noise, Intermittent Sound, or Rattling
- Check that the amplifier ground has a clean bare-metal contact and is securely fastened.
- Check for loose connectors or wires pinched by trim, brackets, or seat rails.
- Confirm that the amplifier, DSR1, and wire bundles are secure.
Seat or Restraint-System Warning
- Turn the vehicle off. Follow Toyota’s battery-disconnection and restraint-system procedures before inspecting seat wiring.
- Check that each under-seat connector is fully seated and its lock is engaged.
- If the warning remains, arrange diagnosis before driving. Reconnecting a plug may not clear a stored fault.
Contact Us
If you need additional installation or tuning help, contact Trail Grid Pro through our website. Include your Tundra’s year, speaker setup, a description of the issue, and clear photos of the amplifier and DSR1 connections.
