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2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma AudX JBL Bypass Amplifier Installation Guide

AudX amplifier kit with DSR1 processor, wiring harness, mounting bracket, power cables, and installation hardware

AudX Plug & Play JBL Bypass 5-Channel Amplifier Kit Install Guide | 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma

Welcome to the installation guide for your 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma AudX Plug & Play JBL Bypass 5-Channel Amplifier Kit with Factory Head Unit from Trail Grid Pro! Follow these instructions alongside our installation video to replace your factory JBL amplifier while keeping your original radio.

This installation removes the factory amplifier from behind the passenger-side rear seat and relocates amplification to an AudX amplifier mounted under the front passenger seat. The Rockford Fosgate DSR1 handles factory-radio integration and sound processing.

You do not need to remove the factory head unit.

In this guide, you’ll find:

⚠️ Important Installation Notes: Fitment, speaker requirements, and preparation.
🎥 Installation Video: Linked timestamps for each major step.
🛠️ Tools Needed: What to gather before starting.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions: Disassembly, wiring, mounting, tuning, and reassembly.
🛠️ Common Troubleshooting Solutions: Checks for installation and sound issues.

Important Installation Notes
Installation Video
What’s Included
Tools Needed
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Step 2: Remove the Front Passenger Seat
Step 3: Remove the Rear Panels and Factory JBL Assembly
Step 4: Remove the Passenger-Side Sill Trim and B-Pillar Panel
Step 5: Set the Amplifier Controls
Step 6: Attach the Amplifier to Its Bracket
Step 7: Assemble the Bass Knob and Power Kit
Step 8: Route the Power Wire Through the Engine Bay and Firewall
Step 9: Route Interior Power and Prepare the Ground
Step 10: Test-Fit the Amplifier Bracket
Step 11: Connect and Mount the DSR1
Step 12: Route the Harness and Install the Bass Knob
Step 13: Connect the Amplifier and Secure the Wiring
Step 14: Reinstall the Seat and Connect Battery Power
Step 15: Connect to PerfectTune and Tune the DSR1
Step 16: Test the System
Step 17: Finish Reassembly
Common Troubleshooting Solutions

⚠️ Important Installation Notes

JBL systems only: This kit is designed exclusively for 2016–2023 Toyota Tacomas with factory JBL amplified audio and the factory head unit.
Aftermarket speakers required: Install suitable aftermarket speakers before using this amplifier kit.
Factory subwoofer removal: The video removes the factory JBL subwoofer enclosure and attached amplifier. Do not connect the factory subwoofer to the AudX amplifier.
Aftermarket subwoofer installation: Adding a compatible aftermarket subwoofer is covered in the separate video linked below.
Bass-knob mount: Select the small or tall switch mount that matches your chosen Tacoma switch opening.
DSR1 location: Leave room for your planned aftermarket subwoofer enclosure when choosing the processor’s mounting location.

Safety preparation: Follow Toyota’s battery-disconnection and supplemental restraint system procedures before unplugging seat connectors. Reconnect all seat wiring and secure the seat before restoring power. Use Toyota’s specified torque values for seat and seat-belt fasteners.

🎥 Installation Video

Watch the complete Tacoma amplifier installation video on YouTube.

Adding a subwoofer? Follow our Tacoma aftermarket subwoofer installation video for that portion of your upgrade.

What’s Included

AudX EZV1K Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate DSR1
Tacoma-Specific JBL Bypass Plug & Play Wiring Harness
Tacoma Amplifier Mounting Bracket
4-Gauge Amplifier Power and Ground Kit — Prepped for You in Advance
Remote Bass Control Knob and Selected Switch Mount
Large Zip Tie for Routing Wires
Smaller Zip Ties for Wire Management
Installation Hardware

🛠️ Tools Needed

🎥 Watch: Tools Overview — 5:21

Ratchet
7mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets
Socket extensions, including a long extension for the rear enclosure bolts
3mm Allen key
Small and standard Phillips screwdrivers
Panel removal tools
Screwdriver for opening the unused firewall-grommet passage
Wire brush
Cutters
Electrical tape
Included routing and wire-management zip ties
Heavy-duty hook-and-loop fastener for mounting the DSR1
Compatible smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth and Rockford Fosgate’s PerfectTune app
Tape measure if performing custom time alignment

Pro Tip: Keep factory bolts, trim covers, and clips organized by location. Several will be reused.

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Confirm that your Tacoma has factory JBL amplified audio, the factory head unit, and suitable aftermarket speakers.
Park securely, turn the vehicle off, and keep the key away from the vehicle.
Position the passenger seat for access to its mounting bolts.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal and follow Toyota’s specified waiting period before disconnecting seat or restraint-system wiring.
Keep the new amplifier’s positive battery lead disconnected throughout wiring and assembly.

Step 2: Remove the Front Passenger Seat

🎥 Watch: Passenger Seat Removal — 7:02

Remove the two front seat-mounting bolts with a 14mm socket.
Slide the seat forward to access the rear mounting points.
Remove the two plastic rear bolt covers.
Remove the two rear 14mm mounting bolts.
Carefully tilt the seat to access the connectors underneath.
Release the standard connectors using their locking tabs.
Release the yellow connector’s white secondary lock, then disconnect it using the two-stage release demonstrated.
Check that all wiring is free before carefully lifting the seat out.

⚠️ Important: Do not pull on wires or force connector locks. Do not switch the ignition on while seat wiring is disconnected.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Panels and Factory JBL Assembly

🎥 Watch: Driver-Side Rear Panel — 9:00

🎥 Watch: Passenger-Side Rear Panel — 10:37

🎥 Watch: Factory Enclosure and Amplifier Removal — 11:16

Fold the rear seats as demonstrated to access the rear panels.
Remove the three 10mm bolts securing the driver-side rear panel.
Release the panel clips and pull the panel away.
On the passenger side, remove the single 10mm panel bolt shown in the video.
Release the clips and remove that panel to expose the factory subwoofer enclosure and amplifier.
Remove the enclosure’s 10mm mounting bolts, including the lower recessed bolts. Use a long extension for access.
Disconnect the three factory amplifier plugs and the factory subwoofer connection.
Remove the enclosure with the attached amplifier.

Special Note: The demonstration truck has modifications to its factory subwoofer wiring. A stock truck will still need its subwoofer connection disconnected.

⚠️ Important: The factory subwoofer is not reused with this amplifier. Follow the separate installation instructions for your compatible aftermarket subwoofer.

Step 4: Remove the Passenger-Side Sill Trim and B-Pillar Panel

🎥 Watch: Sill Trim, Kick Panel, and B-Pillar Removal — 14:54

Unscrew the passenger-front kick-panel retaining knob.
Pull up the front passenger door sill trim.
Remove the kick panel.
Remove the passenger-side rear door sill trim.
Release the plastic cover over the lower seat-belt attachment.
Remove the exposed 14mm seat-belt anchor bolt.
Release and remove the lower B-pillar panel.
Keep the seat-belt hardware and covers together for reassembly.

Step 5: Set the Amplifier Controls

🎥 Watch: Amplifier Control Setup — 16:32

🎥 Watch: Gain Recommendations — 18:23

Remove the amplifier’s control cover using a Phillips screwdriver.
Keep the small cover screws somewhere safe.
Use the video’s close-up image to match the recommended switch and control positions.
Front gain: Approximately 10 o’clock.
Rear gain: Approximately 10 o’clock.
Subwoofer gain: Approximately 12 o’clock.
Reinstall the control cover once the settings are complete.

Important: These gain positions are starting points demonstrated in the video. Final adjustment depends on your speakers and subwoofer. Use the close-up image for the other amplifier settings, which are not described numerically in the transcript.

Step 6: Attach the Amplifier to Its Bracket

🎥 Watch: Bracket Orientation and Assembly — 18:50

Orient the bracket for the passenger side, as demonstrated.
The bracket’s angled section should face the passenger door when installed.
Position the amplifier so its control side faces the bracket edge with the three wire-management holes.
Insert the four mounting bolts upward from the bottom of the bracket.
Lower the amplifier over the bolts.
Install a flat washer, lock washer, and nut on each bolt.
Tighten the nuts evenly with a 7mm socket.

Special Note: The bracket can be oriented for either side of the vehicle. This guide follows the passenger-side installation. Four hardware sets are used; the video shows a fifth set supplied as a spare.

Step 7: Assemble the Bass Knob and Power Kit

🎥 Watch: Bass-Knob Switch Mount Assembly — 23:56

Confirm that your selected small or tall switch mount matches your chosen dash opening.
Pull the dial off the bass-control shaft.
Remove the retaining nut using a 10mm tool.
Remove the rear housing piece and slide the control assembly out of its original enclosure.
Fit the control into the selected switch mount, aligning it with the indentation shown in the video.
Reinstall the retaining nut without overtightening.
Reinstall the dial and check that it turns freely.

🎥 Watch: Power-Wire and Fuse-Holder Assembly — 26:01

Identify the short battery lead and long amplifier power lead.
Remove the fuse-holder cover.
Use a 3mm Allen key to loosen the fuse-holder terminals.
Remove any shipping inserts from the wire openings.
Insert the prepared wire ends into the appropriate sides of the fuse holder.
Tighten securely and gently tug each wire to check the connection.
Replace the protective cover.

Step 8: Route the Power Wire Through the Engine Bay and Firewall

🎥 Watch: Engine-Bay Power Routing — 28:38

Position the fuse holder near the battery and secure it to the battery bracket using its mounting provisions and a zip tie.
Leave the positive battery lead disconnected.
Route the long power wire along the driver-side engine-bay perimeter and across the rear of the engine bay toward the passenger-side firewall.
Follow the factory wiring route shown in the video.
Use loose zip ties to hold the cable while checking its path and length.

🎥 Watch: Firewall-Grommet Preparation — 32:04

Locate the unused nipple on the passenger-side firewall grommet.
Confirm that the intended passage is clear of factory wiring.
Carefully snip the nipple’s tip and open the inner rubber layer as demonstrated.
Cut the locking head off the included large routing zip tie.
Tape the amplifier end of the power wire securely to the zip tie, forming a smooth leading edge.
Feed the zip tie through the grommet and locate it inside the passenger footwell.
Gently pull the wire into the cabin, alternating between feeding from the engine bay and pulling from inside.
Leave enough engine-bay cable to reach the battery without tension.
Remove the tape and verify that the grommet remains seated and seals around the cable.

Pro Tip: Leave a folded tab at the end of the electrical tape so it’s easy to remove after routing.

⚠️ Important: Do not force the cable if it catches. Check both sides and free the obstruction. Keep wiring clear of heat, sharp edges, and moving components.

Step 9: Route Interior Power and Prepare the Ground

🎥 Watch: Interior Power Routing — 37:26

Route the power wire just inside the factory wiring channel beneath the passenger-side carpet, as demonstrated.
Bring the cable through the carpet opening near the amplifier location.
Arrange excess length beneath the carpet without creating a pinch point.

🎥 Watch: Factory Ground Preparation — 38:32

Lift the carpet to access the factory ground point shown in the video.
Remove its 10mm bolt and retain the original ground connections.
Use a wire brush to clean the contact area to bare metal.
Remove the debris.
Install the amplifier ground terminal along with the original ground connections.
Reinstall and securely tighten the bolt.
Bring the amplifier ground lead through the same carpet opening as the power cable.

Step 10: Test-Fit the Amplifier Bracket

🎥 Watch: Bracket Test-Fit and Adjustment — 40:21

Place the amplifier assembly under the passenger-seat area.
Confirm that the bracket is oriented correctly and its seat-mounting sections align.
For the flat bracket demonstrated, gently bend the mounting sections at the division points approximately 5 degrees, as shown.
Recheck the fit so the amplifier remains level when the seat bolts are tightened.
Keep the under-seat air vents unobstructed.

Special Note: Follow the instructions supplied with your bracket if its design or required preparation differs from the version shown.

Step 11: Connect and Mount the DSR1

🎥 Watch: Rear Factory-Harness Connections — 41:25

Return to the original amplifier location behind the passenger-side rear seat.
Connect the three factory amplifier plugs to their matching keyed plugs on the bypass harness.
Leave the original factory subwoofer plug unused.
Connect the two input-side plugs and single output-side plug to their matching DSR1 sockets.
Push each plug fully into place.
The purple connector identified in the video is unused.

🎥 Watch: DSR1 Mounting Location — 43:02

Choose a rear mounting location that will not interfere with your aftermarket subwoofer enclosure.
Use heavy-duty hook-and-loop fastener to secure the DSR1 in the protected space beneath the rear seat demonstrated in the video.
Check rear-seat movement and keep connectors and cables clear of hinges and latches.

Step 12: Route the Harness and Install the Bass Knob

🎥 Watch: Rear-to-Front Harness Routing — 44:17

Route the long harness beneath the carpet from the rear factory-amplifier area toward the front passenger seat.
Follow the passenger-side wiring route shown in the video.
Bring the amplifier connectors through the carpet opening above the under-seat vents.
Leave enough length for all connections without blocking airflow.

🎥 Watch: Bass-Control Cable Routing — 46:11

Route the bass-control lead beneath the carpet alongside the center console.
Continue forward and across to the driver-side switch location.
Use the long routing zip tie and electrical tape to guide the connector around the carpet retainer and across the route demonstrated.
Keep the cable clear of pedals and steering components.

🎥 Watch: Dash Switch and Bass-Knob Installation — 50:32

Use a panel tool to release the switch-panel section shown in the video.
Remove the chosen switch blank.
Insert the assembled bass-knob switch mount.
Route the cable behind the panel and plug it into the bass control.
Bundle excess cable with a zip tie.
Snap the switch panel back into position.

Step 13: Connect the Amplifier and Secure the Wiring

🎥 Watch: Amplifier Connections — 52:40

Bring the power and ground leads through the carpet opening beside the amplifier.
With battery power still disconnected, use a 3mm Allen key to loosen the amplifier’s power terminals.
Connect the ground lead to the terminal marked for ground.
Connect the positive lead to the amplifier’s positive power terminal.
Tighten securely and gently tug both cables to check the connections.
Connect the matching eight-pin, four-pin, and 14-pin harness plugs as demonstrated.
Verify that each plug is fully seated.
Use the bracket’s wire-management holes and zip ties to secure the harness and power cables.
Trim zip-tie tails and check clearance around the seat tracks and vents.

⚠️ Important: Verify terminal labels rather than relying only on their position. Do not force a connector into a socket.

Step 14: Reinstall the Seat and Connect Battery Power

🎥 Watch: Preparation for Testing — 56:20

🎥 Watch: B-Pillar and Seat-Belt Reassembly — 57:17

Before reinstalling the seat, replace the B-pillar panel and check that the weather stripping sits correctly.
Reinstall the seat-belt anchor bolt to Toyota’s specified torque and replace its cover.
Check that the belt is not twisted.
With battery power still disconnected, carefully return the passenger seat to the cabin.
Reconnect the yellow, gray, and off-white connectors and engage their locks.
Confirm that the amplifier bracket is positioned correctly at the rear seat-mounting points.
Start all four seat bolts by hand, then tighten to Toyota’s specified torque.
Reinstall the seat-bolt covers.

🎥 Watch: Positive Battery Connection — 1:00:37

Double-check amplifier polarity, ground, harness connections, and fuse-holder security.
Connect the fused power lead to the battery’s positive terminal.
Secure the connection and protective covers.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal after all wiring and seat connections are complete.

Important: The video temporarily reinstalls the seat for testing, then removes it again for camera access. You can avoid that extra handling by completing the seat and seat-belt installation before restoring power.

Step 15: Connect to PerfectTune and Tune the DSR1

🎥 Watch: PerfectTune App Setup — 1:04:04

Connect to the DSR1

Download Rockford Fosgate’s PerfectTune app on a compatible device.
Turn on vehicle accessory power and the audio system.
Enable Bluetooth and allow the app’s required permissions.
Open the app’s device-search function.
Select the DSR1 and connect.
Open Tune → Advanced Tuning and allow the app to synchronize with the processor.

Set the Front and Rear Crossovers

🎥 Watch: Crossover Setup — 1:05:39

Open the speaker/crossover controls and select the front speaker pair.
Change the filter from all-pass to high-pass.
Set the frequency to 75 Hz.
Set the slope to 24 dB per octave.
Select the rear speaker pair.
Set the rear filter to high-pass, 75 Hz, 24 dB per octave.
Confirm that the settings apply to both channels in each linked pair.

⚠️ Important: These are the Tacoma starting settings demonstrated in the video. Confirm that they suit your aftermarket speakers and adjust according to the speaker manufacturer’s requirements.

Equalizer

🎥 Watch: Equalizer Overview — 1:07:25

Begin with a neutral EQ.
Lower frequencies appear toward the left, midrange frequencies in the middle, and higher frequencies toward the right.
Select a band and use the adjustment controls to raise or lower it.
Make small changes while listening and avoid excessive boosts.

Time Alignment and Channel Trim

🎥 Watch: Time Alignment and Trim Levels — 1:08:12

For custom time alignment, measure speaker distances from your chosen listening position and follow the app’s instructions for entering those measurements.
The video does not specify numeric Tacoma delay values.
Keep the front left and right channels linked when adjusting their levels together.
Do the same for the rear pair unless your tuning requires individual adjustments.
Skip the unused Front 2 outputs identified in the video.

Master and Subwoofer Levels

🎥 Watch: Master and Subwoofer Level Controls — 1:09:30

The master-level control adjusts the overall system output.
The subwoofer-level control adjusts the subwoofer independently.
If output is unexpectedly low, check that these controls have not been turned down.
Complete subwoofer crossover and level setup according to your installed subwoofer’s requirements.

Step 16: Test the System

🎥 Watch: Final Sound Demonstration — 1:10:36

Begin at low radio volume.
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 bass-knob response.
Gradually increase the volume while listening for clean sound.
Confirm that the passenger seat moves without contacting equipment or pulling on wiring.
Check that no seat or restraint-system warning remains illuminated.

Important: Resolve connection and tuning issues before reinstalling the remaining trim.

Step 17: Finish Reassembly

🎥 Watch: Passenger-Side Trim Reassembly — 56:42

Reinstall the passenger-side rear door sill trim.
Reinstall the front passenger kick panel and retaining knob.
Press the front passenger door sill trim into place.
Verify that the carpet and weather stripping sit correctly.
Finish securing the engine-bay power wire along the factory routing path and trim zip-tie tails.
Check that the fuse holder is secure and covered.

🎥 Watch: Rear Panel Reassembly — 1:02:10

Reinstall the driver-side rear panel and its three 10mm bolts.
Complete the passenger-side rear panel and enclosure installation according to your aftermarket subwoofer setup.
Check that the DSR1 and its wiring remain protected and clear of seat movement.
Perform one final sound and seat-function check.

Special Note: The video leaves the passenger-side rear panel off in preparation for an aftermarket subwoofer enclosure.

Congratulations on installing your AudX Plug & Play JBL Bypass 5-Channel Amplifier Kit! Enjoy upgraded power and sound while keeping your Tacoma’s factory head unit.

🛠️ Common Troubleshooting Solutions

Turn the system off and disconnect battery power before changing wiring or reseating power connections. Follow Toyota’s restraint-system procedures before inspecting seat connectors.

No Sound From Any Speakers

Confirm that the factory radio and amplifier are powered.
Check the amplifier fuse, positive power connection, and ground.
Check the three rear factory-harness connections and all DSR1 plugs.
Check the amplifier’s three harness plugs.
Verify that the DSR1 master and channel levels are not turned down or muted.

No Sound From One Speaker or Speaker Pair

Check the affected speaker’s connections.
Inspect the amplifier and bypass-harness plugs for loose connections or bent pins.
Check DSR1 channel levels, mute settings, and crossover assignments.
Check the radio’s balance and fader controls.

PerfectTune Cannot Find the DSR1

Confirm that the vehicle audio system and DSR1 are powered.
Check the DSR1 harness connections.
Enable Bluetooth and verify the app’s permissions.
Scan for the processor from inside PerfectTune.
Disconnect another device that may already be connected, then scan again.

Sound Is Distorted or Too Loud

Reduce the radio volume.
Confirm that suitable aftermarket speakers are installed.
Return excessive EQ boosts to neutral.
Check amplifier gain settings and the DSR1 crossover settings.
Have the gains adjusted for your system if distortion continues.

No Subwoofer Output or Bass-Knob Response

Confirm that a compatible aftermarket subwoofer is installed and connected.
Do not reconnect the factory JBL subwoofer to the AudX amplifier.
Check the bass-knob connection and subwoofer wiring.
Check the DSR1 subwoofer level and your subwoofer’s required crossover setup.
Review the Tacoma aftermarket subwoofer installation video.

Noise, Intermittent Sound, or Rattling

Verify clean bare-metal contact at the ground point.
Check for loose plugs, pinched wiring, or cable tension.
Confirm that the amplifier bracket and DSR1 are secure.
Inspect wiring near seat tracks, rear-seat hinges, and trim edges.

Seat or Restraint-System Warning

Turn the vehicle off.
Follow Toyota’s battery-disconnection and restraint-system procedures before inspecting seat wiring.
Check that every under-seat connector is fully seated and locked.
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 support, contact Trail Grid Pro through our website. Include your Tacoma’s year, speaker and subwoofer setup, a description of the issue, and clear photos of the amplifier, DSR1, and relevant connections.

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