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Microphone Solution? Anything?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by TheSponge, Aug 10, 2025.

  1. Aug 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
    #1
    TheSponge

    TheSponge [OP] New Member

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    2016 Limited, the call quality microphone is absolute crap. To the point calls can’t really be done due to the quality.

    It’s not my phone or reception. I keep seeing complaints about this but is there an actual fix? A repair microphone?

    Super annoying trying to speak to someone and they can’t make anything out.
     
  2. Aug 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
    #2
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    Use ear pods.
     
  3. Aug 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
    #3
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    The factory mic on toyotas just sucks ass period. Everyone said my Taco mic said it was like breaking up in tunnel when on an open road.

    I don't have stock radio in the 4R, and i can't suggest 170$ to replace it with a new mic from Toyota. That's replacing the radio money there.
     
  4. Aug 10, 2025 at 4:38 PM
    #4
    TheSponge

    TheSponge [OP] New Member

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    So a replacement mic from Toyota actually solves it? What’s the difference I wonder?

    Also, what radio have you found that’s $170, lol?
    I prefer the OEM look anyways, but the mic issue is annoying as hell.
     
  5. Aug 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
    #5
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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  6. Aug 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
    #6
    catbrown357

    catbrown357 New Member

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    I put a new head unit in and used the microphone that came with that. Clear as a bell.
     
    Steely123 likes this.
  7. Aug 10, 2025 at 5:27 PM
    #7
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    A decent low end radio is in that ball park now.

    IMG_2920.png
     
  8. Aug 10, 2025 at 5:36 PM
    #8
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    Agreed. My round alpine mic fits in both the stock location perfectly and told it's crystal clear.
     
  9. Aug 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
    #9
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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  10. Aug 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM
    #10
    Beach

    Beach New Member

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  11. Aug 11, 2025 at 2:40 AM
    #11
    TheSponge

    TheSponge [OP] New Member

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    So that microphone is for aftermarket radios but fits stock location, correct? Cannot be used with the OEM head unit?

    If it doesn’t work I assume it’s because the OEM unit uses a proprietary plug? Does anyone actually know?
     
  12. Aug 11, 2025 at 3:51 AM
    #12
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    you are correct. That shows to have a 3.5 jack on it, so it will not work with the OEM headunit. You'd have to get an adapter to convert it. which is another point of failure for call quality.
     
  13. Aug 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
    #13
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    There is no solution that involves the OEM head unit. The mics are garbage.
     
    Steely123 and whippersnapper02 like this.
  14. Aug 12, 2025 at 5:38 PM
    #14
    TheSponge

    TheSponge [OP] New Member

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    I can’t believe given the interest and community on the 4R that there isn’t a solution but to replace the head unit.

    Is the issue noise due to its location? What if it’s packed behind the mic to isolate it from the roof/ wherever it is?

    Also, can’t believe someone didn’t come up with a adapter to convert a 3rd party mic to the OEM head unit
     
  15. Aug 13, 2025 at 7:40 AM
    #15
    Steely123

    Steely123 What's the new trend? I'll do it!

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    It's the mic itself. Just poor quality electronic. My aftermarket mic is in the exact same spot with no issues and better call quality (again, i'm told. I haven't called myself from my truck and tested.)

    I will agree on the fact of those who don't want to go through the swapping the whole headunit for the one issue. For some, the OEM radio is just fine for their needs.
     
    Rocko9999 likes this.
  16. Aug 13, 2025 at 10:14 AM
    #16
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    You are in the denial stage of grief. It's normal. I was there too. Once you get passed this and beyond the anger stage, you will realize, no, there is no solution involving the OEM head unit.
     
    TheSponge[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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