Toyota Radio Keeps Rebooting – How to Fix It

A road trip without good music does not feel enjoyable at all. So, when you are rolling with your Toyota just to discover that the Radio is randomly restarting itself, your frustration is justified. But what things should you check when the Toyota radio keeps rebooting?

The Toyota radio can start to reboot randomly due to issues with the software, not getting enough power, a fuse failure, or wrong wiring. It can also begin to reset for overheating.

So, does that mean that you need to replace the Radio? Not really! Before you decide to replace it, you must carry out some troubleshooting steps. What steps are we talking about here? Continue reading to learn all about them!

Why is the Toyota Radio Rebooting Randomly?

Let’s look closer at the issues causing the problem before getting to the solutions. Having an idea regarding the culprits will make it easier for you to troubleshoot. So, here are the reasons why the Toyota radio might be resetting:

The Radio has Outdated Software

You might not know this, but many vehicle components require a software update. These updates make the car compatible with the latest features and ensure optimal functionality of the parts.

Sometimes, without the latest update installed, some components can stop working. And Radio Toyota is not an exception.

It is Not Getting Enough Power

The Radio of your Toyota is one of the vehicle’s electrical components. And just like any other electronic part, the Radio requires a proper flow and amount of power to operate optimally. So, when it is not working correctly, there is a high chance that it is due to a power issue.

There is a Fuse Failure

The vehicle’s fuses protect the electronic components when there are any problems with the circuit. For example, when there is a short, the fuse is the first line of defense for the devices.

It will blow up, which will hinder the proper flow of electricity. And when the flow is not correct, the Toyota radio can keep restarting.

The Memory Wire has been Wrongly Installed

Most of the stereo systems of the vehicles will rely on a small yellow wire. It goes by memory wire and is generally installed in the wiring harness.

The thing about this small wire is that it requires a constant flow of electricity. So, when the wire is disconnected or is damaged, the stereo system or Radio can start resetting randomly.

It Might be Overheating

Have you installed a custom radio system? If that is the case, there is a high chance that the system will not get enough air. It could be due to having a size difference or a different layout.

Nonetheless, when electronic systems do not get enough air, they overheat. And that can cause the same problem you might be facing right now.

Things To Do When the Toyota Radio Keeps Rebooting

Now that you are well aware of the things that can make the radio reboot randomly let’s take a look at the solutions:

Update the Radio Software

Before anything else, you need to check for a software update. Check Toyota’s official firmware update section and see whether a new version is available. Don’t know what version is already on the vehicle? Well, you can refer to the date of the update.

If the software update seems relatively new, you will know that the software on your vehicle is outdated. Nonetheless, you can install software updates on your car in two different ways; first, through a USB pen drive, and second, through OTA. Here is a quick video on YouTube that can come in handy:

Check the Power Flow of Electricity

Old or drained batteries can make most of the electrical components of the vehicle show issues. However, before replacing the battery, you must check whether the Radio is getting the proper power. You can do that by a quick voltage check.

The typical voltage range for car radios is from 12 volts to 14.4 volts. Check the other electrical components if the Radio is not getting that voltage. The battery might be wrong if all the electrical parts have an off-voltage range.

Change any Blown Fuses

Blown fuses can make your Radio stop entirely. However, the good news is that replacing the fuses is not much of a complex task. You have to follow these steps:

• Locate the fuse panel of your Toyota. If you can not find it, check the manual. There should be a clear indication regarding the fuse panel in the manual.
• Remove the cover of the fuse panel. You should see various colors and numbers that will denote different amperages. Also, there will be a diagram showing which fuse is used by which vehicle component.
• Locate the fuse that has blown. Usually, the fuse housing will be black. But if you do not see any discoloration, check for a broken metal filament. A flashlight can make this task easy.
• Get a suitable replacement. Double-check the amperage rating and the fuse size before making any purchase. If you use the wrong fuse, the vehicle will have more electrical problems.
• Start the vehicle and check whether the issue is still there or not. Also, keeping extra fuses in the glove box is always a good idea. You never know when you will need one.

Ensure that the Wiring is Correct

If you are sure that the fuses are alright, you need to check the wiring. There are many reasons why wiring or connectors can come loose. And loose connection can cause the same issue in this case.

For radio problems, you need to focus on the memory wire. It is a small yellow wire that will be connected to the Radio’s wiring harness. Check whether that wire is in good shape or not. If you see visible damage on the wire, you should replace it.

Make Sure That the Unit has Proper Vents

All electronics make some amount of heat when they are operating. And the case is not different for the car radio. Also, if you have installed a new stereo system recently, there is a high chance that you are blocking the vehicle’s vents.

A thorough check of the vents will determine whether they are blocked. And if you find them blocked, you should make proper arrangements to clear them up.

When Should You Replace the Radio?

If you have gone through all the steps and found no issues with the wiring, fuses, software, and battery, you should visit your trusty mechanic.

And if they cannot come to a solution, you should take the Radio apart and check for problems with the internals. However, it would be time for a replacement if that does not work out either.

What to Do When the Toyota Radio Stops Working?

Apart from constantly rebooting, your car radio can suddenly stop working. And it is natural for you to panic when that happens. However, you have nothing to worry about. Why? The troubleshooting steps are not complex at all. Take a look:

Check Whether the Anti-Theft Measures Were Triggered

Some of the vehicles have advanced anti-theft features. When the power flow is disrupted, the electronic parts stop working. How is this an anti-theft feature? Well, when the electronic components render useless, you cannot drive the vehicle properly.

Nonetheless, the anti-theft feature can turn on without tampering with the electrical components. In other words, when the battery becomes disconnected or loses power, the electrical parts can malfunction.

When fixing the problem, you must first check whether the battery is okay. If the battery works correctly, refer to your user manual and see how to disable the anti-theft measures.

See If There Are Any Wiring Issues

When the wiring of the electrical components can come loose, the parts stop working or start to malfunction. Generally, you will not face any wiring issues with the stock radio setups of Toyota.

It is the custom setups that are notorious for having this issue. Third-party installations are never as secure as first-party installations.

Nonetheless, whether you have a stock radio, you need to check the wiring. See if all the wires and connectors of the radio setup are okay or not. Also, pay proper attention to the memory wire, which is the small yellow wire found in the wiring harness of the radios.

Check the Wiring of the Speakers

The speakers can also have wiring issues of their own. And when the speakers have a problem, the Radio can suddenly stop working. You may discover on your radio screen that it’s not working if it happens.

You must understand that the speakers are directly connected to the stereo or radio systems. So, when there is an electrical problem with the speakers, there can be one with the Radio too.

Again, the simple fix for this issue would be to check the wiring of the speakers. See if any wire or connector is out of place or not. Also, check for damages to the cables. A damaged or loose wire can interrupt the normal flow of electricity.

Fix the Antenna or Tuner

If all the other things seem okay, there could be an issue with the antenna. Generally, when there is an issue with the antenna, the Radio will start, but it will not pick up any signals. However, in some cases, the Radio can stop working entirely.

So, you should check whether the tuner or the antenna is working fine or not. If you see that there are issues with the component, get it replaced.

Replace the Blown Fuse

The sudden death of your Radio could be for a fuse. All the vehicles will have at least one fuse dedicated to the radio system. It protects the system from power supply issues and short circuits. So, if the Radio has suddenly stopped, there is a chance that the fuse has blown.

Just check the fuse panel and locate the faulty fuse. Afterwards, remove it from the board and replace it with a new one. However, when you get a new one, ensure the amperage is correct. See the manual of your car for further information regarding the fuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is My Toyota Radio Turning on and Off?

If the Toyota radio is turning on and off, there can be issues with the vehicle’s battery. Also, you should consider checking the Radio’s wiring, fuses, and vents.

Any problems with those can make the radio show issues such as this. Lastly, see whether the Radio is updated to the latest firmware.

• Why is There a Static Sound on My Radio?

Metal and steel surfaces can interfere with radio reception. Also, any device that relies on a wireless signal can interfere with the radio signal. These interferences can make your radio output static sound. Generally, these interferences are not a problem for a good tuner or antenna.

• Toyota Radio Coming on, but There is No Sound; What Should I Do?

Firstly, you need to check the wiring of the speakers. There can be a faulty or damaged wire that is causing the Radio not to output any sound.

Secondly, check for blown fuses. The fuse that is dedicated to the speakers might have blown. Finally, check whether the volume inputs are working correctly or not.

• How Much Does It Cost to Change the Radio of a Toyota?

The cost for the radio replacement will include the Radio and the installation charge. Generally, the radio cost is between $50 and $500. Some units cost more than $500 too. It depends on the model. And for the installation, you will be looking to pay anywhere from $100 and $250.

• Can I Install the Car Radio Myself?

Although installing the car radio might seem tricky, it is not. You do not need many DIY skills to fit it in your car. All you need to do is follow the correct steps and ensure the radio wiring is right. If you mess up the wiring, the Radio will not work.

Final Words

When the Toyota radio keeps rebooting, you need to take things step-by-step. First, check the software and update it if necessary. Then, see if the Radio is getting the right amount of power. Afterward, check the wiring and see if there are any blown fuses. Finally, see if the Radio is overheating or not.

If the Radio still keeps restarting, you need to visit a mechanic. They should be able to tell you what is wrong with the Radio and offer a proper solution.