Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Huge disappointment with 1 Factory Radio

Murf926

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I've read good things about 1 Factory Radio, so I bought one of their factory radios with bluetooth added.

Well, I sent the first one I received back because the Bluetooth button wasn't even pushable. Like it was glued solid. The second one I received has a pushable Bluetooth button, and my phone did recognize and connect to the radio when I first installed it, but after I turned off the power and turned it back on, it wouldn't connect again. I tried to forget the device from my phone and start all over, but it doesn't even see the radio as a Bluetooth device anymore, so I can't pair it. Also, ejecting a CD only works sometimes, not every time. Very poor QC for a $255 factory radio if you ask me.

0 for 2. I give up. I'm returning it and thinking of trying a double din multimedia unit. Anybody have experience with one of those?
 
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thinking of trying a double din multimedia unit. Anybody have experience with one of those?

I just posted a how-to for a double DIN Sony unit the other day. I'm liking it so far. Andy
 
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The Bluetooth on my 1 Factory Radio crapped out after two years....it works, but tons of static and popping noises when I use it. Radio still works fine. I've been too lazy to send it back for repair.
 
I'm returning it and thinking of trying a double din multimedia unit. Anybody have experience with one of those?
A sizeable number of TJ owners here have done the double-din swap. With the relatively inexpensive aftermarket bezels now available, I don't see the appeal of retaining the factory junk. I think you'd be happier with a modern aftermarket double-din head unit than a cobbled together OEM 1.5 din head unit.
 
Get an aftermarket 2 DIN with wireless Carplay/Android Auto and you're golden.

Since I don't ever lock my Jeep, I installed one of the full Android head units found on Amazon.

They have a lot more functionality than your typical Carplay head unit and much less expensive than a name brand.

Would a name brand unit sound better? In a soft top Jeep I'd never be able to tell the difference.

Just be sure to spend the extra $20 for the multi-year warranty as the Chinesium radios can be a roll of the dice.

I've had great luck with them except for one from CarJoying. It was pure Junk.
 
I tried the factory 1 radio as well and the sound quality was terrible. Lots of popping and hissing. I went through all my wiring, looking for a ground issue. Plugged the original factory radio in and it was clear as a bell. Returned the factory1 radio, went aftermarket and have not regretted that decision one bit.
 
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Who knew? The factory radio is the first thing I throw away on every Jeep I buy. :unsure:

I also don't understand why anyone would want to pay good money for an OEM radio. The only explanation I understand is someone that must have the OEM look, which isn't good anyway.

I ended up getting this Sony.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-0WYw1nxeT22/p_158XAV3200/Sony-XAV-AX3200.html

Works well, no complaints. Only other option I would've liked is wireless car play. Though I wasn't willing to pay more for it.
 
I also don't understand why anyone would want to pay good money for an OEM radio. The only explanation I understand is someone that must have the OEM look, which isn't good anyway.

I ended up getting this Sony.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-0WYw1nxeT22/p_158XAV3200/Sony-XAV-AX3200.html

Works well, no complaints. Only other option I would've liked is wireless car play. Though I wasn't willing to pay more for it.

Well, I wanted stock appearance mostly because my Jeep spends the summer with no doors or windows and I didn't want anything that looks expensive, but I'm over that now.

I'm looking at this specifically because it has wireless car play:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_110CAR710W/Jensen-CAR710W.html?tp=72334

Not thrilled with the Jensen brand, but I may give it a shot anyway.
 
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I've read good things about 1 Factory Radio, so I bought one of their factory radios with bluetooth added.

Well, I sent the first one I received back because the Bluetooth button wasn't even pushable. Like it was glued solid. The second one I received has a pushable Bluetooth button, and my phone did recognize and connect to the radio when I first installed it, but after I turned off the power and turned it back on, it wouldn't connect again.
Did you install it so the radio had its two required different power sources, one always on and the other switched? It shouldn't have forgot your Bluetooth info if it had its constant-on power connection properly connected to an always-on source of 12 volts.
 
I have used this on TWO of my TJs with the 7-speaker sub factory setup. My Rubicon is 100% original so didn't want to deviate from that and this device works great. Granted, its not for the audiophile type but it does work great. Put one in daughter's LJ also.



https://www.discountcarstereo.com/blu-chry02.html

I thought about that. I used to have an iPod module attached to mine, but it shit the bed after a couple of years, so I'm actually leaning towards an aftermarket touchscreen unit.
 
Did you install it so the radio had its two required different power sources, one always on and the other switched? It shouldn't have forgot your Bluetooth info if it had its constant-on power connection properly connected to an always-on source of 12 volts.

I don't know Jerry, I just plugged it in the same way the factory radio was plugged in. The guy on their support line said that's all you have to do. I don't think it's the radio that forgot my phone. I'm thinking the radio's Bluetooth module is faulty. I tried multiple Bluetooth devices and none of them show the radio's Bluetooth as a pairing option. They all see my neighbors TV in his house, but not the radio that is less than a foot away. Like I said before, the first time I turned on the radio, I saw the radio available for pairing and successfully paired it, but once I cut power to the radio, all the devices I have tried don't see the radio as available for pairing. I tried unplugging the radio and replugging it in hoping it might reset, but no joy.
 
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I’ve been happy with my Joying, it’s China-com Adriod but all I care about was Wireless CarPlay, 5 channel rca out and physical volume. Bonus for being 1.5 Dinn which fit my 02 without needing new bezels and decent backup camera. MagSafe charge below the gearshift also gives me clear dash.

Joying 7" Single Din Car Stereo Android 10.0 Head Unit Touch Screen Car Radio Support Bluetooth 5.1/Carplay/Android Auto/5G WiFi/Subwoofer Output/Audio Out/Video in https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X2ZDB7B/?tag=wranglerorg-20

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I’ve been happy with my Joying, it’s China-com Adriod but all I care about was Wireless CarPlay, 5 channel rca out and physical volume. Bonus for being 1.5 Dinn which fit my 02 without needing new bezels and decent backup camera. MagSafe charge below the gearshift also gives me clear dash.

Joying 7" Single Din Car Stereo Android 10.0 Head Unit Touch Screen Car Radio Support Bluetooth 5.1/Carplay/Android Auto/5G WiFi/Subwoofer Output/Audio Out/Video in https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X2ZDB7B/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I like that. What speakers did you get, and is the subwoofer output meant to be used with a powered sub?
edit: whoa, I just saw that it is Android 10 and not upgradeable, how's that working?
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator