The removable JBL Flex speaker installed in the Toyota Tacoma instrument panel can be taken out of its dock and carried to another location for portable music playback. Once removed, it connects to a compatible Bluetooth device wirelessly, allowing audio to be played away from the vehicle as well as inside it.
When the JBL Flex is returned to the instrument panel dock, it operates as a regular vehicle speaker and becomes part of the Toyota Tacoma audio system.
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
WARNING
When driving the vehicle
Before driving the Toyota Tacoma, make sure the JBL Flex speaker is correctly installed in its dock or otherwise secured so it cannot move around the cabin. An unsecured speaker may be thrown during sudden braking, sharp steering, or a collision, potentially causing an accident, serious injury or death.
Components
Front
- Link button for connecting multiple JBL Flex speakers
- Play/pause button for controlling audio playback
- Power button
- Bluetooth button for pairing and wireless connection
- Volume down button
- Volume up button
Side
- Battery status indicator showing the remaining charge level
- Charging port (USB Type-C)
NOTICE
Waterproof Performance
The JBL Flex speaker has waterproof performance equivalent to the IPX7 standard. It is designed to prevent water from entering the unit when temporarily submerged for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 3 ft. (1 m). This protection applies only within the stated conditions and does not mean that the speaker is intended for continuous underwater use.
- Do not intentionally operate or use the JBL Flex underwater, as the speaker is not completely waterproof under all conditions.
- If water enters the speaker, discontinue use and contact your Toyota dealer. Malfunctions caused by improper handling or water immersion outside the stated waterproof conditions may not be covered by warranty.
Attaching and removing the speaker (JBL Flex)
Removal
Press the eject button to release the JBL Flex from the instrument panel dock, then carefully lift and remove the speaker from the Toyota Tacoma dashboard.
Install
Align the JBL Flex with the instrument panel dock and push it firmly into position until a click is heard, confirming that the speaker has engaged with the mounting mechanism.
Installation
If the orange mark remains visible after inserting the JBL Flex, the speaker has not been seated completely in the dock.
Push the speaker inward firmly until the locking mechanism clicks and the orange mark is no longer visible.
Charging method
- The JBL Flex can be charged while it is connected to the dock built into the Toyota Tacoma instrument panel.
Maximum charging time is approximately 3.5 hours under the specified charging conditions.
- The speaker can also be charged directly through the USB Type-C port located on the side of the unit.
When charging is complete, the battery status indicator changes to a steady white light, indicating that the battery is fully charged.
Remaining battery power
The approximate remaining battery charge can be checked using the indicator located on the side of the JBL Flex.
From a fully charged state, the speaker can operate for up to approximately 6.5 hours when playback volume is set to 50%.
If the remaining battery charge falls to approximately 15% during playback, the lowest LED on the battery indicator begins flashing red to warn that the battery is running low.
Available operating time and overall battery performance can change as the battery ages and will vary according to usage habits, charging cycles, playback volume and surrounding conditions.
- 100% battery level
- 50% battery level
- 20% battery level
How to use
Connect
1. Enable the Bluetooth function on the smartphone, tablet or other compatible Bluetooth device that you want to register with the JBL Flex.
2. Remove the JBL Flex from the Toyota Tacoma instrument panel dock so it can operate as a portable Bluetooth speaker.
3. Press the power button to switch the speaker on.
A startup tone will sound and the power button will illuminate, confirming that the JBL Flex is powered on and ready for connection.
For the last connected Bluetooth device
The Bluetooth button flashes while the speaker searches for the most recently connected Bluetooth device, and the connection is established automatically when that device is available.
For Bluetooth devices connected before last or connecting for the first time
4. Press the Bluetooth button to place the JBL Flex into pairing mode.
The Bluetooth button on the front of the speaker flashes and a search tone sounds, indicating that the JBL Flex is discoverable by nearby Bluetooth devices.
5. Open the Bluetooth device list on the smartphone or portable device, search for nearby equipment, and select "TOYOTA JBL Flex".
6. When pairing has been completed successfully, the Bluetooth button remains illuminated and a connection tone is heard.
How to play
-
Once: play/pause
Twice: fast forward -
Volume down -
Volume up
Disconnect
To disconnect the JBL Flex, turn off the Bluetooth function on the connected smartphone or other portable device.
The connection can also be ended by deleting or canceling the JBL Flex connection registration from the Bluetooth settings of the connected mobile phone or portable device.
Turning off the power
Press the power button to switch the JBL Flex off.
A shutdown tone is played and the power button light turns off, confirming that the speaker has powered down.
Pairing
If no Bluetooth device establishes a connection within approximately 3 minutes after pairing mode begins, the JBL Flex automatically stops pairing.
Press the Bluetooth button again whenever you need to restart pairing and search for another device.
Automatic power off
To conserve battery power, the JBL Flex automatically switches off after approximately 30 minutes without activity.
Using multiple speakers (JBL Flex)
The JBL Link function makes it possible to connect multiple JBL Flex speakers so the same audio can be played through several units together.
Connect
1. First connect the Bluetooth source device to the JBL Flex that will serve as the main speaker.
2. Turn on every additional JBL Flex speaker that you want to include in the linked speaker group.
3. Press the link button on the main JBL Flex.
A search tone will sound while the main speaker looks for another JBL Flex that can be linked.
4. Press the link button on the JBL Flex speaker that you want to add to the connection.
The Bluetooth button on the JBL Flex will flash during the linking process. When the connection has been completed, only the main speaker's applicable indicator remains on while the indicator on the connected speaker turns off.
Disconnect
Pressing the power button, Bluetooth button or link button on a connected JBL Flex, or returning the speaker to the Toyota Tacoma instrument panel dock, will disconnect it from the JBL Link group.
Maximum number of simultaneous connections
JBL Link supports simultaneous connection of up to 100 JBL Flex speakers, allowing a large group of compatible units to play together.
Products able to be connected
Only JBL Flex speakers are compatible with this linking function.
Other JBL speaker models and products cannot be connected through the JBL Link function described here.
Volume during JBL Link
After linking has been completed, all paired JBL Flex speakers initially operate at the same volume. Adjusting volume from the connected Bluetooth device or from the main JBL Flex changes the output level for all linked speakers together, keeping their volume synchronized. If the volume is changed directly on one of the secondary connected speakers, that individual speaker will lose volume synchronization with the main JBL Flex and the Bluetooth source device. To restore synchronized volume control, pair the speakers again.
About the lighting pattern of the light
Troubleshooting
Initializing the speaker (JBL Flex)
Use the following procedure to erase the current settings and return the JBL Flex to its factory configuration.
1. Press the power button and make sure the JBL Flex is switched on.
2. Press and hold the volume up button and play button simultaneously for at least 3 seconds.
3. A power-off tone will sound. When the speaker turns off after this tone, initialization has been completed and the factory settings have been restored.
Specifications
The JBL Flex is classified as a Non-Hazardous Automotive Speaker designed for removable use with the Toyota Tacoma and for portable playback when detached from the instrument panel dock.
