So what is the lowdown on the aftermarket stereo deal on the new 4Runner's. I am looking at getting an '04 Sport Edition V6 with the standard Toyota stereo. I want to up grade to an aftermarket standard CD player and possibly nicer speakers. A couple of ?'s though. I know I am going to loose the steering wheel controls which sucks, for any one who has done this does it bother you? 1. I have seen the after market dash kit what is with the storage space under the deck? 2. Will I need to get an amp to power the 6 speakers if I replace the standard Toyota 6.

Forgot to write this too what is the deal with Warranty coverage if you replace the stock stereo and get an aftermarket alarm/carstarter?

thanks.

You would unfortunately. My dealer told me that you would void your warranty simply if you install HID lights. They told me a story about someone who tried to install a new radio and accidently cut the wires to their airbags. Well, it cost him $3500 in repairs.

*** I'm not an attorney and nothing I say should be misconstrued as legal advice***

Your warranty would almost certainly be void for any system you alter. The rest of your new car warranty should still be in effect however. Ultimately the dealer probably doesn't have much of a say in the matter. They just submit the claim and Toyota decides to pay or deny it In that case, and assuming you disagree with Toyota's decision to deny your warranty claim, you can always dispute it and/or consult an attorney.

*** I'm not an attorney and nothing I say should be miscontrued as legal advice***


With respect to the airbag comment .... yah lookout. Those things are sensitive. Get a wiring manual and make sure you STAY AWAY from any connector or harness related to any part of the airbag system. To be safe(r), always disconnect the ground wire on your battery before you do any electrical work. Then wait a few minutes before you start splicing and/or unplugging/plugging things. This should help you avoid accidental SRS deployment as well as inadvertantly popping fuses and/or starting an electrical fire.

There would be virtually no aftermarket if installing aftermarket components voided your warranty.

Of course, replacing the stereo means that is not covered.

you can install any aftermarket radio on any vehicle good luck and just pick the one you want.
Check out this guys site for more info on radio installs.
http://www.br00klyn.com/4runner/
You can install an aftermarket radio and keep your stock speakers ( i have). or you can install an amp and power them separately (which is better for sound quality) but stock is fine.

As for warranty. the only part that will become void is the radio. Anything you change will void only that part of the warranty (actually only if they know it was there or changed).

Just because you changed your radio and now the suspension is all messed up doesn't mean that they won't warranty your suspension. A void warranty only affects those that are the root cause. If the radio did infact break your suspension (somehow) then I guess they can say so.

If the dealer says otherwise regarding warranty, take your business elsewhere. Keep in mind that any TSB repairs are performed regardless of warranty since it is a safety recall.