Aftermarket Radio=Blown ECU?

[yt4r96]

Last Christmas I attempted to install a after market radio inside my 96 4runner. Ive never done anything like this but I was excited to try anyway. The wires that connected to the stock radio(ground,speakers,antenna,etc..) I had to cut off the head and replace it with the adapter that came with the radio. I followed a diagram that i checked was correct from several different sources making sure i would not cross any wires and then had my dad check all the wire nuts i used to connect the wires to the new adapter head. I plugged it in the new radio and powered it up. Radio lights came on and the antenna on the front of the car extended...The it starts blasting this hellish sound and I see smoke rising from the inside of the center dashboard :sobbing: . I turned the ignition off and it stopped as did the smoking. I tried starting the engine up but got nothing, had to take it into the shop the next day to find out I blew my ECU. I ordered another and had them put it in for me; it was quite pricey...)

So my question is: How can i put a after market radio in my 4runner without bringing it close to death again?

 

[tbst]

Uh, first unhook the negative battery terminal when working on your vehicle. Second, how did the dealership say it happen? Doesn't seem very plasusible, IMO.

Get a crimper and some butt connectors. Take the entire wiring assembly out of the car and wire it up on the couch.

One from harbor freight for $12 works well!

 

[Bill_Dunnigan]

Is this a Joke?

in all my years of putting aftermarket radios in, i have never heard of this happening. i think the stealership screwed you buddy.....bent you right over the kitchen table and they left with your kitchen sink. Best buy installs radios pretty cheap if you don't have a clue about 12volts DC

 

[PitbullRescuer]

You should need to cut any factory wiring. There's a harness you connect to the new radio and that should plug into the factory Toyota wiring.

 

[tbst]

You should need to cut any factory wiring. There's a harness you connect to the new radio and that should plug into the factory Toyota wiring.

He would have to cut the factory wiring if he didn't by an aftermarket plug n play wiring kit from METRA or somewhere. Which is what I am guessing happened.

How much did they charge you for a new ECU?

 

[Socco]

How can i put a after market radio in my 4runner without bringing it close to death again?

Using crimp connectors NOT WIRE NUTS, put the factory radio plug back onto the harness in the car. Color for Color, nothing scientific.
Buy a harness adapter, readily available at any place that sells car stereos. Then, again, using crimp connectors, match the colors together between the radios harness and the adapter.
Plug it into the car and enjoy a smoke free drive.

You could have blown a 10A fuse labelled ECU-IG, and not the actual ECU. It feeds power to the body and rear door ECUs as well as the auto antenna control relay. It is the only Radio to ECU connection there is.

 

[tbst]

I can't reiterate enough the value of having an actual good crimper. It is very difficult to make good connections without one. Buy one. You'll have it for years and find you want to use it all the time.

 

[Socco]

I've used my pair of these for many years:
Crimping Tool, 10-22AWG - Cable and Wire Crimping Tools - Crimping Tools - 5LL34 : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[tbst]

And these would work for you also. Especially through your radio install.

Ratcheting Crimping Tool

Just adjust them to the most compressive setting.

 

[Bucket81]

I have been installing 12V for years I just got my 4runner I plan on putting in an after market head unit in a couple weeks I'll have to do a write up on a proper installation.

 

[revenantdead]

seriously?

 

[BrianSD_42]

If what you say is true then I don't understand why the factory FUSE didn't blow.

 

[yt4r96]

The ECU was only $160 the repair and a few other things made the total 1k. I checked all the fuses before i took it into the shop and they were all fine....

 

[tbst]

If thats really what happened, I would just pay someone to install it. You are already in it $1,000 + time. Just pay another $100 and then have someone to go back to if you ever have any problems.