Aftermarket radio install guide?

[happaflapp]

Is there one in the forum somewhere for 4th gen T4R's?

I did a search and came up empty handed. Sorry to create yet another radio thread. I just want to know what I'm getting into before I get there.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

what system do you have? jbl/non jbl? what head unit are you planning on installing? crutchfield has really good installation guides and supplies the mounting hardware with the purchase of most head units

 

[JGardner]

Crutchfield Guide

Saw this on another post (can't recall if here or elsewhere) and downloaded it immediately - glad to share but unfortunately I cannot credit OP

 

[marc_l71]

what system do you have? jbl/non jbl? what head unit are you planning on installing? crutchfield has really good installation guides and supplies the mounting hardware with the purchase of most head units

just like wnelax04sr5 said. You can go to crutchfield and enter your info in and it will let you know what you need to get your radio installed. along jGardner you can see how the removal and installation info. or just google it.

 

[paraordnance]

I find this link extremely useful since I tore my dash apart installing new stereo at least 5-6 times. It is for Nav unit but the process is the same for all. And install is the same but in reverse. You just need the correct mounting bracket for your new HU. There is several brackets available on the market depending on the type of your existing original HU. I had JBL 10 speaker system so the bracket I got (Scosche TA2079B) fit very well and secure and looks good. I believe there is also a Metra kit (95-8210) for non JBL

How to remove navigation HU on 4runner

 

[Martinjmpr]

If you haven't got your stereo yet, you can't go wrong with Crutchfield. I've put two of them in two different vehicles (1 my T4R) and was very happy with the experience. Both times I had to call their customer service line and both times they walked me right through the procedure. Their prices are great, too.

 

[paperchasin]

From all of the research that I've done, the physical removal of the headunit isn't too bad. Its the wiring up of the new headunit that is a PITA, especially if you have the JBL synthesis + Navi.

 

[paraordnance]

From all of the research that I've done, the physical removal of the headunit isn't too bad. Its the wiring up of the new headunit that is a PITA, especially if you have the JBL synthesis + Navi.

There is nothing hard about wiring, its just matching colors on wires from vehicle and new HU and crimping them together. Wiring diagrams really help to figure out what each factory wire is. Mind you I did not use any part of the factory stereo (JBL), it was clean install with all aftermarket components (speakers, amps, sub). I also installed steering wheel control adapter and backup camera while I was there. It sure takes a lot of time but I don't find it hard at all.

 

[marc_l71]

There is nothing hard about wiring, its just matching colors on wires from vehicle and new HU and crimping them together. Wiring diagrams really help to figure out what each factory wire is. Mind you I did not use any part of the factory stereo (JBL), it was clean install with all aftermarket components (speakers, amps, sub). I also installed steering wheel control adapter and backup camera while I was there. It sure takes a lot of time but I don't find it hard at all.

Right and the only wire crimping is off the pig tails. The new head unit should come with a connection(plugs into HU) and loose wire on one end to crimp on a different connection made specifically for that vehicle. And when you get on Crutchfield it will tell you which other plugs you will need with wires. That is how I did mine. Old school days is was cutting wires here and there, and splicing them.

 

[dandingo]

Somewhat on-topic - Just picked up a brand new '05 and my CD player doesn't want to play any CD. I get 'loading' blinking and it just keeps blinking but won't play. Is there an easy fix? Maybe it needs a cleaning? Thanks in advance.

 

[happaflapp]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

what system do you have? jbl/non jbl? what head unit are you planning on installing? crutchfield has really good installation guides and supplies the mounting hardware with the purchase of most head units

I have the non-jbl HU.

I ended up picking up the Pioneer FHX720BT. I found it on Newegg for $99.00. I know there are better double dins out there but for my needs and the price I couldn't pass it up.

I have been to Crutchfield.com to price out the adapter harness. I am still wondering if there is a amp like there was in the 3rd gen. T4R's.

 

[happaflapp]

Saw this on another post (can't recall if here or elsewhere) and downloaded it immediately - glad to share but unfortunately I cannot credit OP

Awesome find! Thanks for the share.

 

[happaflapp]

From all of the research that I've done, the physical removal of the headunit isn't too bad. Its the wiring up of the new headunit that is a PITA, especially if you have the JBL synthesis + Navi.

That's what I'm afraid of. Taking stuff apart is easy, its the re-wiring that makes me nervous.

I have the vanilla non-jbl OEM double din. I would of kept it, except I like the blue tooth accessibility and USB mode in the Pioneer.

 

[paperchasin]

There is nothing hard about wiring, its just matching colors on wires from vehicle and new HU and crimping them together. Wiring diagrams really help to figure out what each factory wire is. Mind you I did not use any part of the factory stereo (JBL), it was clean install with all aftermarket components (speakers, amps, sub). I also installed steering wheel control adapter and backup camera while I was there. It sure takes a lot of time but I don't find it hard at all.

Bolded above is exactly what I meant. Everyone agrees its easier to rip everything out and start from scratch. But in my case, I already have factory back-up camera, factory Bluetooth/mic, JBL synthesis + subwoofer, and all I want to do is swap out my outdated Navi headunit with a newer unit while keeping the rest of the stuff factory.

In the end, yes, it is simply wiring and wiring diagrams. But getting this headunit installed as mentioned above is far from your average stereo install where all you need to do is match up the colors and connect the harness.

 

[CCWSW]

Radio Installation

That's what I'm afraid of. Taking stuff apart is easy, its the re-wiring that makes me nervous.

I have the vanilla non-jbl OEM double din. I would of kept it, except I like the blue tooth accessibility and USB mode in the Pioneer.

I just installed the AVH-X2700BS about 2 weekends ago. It was not very hard at all. I was the exact same way...nervous about the wiring but confident in the mechanical take down. Wiring was easier than I thought. I probably over thought it on several occasions. Once you get the new head unit and Metra harness, I would recommend going through it and matching the wires so you're comfortable knowing which is which when you put them together. I soldered mine and heat shrunk the wires together. Biggest thing is TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't rush through it. If you need my parts list, I have it on an excel document I can send to you. I used the Metra Axxess Steering wheel control and had to buy the harness to use the original factory harness instead of splicing into the wiring in the car for hte steering wheel controls. Worked fabulous! It's an extra $10 part that saved me a lot of pain and frustration.

 

[happaflapp]

I just installed the AVH-X2700BS about 2 weekends ago. It was not very hard at all. I was the exact same way...nervous about the wiring but confident in the mechanical take down. Wiring was easier than I thought. I probably over thought it on several occasions. Once you get the new head unit and Metra harness, I would recommend going through it and matching the wires so you're comfortable knowing which is which when you put them together. I soldered mine and heat shrunk the wires together. Biggest thing is TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't rush through it. If you need my parts list, I have it on an excel document I can send to you. I used the Metra Axxess Steering wheel control and had to buy the harness to use the original factory harness instead of splicing into the wiring in the car for hte steering wheel controls. Worked fabulous! It's an extra $10 part that saved me a lot of pain and frustration.

Thanks CCWSW that's what I needed to hear.

A parts list would be fantastic. You can send it to [email protected]

 

[CCWSW]

Email sent Happaflapp.

 

[happaflapp]

Email sent Happaflapp.

Thank you!

 

[dta1984]

I am in the process of doing mine. I have JBL + RDS. I am installing a Kenwood NAV unit. Having done many stereos in the past, I will admit at first look this was overwhelming. But....after sorting things through and doing all of the wiring out of the vehicle on my kitchen table, it was actually pretty easy.

The PAC SWI was a little confusing. Once I moved to the PAC TATO and realized it actually comes with the harness that plugs into the SWI, things got really simple. From there, it's just connecting matching colors between the radio harness and PAC TATO harness.

The pic below shows some detail of what I'm talking about. Just to note...i have not connected everything in the vehicle yet to verify it works...but in theory everything should work.

I do know that my 4runner has 3 plugs that plug into the factory radio. Now, i only have 2 plugs. I'm guessing that third plug is not used...possibly rear seat entertainment or something.

 

[mlhansen]

Ok so non-JBL factory system. The factory head unit has three plugs in the back of it. My wiring harness for the aftermarket unit only has the two main plugs. What is the third for?