Auto Climate Control Conversion?

[EEEliminator]

Alright, I searched and searched and came up with nothing....

Awhile back I read a thread on here where someone purchased an auto climate control head unit and some additional parts and was able to do the conversion at a reasonable cost. Assuming you can find a used unit. I can't find the thread anywhere some reason, I'm guessing I'm searching the wrong terms. Anyone have this bookmarked?

Thanks

 

[harper7]

Alright, I searched and searched and came up with nothing....

Awhile back I read a thread on here where someone purchased an auto climate control head unit and some additional parts and was able to do the conversion at a reasonable cost. Assuming you can find a used unit. I can't find the thread anywhere some reason, I'm guessing I'm searching the wrong terms. Anyone have this bookmarked?

Thanks

He couldn't get it to work.....at least yet. The thing to understand about the 5th Gen 4runners is that Toyota doesn't waste any extra wires or controllers from one model to the next. They know what model and upgrades before it goes down the assembly line and put in ONLY what is needed. Been discussed and wires compared on the forum in the last 1 3/4 years that they have been out.

Seems to me that it would be cheaper to just make one universal wiring harness that could be upgraded in the future and they could sell the parts and make more money when upgraded at the dealer. They obviously had a different train of thought! Damn bean counters probably!

 

[kmiller8821]

Seems to me that it would be cheaper to just make one universal wiring harness that could be upgraded in the future and they could sell the parts and make more money when upgraded at the dealer. They obviously had a different train of thought! Damn bean counters probably!

I agree with that 100%! They could make a killing on that, especially if they designed the harness as plug in play. The automakers should have a universal connection to each device (kinda like USB for PC), you could then allow customers (or dealers) to change things modular. There would definitely be a significant chance for additional revenue, and also allow people who are entering the segment to start off at a lower price point and then add the "fancy extras" later on. Killer idea. Toyota, pay attention here!

 

[1000MPH]

Isn't that how Japan conquered the domestic car market? By making almost everything a Dealer Installed Option? From rear speakers to A/C. Now it seems they are going backwards. I can't believe the differences on the 4Runner between models and markets.

 

[chemtw]

He couldn't get it to work.....at least yet. The thing to understand about the 5th Gen 4runners is that Toyota doesn't waste any extra wires or controllers from one model to the next. They know what model and upgrades before it goes down the assembly line and put in ONLY what is needed. Been discussed and wires compared on the forum in the last 1 3/4 years that they have been out.

Seems to me that it would be cheaper to just make one universal wiring harness that could be upgraded in the future and they could sell the parts and make more money when upgraded at the dealer. They obviously had a different train of thought! Damn bean counters probably!

Hate to revive this, but has anyone found out to what extent the wire harness is different. Is it as simple as obtaining a harness and control panel from a wreck? Or is there a lot more involved. Thanks in advance.