Crutchfield Install Guide

dgwood12

dgwood12

Member
I am going to be installing a new head unit (AVH-x8500BHS) in the next couple of weeks and am looking for some instructions specific for the 4th Gen 4runner on how to install.

I have never taken on such a project but I have done quite a bit of homework thus far. I am pretty sure I will be fine with the install with all the helpful posts on this forum but I was hoping to have a backup plan in case I get in a jam. I was hoping to get a hold of one of the Crutchfield installation guides that come when ordering from Crutchfield. Is there anyone that can post or PM me a pic of the head unit installation section? I am not ordering from them because all the parts are much cheaper on amazon.

If not, is there a detailed write up on the installation of a head unit similar to the 8500bhs? I know how to get my unit out and the new one in and I know all the parts I need. I am looking more for a guide to wiring.

Thanks!
 
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As I mentioned in the last paragraph, I know how to remove and put in the new unit... Looking for a wiring guide. Thanks though.
 
Does the metra harness come with good instructions on what wires are for what? Like I said, I have never done a head unit install so this is new to me. I am comfortable taking the dash apart, just unsure about my wiring and where everything goes.
 
[stock harness][metra harness]>--color match these wires and solder--<[headunit harness][headunit]

you'll also want to ground the parking break bypass and wire up your power antenna wires to get better radio signal
 
nitrag said:
[stock harness][metra harness]>--color match these wires and solder--<[headunit harness][headunit]

you'll also want to ground the parking break bypass and wire up your power antenna wires to get better radio signal
Click to expand...

What do you wire these wires up to if you do not have a power antenna? I maybe misunderstand what you are saying here. I had some wires that were labeled power antenna and I did not use these. The antenna cables were coaxial and there were two them. I bought the converter for the smaller cable and the adapter to make the two one but did not notice an improvement in reception.
 
nitrag said:
[stock harness][metra harness]>--color match these wires and solder--<[headunit harness][headunit]

you'll also want to ground the parking break bypass and wire up your power antenna wires to get better radio signal
Click to expand...
Easy as color match? I just wasn't sure if the metra harness would match the head unit harness. Also, I have seen other posts that say you need to wire the power antenna wires for a better signal but I am unsure what that means exactly (like I said, I'm a total noob with this stuff). I know our 4runners have two antenna plugs that I will need to get an adapter for but I am not sure if there is other wiring involved with the antenna as well. Is there an antenna wire on the metra harness that connects to an antenna wire in the unit harness? Thanks!
 
Qtip said:
What do you wire these wires up to if you do not have a power antenna? I maybe misunderstand what you are saying here. I had some wires that were labeled power antenna and I did not use these. The antenna cables were coaxial and there were two them. I bought the converter for the smaller cable and the adapter to make the two one but did not notice an improvement in reception.
Click to expand...

You need to connect the power antenna wires or your antenna reception will suck. I know this from experience.

"Power antenna" has two completely different meanings.

Most people think of a powered, motorized MAST (that is, the metal antenna mast that rises up out of your fender.) Obviously the 4th gen doesn't have this because it has the in-glass antennae in the rear side windows.

But the second kind of "power antenna" is the power AMPLIFIED antenna. This is what we have on our 4runners and this is why you have to hook up the "power antenna" wires.
 
Qtip said:
What do you wire these wires up to if you do not have a power antenna? I maybe misunderstand what you are saying here. I had some wires that were labeled power antenna and I did not use these. The antenna cables were coaxial and there were two them. I bought the converter for the smaller cable and the adapter to make the two one but did not notice an improvement in reception.
Click to expand...

Yes, but you still need to find the stock power antenna wire and give it a 12v signal. This will engage stock antenna amplifier (located somewhere in the vehicle) and improve reception.

guys, I have pics somewhere to help you out, let me find them tonight.
 
i need this help as well
will be trying to install a pioneer next weekend
hope i have all the parts
crutchfield guy said nothing about a 2 into one antenna adptor:smash:
 
nitrag said:
Yes, but you still need to find the stock power antenna wire and give it a 12v signal. This will engage stock antenna amplifier (located somewhere in the vehicle) and improve reception.

guys, I have pics somewhere to help you out, let me find them tonight.
Click to expand...

Yep I took it as a power antenna meaning it had a motor and raised up and down. I will take it apart again. I installed a Kenwood DNX890HD. Great unit if you guys are looking for one with a navigation system built into it. Thanks for the info. What color is the power antenna wire?
 
Last edited:
Brutalguyracing said:
i need this help as well
will be trying to install a pioneer next weekend
hope i have all the parts
crutchfield guy said nothing about a 2 into one antenna adptor:smash:
Click to expand...

You shouldn't need one. When I replaced my stereo last May there was only one antenna wire.

My guess is that both of the in-glass antennae go to an amplifier and then a single cable goes to the stereo.

Mine works fine on both AM and FM with the single cable.
 
Martinjmpr said:
Pretty sure it's solid blue.
Click to expand...

The blue wire coming off the radio connects to a blue wire? I did not see a single blue wire it would have been in the Toyota wiring harness. I have not taken it apart to look for a blue wire coming out of the harness but I will as soon as I can.
 
Qtip said:
The blue wire coming off the radio connects to a blue wire? I did not see a single blue wire it would have been in the Toyota wiring harness. I have not taken it apart to look for a blue wire coming out of the harness but I will as soon as I can.
Click to expand...

The blue wire should be on the harness. Actually, on both harnesses.

You should have two harnesses that have a plastic plug on one end and a bunch of bare wires on the other. Connect the matching color wires together, one plastic plug goes into the back of the radio, the other plastic plug attaches to the factory wiring harness plug.

If there are any wires that don't have a "mate", just cut them flush and put some tape over the end. Incidentally, I know some people solder the wires together, and I'm sure that's better, but I connected mine by stripping back about 3/4" on each wire, then twisting them together, then wrapping the twist with electrical tape and they seem to work just fine. :shrug:
 
BTW, just want to add that Crutchfield customer support rocks! I called them several times and they very patiently walked me through a couple of issues I was having. The nicest thing about them from a customer service standpoint is that after you call them the first time, they will store your phone number so if you call again they don't have to say "what radio do you have? What vehicle do you have?" and so on. They already know it.

I will definitely be buying my next stereo from Crutchfield and installing it myself.
 
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