Did I just buy a paperweight?

[Beach Runner]

So this morning I found a CL ad showing a factory stereo out of a 2000 4runner for $20. I thought WTH, until I've got the funds for a good head unit, I could swap this one with my 96 model (loose knobs, missing backlighting). I stopped by, gave the guy $20, and was headed home and it hit me! Security code! My factory unit requires a code any time it loses power. Does anyone know if this is the case with the 2000 model? If so, is there any way to retrieve the code? I know the seller doesn't have the code; he sold his 4runner a year or so back and had replaced the stereo long before that. Any help would be appreciated! Oh, and I did do a search, but came up empty.

 

[revenantdead]

take it to the dealership. they should be able to do a search via the serial numbers on the head unit itself. the honda dealership i worked at could search for the codes that way.

 

[xskydivingdudex]

Well i have an 02 sport and i know a few friends that have other various 3rd gens and camrys (same radio) and none of us have ever had security code issues... mine didnt come with a code at all.

I installed my factory radio into my sister's 00 camery after someone broke into her car and it powered right up and was good to go

 

[02-Sport]

My 01 & 02 4Runners do not require a code.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

My '97 and the '99 I put in it didn't require codes.

 

[Jc12]

ditto, i have a 99 limited.. yet to be asked for a code GL Otherwise i am sure someone here or there works at a toyo dealer and can swing you a code in exchange for model/serial #

 

[Beach Runner]

I'll run by the dealership today to check before I pull the dash apart. Thanks everyone! :hatsoff:

 

[Hepar]

I yanked the stock unit out of my '01 Runner and threw it into my Taco. Never needed a code. Also took the stock unit from my Taco and put it in my friends Runner a few years ago. Also didn't need a code.

 

[Beach Runner]

Thanks Hepar. The dealership said they didn't think it had a code either. If it does need a code, they said to bring it by the service deptartment once I have it installed and they would search for the code. Thanks for all the input!

 

[Beach Runner]

Update: A 2000 model does not plug and play in a 1996 model. The harness plugged directly into the "new" amp, but when I turned the key, I get no controls or lights and I get a loud humming noise throught the speakers. Looks like I got a paperweight! Guess I'll be getting an aftermarket sooner than later unless someone has some ideas.

BTW, I put the old amp back in first, thinking I could plug it into the new unit, but the connector that plugs into the stereo was different. After comparing the two, the wires didn't match up either.

 

[Hepar]

Update: A 2000 model does not plug and play in a 1996 model. The harness plugged directly into the "new" amp, but when I turned the key, I get no controls or lights and I get a loud humming noise throught the speakers. Looks like I got a paperweight! Guess I'll be getting an aftermarket sooner than later unless someone has some ideas.

BTW, I put the old amp back in first, thinking I could plug it into the new unit, but the connector that plugs into the stereo was different. After comparing the two, the wires didn't match up either.

Just to clear a little up, when you bought the new unit, did it come with the amp too?

 

[CaliCal]

ask the seller if he knows the code. mines pop up everytime when there's no power.

 

[awdjunkies]

My 01 & 02 4Runners do not require a code.

No added value to this thread BUT.... I Fricken LOVE your avatar :lol:

 

[broncosi]

You can always resell on cl for $40

 

[Beach Runner]

Just to clear a little up, when you bought the new unit, did it come with the amp too?

Yeah Hepar, the stereo I bought came with a factory amp.

You can always resell on cl for $40

True, but my thought is if I can't make it work without a lot of hassle, I'd offer it up to someone here for the cost of shipping.

 

[Hepar]

A working 2000 stock unit and amp will work in a 1996 4Runner. My guess is the amp is bad.

 

[Beach Runner]

I was thinking that may be the case. I'm already looking into an aftermarket double din unit.

 

[broncosi]

If you're still looking for aftermarket I honestly wouldn't waste any time with this one. Like hepar said, it does sound like the amp is bad. Now you're faced with whether or not you want to divulge that the amp is bad if you resell it.

 

[revenantdead]

i have a stock amp out of a 97. perfect working order when removed.

 

[Beach Runner]

If you're still looking for aftermarket I honestly wouldn't waste any time with this one. Like hepar said, it does sound like the amp is bad. Now you're faced with whether or not you want to divulge that the amp is bad if you resell it.

No dilema for me..... I'll either keep the whole set-up and call it a loss or I'll just advertise the stereo minus the amp. It's a karma thing for me

i have a stock amp out of a 97. perfect working order when removed.

revenantdead, if you could PM me a picture of the amp's harness that plugs into the stereo, I'd consider buying it, depending on how much you were asking. I don't want to put too much into this. The whole idea was to install this cheaply until I could afford a nice head unit.