Fears about modding and installations

[Iman74]

Maybe I am just paranoid but when it comes to me doing anything on a vehicle I own, especially with the ones today I get really nervous. I am so scared with all these computerized vehicles that I am going to instal something that will royally screw something else. Hell I was like this when we installed air horns in my Honda Passport (pre 4Runner). Now if I was a mechanic of some sort I can definetly see the fear being very little of at all. But I am a PC tech so when it comes to doing anything with that, I am not worried for I know one way or another I can get it to work. But with cars I know I don't know squat. I really wish there were guys out there that would install fog lights for you at a reasonable price. Or am I being too paranoid? Please be honest, and let me know what you do for a living. If you are a mechanic or a car fanatic, well there is your advantage.

 

[juandixon]

i'm a software engineer and feel the same about mod/fixing up my own car.

Even though car systems are not rocket science, I won't even dare touch my 4runner. i tried to fix my nissan's electric system and ended up screwing the car's "computer" up and needed to be "reprogramed" by the dealer.

so yeah these days with cars being much more computerized than before its scary to do mods that require electric power,etc.

its not like u can just plug and play like the old days.

 

[Iman74]

R we really the only 2 that have fears like these?

But let me ask a general question. I was thinking about it, for foglight installs there really isn't any danger in it for I am not taping into anything other than the battery.

 

[webshot]

Fog light installs require tapping into the battery unless you want to wire tem to come on and off with the headlights. You also will have to run wires through the firewall for the switch.

Have you considered just having the dealer install stock fog lights under warranty?

webshot

 

[Good Times]

Never have the stealer do the job as they'll just steal your $$$.

Learn from these forums and other forums and try em out yourself. If you're that scared, just have friends come over or if you're near a member ask them to help you out

Best way to appreciate your own ride is to learn more about your own ride! You will be better prepared if something goes wrong than just panicking and getting lost!

Good Luck

 

[Iman74]

Dealer...yeah I have considered, but I stop when I got their quote for it.

I am going to suck it up and figure it out of it kills me. You know what though, where I really want the switch is at the center console. Do you guys think will be too much of a pain in the ass to do and I should just stick with the free holes by the stearing wheel?

 

[jharris2]

Here's a thread that may help: http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13684&highlight=fog+lights

 

[Guest]

It is completely reasonable to be afraid to mess with the truck. It is, afterall, brand new and pretty expensive.
I certainly didn't take apart my new refridgerator when I bought it to make it run colder.

But realize that your 4Runner was designed to be maintained and "messed with". If not by you, then a mechanic. Take GoodTimes' advice and really get to know the truck. Go to see someone work on their 4R and see how it's done on someone else's truck. All the sudden it's not scary when you see it done in real life.

If you don't feel comfortable doing mods to it, DON"T! You should feel good about the truck and enjoy it. I think reading these forums, you get a bit of the mod fever but it all has to do with what is fun and enjoyable for you.

Sorry for the long post, but your feelings are common and aok!

 

[Iman74]

Harris that link was great. Not only it's good to hear the comments about fog lights (but they focused on the stock which is what I have) I got to see a 4 Runner that looks just like mine that has that bar I requested as a X-mas present (which I know I will be getting). It does look good. I also have this that functions as a hitch cover, step, seat, and bumper. I will show pics when I get a chance.

Go Rhino

The only thing that sucked which is a similar problem that occurred on American Choppers, there was so much powder coat paint on it, it couldn't fit in the hitch. So the part that slides in, I had to grind down with my Black and Decker grinding wheel, made sure it slides in, spray with some rust olium black spray paint, and 30 minutes later it's installed.

 

[bryancos]

Au contrair

<I>Fog light installs require tapping into the battery unless you want to wire tem to come on and off with the headlights. </I>

Not true... I installed two sets of Hellas (fogs and driving) on a 99 Grand Cherokee using a PIAA Wireless switch.

http://www.widgets.ws/prod/AutoBarncom/Accessories/PIAA-Single-Filament-Remote-Switch.html

http://www.tuneshops.com/piaalight2-lighting~system-piaa-piaa-PIAA~Accessories.htm

http://www.xkms.org/AutoBarn.com-8/PIAA-Single-Filament-Remote-Switch.htm

Hella makes one too, tho it's more like a keychain...

http://www.autobarn.net/hel88218.html

No more fishing wires thru the *#&(*#$ firewall!