Dumb radio question

[LukeZero]

So- I thought I'd try to upgrade my stereo in the 4Runner Limited (1998). Bought a Scion head unit off ebay thinking 'I'm sure it just plugs in'. It doesn't.

I have different plugs on the OEM 4Runer stereo than the OEM Scion head unit.

See pics. Upper unit is OEM 4Runner, lower unit is OEM Scion.

Is there an adapter harness to go between the two- or is there some good reason not to. ie. some amplifier I don't know about.

Thanks,
Luke

 

[LukeZero]

So, not typically the bastion of good information, the guy at Best Buy took one look at the factory head unit and said 'you've got an amplifier somewhere in that truck'. Apparently my 4Runner has the premium sound package and has an amplifier hidden farther into the dash. I think I see it behind the ashtray and when I pulled the plugs on the bottom of it- voila' they look like the plugs on the back of the Scion head unit. It's dark know- so tomorrow I'll see if just bypassing the factory amp produces better sound than with it. I'll take some pictures to put in the Wiki so the next guy has some info.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Cool, I've been considering this. I remember reading that you have to bypass the stock amp if equiped. But the new HU puts out so much more that it's not needed anyway. BTW, which one did you get? T1804 to T1809?

Let us know how things go.

 

[LukeZero]

Cool, I've been considering this. I remember reading that you have to bypass the stock amp if equiped. But the new HU puts out so much more that it's not needed anyway. BTW, which one did you get? T1804 to T1809?

Let us know how things go.

I got the T1807 because it can control my ipod adapter [which actually connects where the external disc changer would connect] and has 165 watts. Plus it was only $45!!!

 

[WristPin]

the speakers are wired to the amp. you cant bypass it. just find the wire diagram for both units and cut off your OE plug and wire it to the silo harness. done and done.
no sence in using a 'better' radio, and doing the job half hashed

 

[LukeZero]

Wristy- I think we're not communicating. The two plugs (male)on the output of the OEM amp are identical to the ones in the back of the Scion head unit (female). By unplugging from the amp and going to the head unit, it bypasses the amp and instead uses the amp in the head unit itself. And it sounds awesome. I have no idea what the wattage of the OEM amp is- but it can't be much.

Pics to follow.

No cutting of wires necessary. Some trimming of the dash bezel to allow for larger faceplate of Scion HU, still controls the ipod from the HU. Except for some work with a half round file- anyone could do it. Skill level 1/2 banana.

Picture #1- from left. output from factory amp, output from factory amp, output from factory HU.
Picture #2- factory amp behind HU. Yellow bundle is from HU to amp.
Picture #3- Scion head unit mounted in dash.

 

[LukeZero]

Picture #1- bezel trimmed and reinstalled
Picture #2- iPod linked to HU.

NOTES: I also replaced two illumination bulbs in the HVAC control that were burned out. Required me to remove and re-install the worlds smallest green condoms. Also disassembled the in-dash clock and fixed a loose connection to restore it to operation.

Results- fantastic. Sounds much, much better than original. Next step- upgrade speakers.

 

[hoch]

Luke, looks good. Glad you figured it out. However, was it worth all of the trouble installing the Scion headunit vs. buying an Alpine/Eclipse unit? Did it come out cheaper? At time, I do with for some more "bump" in my Tacoma.

 

[KLF]

just find the wire diagram for both units and cut off your oe plug and wire it to the silo harness.

Never ever cut the factory harness

Ever

 

[LukeZero]

Luke, looks good. Glad you figured it out. However, was it worth all of the trouble installing the Scion headunit vs. buying an Alpine/Eclipse unit? Did it come out cheaper? At time, I do with for some more "bump" in my Tacoma.

At $45 for the HU, plus 1 1/2 hours to figure it out- I'm very happy. I think for comparable sound I would have needed to spend $200+ on an aftermarket HU which would have then been more attractive to thieves. I park in some not so nice neighborhoods. Having it look stock (or at least really close to stock) and keep the iPod hidden in the center console has a huge benefit to me.

Never ever cut the factory harness

Ever

Agreed. This mod is plug-n-play once I figured out the different plugs.

 

[bowyer2002]

Will this same Scion HU be compatable with an ipod iTouch?
What kind of adapter is used from the HU to the ipod?
Thanks!

 

[Jeremy9A]

I can't speak for that model scion stereo, but when plugged into the t1809 my connector charges the touch, classic, and mini, but not the 4th gen nano