Hi, I am gonna put a CD player in my 97 4Runner. I want a certain Panasonic one. I was just wondering if any of you have used the wiring harnesses from Circuit City. Theyre the ones that you buy 2 of and one goes from radio to universal plug, and one goes from stock harness to other universal plug. Just wondering if they work and are worth the money. They cost about 30 for both. Id like to stay away from cutting my factory harness. Thanks.

 

I installed a new Panasonic head unit about a year ago in my 98. Definitely get the harnesses. Mine were not from Circuit City, but they make the installation a lot easier.

 

They have them at walmart too for about half the price.

 

x2 on Walmart

 

X3 on wally world

 

The one's from Walmart connect to the stock harness, but you have to wire to the new radio's harness.

 

well, i bought the one from wally world and it didnt hook up. i was like wtf? so, i figured id try a different one. ill check walmart and see if they have a different one than the one i bought.

 

Get those "Smart" Metra harnesses at Circuit City! They cost more but well worth it. I've used them in 4 different vehicles: two Toyota's, a Ford, a Saturn, and an Acura. All were plug & play without any issues. They keep the wiring clean/factory looking too.

Also, If you ever want to change or upgrade your HU, it only takes a few seconds. Why cut, splice, solder, and tape when there's no need to? I highly recommend them.

 

When I think about it when i used the walmart harness i did have to use some twist caps to match the wires together but i did not have to cut the factory wire harness. And at first the harness that i bought did not hook up but I cant remember why, if I didnt have to take off the center dash console to check it out i would look for you.

 

At Wal mart the sevice and support on a product like that equals the price...

And yes you are doing the right thing don't cut the factory wires. I spent like half a day repairing the ones in my pickup and I am an electronics tech.