2010-2024 4Runner AudX Plug & Play 5-Channel Amplifier Kit Installation Guide

2010-2024 4Runner AudX Plug & Play 5-Channel Amplifier Kit Installation Guide

Welcome to the installation guide for your 2010-2024 4Runner AudX Plug & Play 5-Channel Amp & Subwoofer Kit from Trail Grid Pro! This step-by-step guide is designed to make the installation process as smooth as possible, whether you're a seasoned DIYer or tackling your first head unit upgrade.

In this guide, you’ll find:

  • 📢 Important Updates: The written guide includes the latest updates and adjustments that may not be shown in the video, ensuring you have the most up-to-date instructions for a flawless installation.
  • 🎥 Installation Videos: Visual instructions to help you through the process, including a detailed microphone install.
  • 🛠️ Parts Included and Tools Needed: A quick list of everything you'll need to get started.
  • 📝Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, easy-to-follow directions from disassembling your dash to securing the new Sony head unit.
  • ⚠️ Special Notes: Important information and considerations for your installation.
  • 🛠️ Common Troubleshooting Solutions: Quick and effective fixes for common installation and performance issues.

Table of Contents

🎥Installation Video

Coming Soon!

🛠️Parts Included:

  • AudX V1K 5-Channel Amplifier
  • AudX 4Runner Amplifier Mounting Bracket
  • AudX T-Harness
  • AudX Main harness
  • RCA adapters
  • Trail Grid Pro Amplifier Install Kit
  • 10 Zip Ties
  • 10 mm Ground Bolt

🛠️Tools Needed:

  • Panel removal tool
  • 10mm socket
  • 12mm socket
  • 14mm socket
  • Ratchet wrench
  • Socket extension
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Zip ties
  • Razor knife
  • Wire fish

Step 1: Disassembling the Dash

  • Remove the Side Panels:
    • Pull straight out on both left and right side panels to remove them.
  • Remove the HVAC Control Panel:
    • Gently pull out the HVAC control panel.
    • Disconnect the HVAC wiring harness by unplugging the connector in the back.
    • Use a small flathead screwdriver or panel tool to release the retaining clip securing the connection.
  • Remove the Head Unit Mounting Bolts:
    • Locate the four 10 mm bolts underneath the head unit.
    • Remove them using a 10 mm socket wrench or an impact gun.
    • ⚠️Pro Tip: Place the bolts in the cup holder to avoid losing them.
  • Remove the Factory Head Unit:
    • Gently pull out one side of the head unit to loosen it.
    • Move to the other side and repeat the process.
    • Once loosened, grab the center and pull straight out to remove the head unit.
    • Place a microfiber towel over the shift knob to prevent scratches or damage.
  • Disconnect All Wiring Connections:
    • Unplug all wiring harnesses from the back of the head unit one at a time.
    • Some connectors may be difficult to remove—use a small flathead screwdriver to press the release tab and pull out.
  • Remove the Bracket & Final Connection:
    • Identify the bracket on the back of the head unit, which is secured by a connector and tape.
    • Either disconnect the connector or cut the tape to fully detach the bracket.

Step 2: Disassembling Your 4Runner

  • Remove the Center Console:
    • If equipped with a manual 4WD gear shifter, twist the handle counterclockwise to remove it.
    • Twist the gear shifter handle counterclockwise to remove it.
    • Lift up on the shifter panel to detach it.
    • Disconnect any wire connections before fully removing the panel.
    • Use a pry tool to lift and remove the lower trim panel.

 

  • Remove the Trim Panel with 12V Outlet and USB:
    • Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the trim panel.
    • Pull the panel straight out to release the retaining tabs.
    • Disconnect any connectors before removing the panel completely.

    • Pull the panel straight out to release the retaining tabs.
    • Disconnect any connectors before removing the panel completely.
  • Remove the Passenger Front Seat:
    • Lift the passenger front door sill plate straight up to remove it.
    • Remove the plastic nut securing the passenger-side kick panel.
    • Pull the kick panel straight out to detach it.
    • Remove the plastic covers from the front seat bolt brackets.
    • Use a 14mm socket to remove the front seat bolts.
    • Move the seat into the forward position.
    • Remove the plastic covers from the rear seat brackets.
    • Use a 14mm socket to remove the rear seat bolts.
    • Move the seat to the middle position and lean it back to access the underside.
    • Disconnect all wiring connectors by pressing the release tabs.
    • Carefully remove the seat from the vehicle.

Step 3: Routing the Power Wire

  • Prepare the Power Wire:
    • Open the hood and secure it in place.
    • Locate the power wire with the inline fuse included in your kit.
    • Connect the short power wire to one side of the inline fuse by securing the wire ferrule using a 3mm Allen key.
    • Connect one end of the longer power wire to the other side of the inline fuse the same way.
  • Route the Power Wire:
    • Place the ring terminal near the positive battery terminal (do not connect it yet).
    • Route the power wire along the driver’s side fender, across the firewall, and toward the passenger-side firewall grommet.
  • Pass Through the Firewall:
    • Use a utility knife to carefully cut an "X" in the firewall grommet to allow the power wire to pass through.

      ⚠️ Note: Many Toyota firewall grommets have both an exterior and interior membrane—cut through both.
      ⚠️ Be careful not to damage any vehicle wiring while cutting.

    • Use a wire fish tool if necessary to guide the ferrule end of the power wire into the cab.
    • Once the wire is through the firewall, pull the slack into the passenger-side floorboard.
  • Run the Power Wire to the Amplifier:
    • Route the wire down the passenger-side kick panel and through the factory wire channel.
    • Run the wire under the carpet to the power side of the amplifier.
    • Use the provided zip ties to secure any loose wiring in the engine bay.

Step 4: Routing the Main Harness

  • Route the Main Harness:
    • Position the main harness under the front passenger seat.
    • Start with the T-harness end and begin routing it toward the head unit.
    • Run the harness under the carpet, directing it toward the gear shifter.
    • Continue routing the harness through the transmission tunnel area, moving toward the front of the vehicle.

    • Remove the radio to access the connection points.
    • Guide the T-harness up inside the dash, routing it towards the main radio connections.

Step 5: Making Connections to Your Head Unit

For 2010–2019 Models

Factory Head Unit:

  • Disconnect the 10-pin and 6-pin and from the back of the head unit.
  • Plug the male end of the AudX T-Harness into the 10-pin and 6-pin ports on the head unit.
  • Attach the vehicle’s 10-pin and 6-pin connectors to the female end of the AudX T-Harness.
  • ⚠️ (Optional) If grounding the harness, secure the black wire with the small ring terminal to a clean metal-to-metal ground location.

Aftermarket Head Unit:

  • Disconnect the 10-pin and 6-pin connectors from the back of the head unit.
  • Connect the male end of the AudX T-Harness to the 10-pin and 6-pin ports on the head unit.
  • Attach the vehicle’s 10-pin and 6-pin connectors to the female end of the AudX T-Harness.
  • Connect RCA cables to the RCA outputs on the aftermarket radio.

For 2020–2024 Models

Factory Head Unit:

  • Disconnect the 10-pin and AM/FM antenna connector from the back of the head unit.
  • Connect the male end of the AudX T-Harness to the 10-pin and AM/FM antenna port on the head unit.
  • Attach the vehicle’s 10-pin and AM/FM antenna connector to the female end of the AudX T-Harness.
  • If you choose to ground the harness, secure the black wire with small ring terminal to ground location, ensuring it is a good metal to metal contact. 

Aftermarket Head Unit:

  • Disconnect the 10-pin and AM/FM antenna connector from the back of the head unit.
  • Connect the male end of the AudX T-Harness to the 10-pin and AM/FM antenna location on the head unit.
  • Attach the vehicle’s 10-pin and AM/FM antenna connector to the female end of the AudX T-Harness.
  • Connect RCA cables to the RCA outputs on the aftermarket radio:
    • Front Speakers:
      White → White
      Grey → Red
    • Rear Speakers:
      Green → White
      Purple → Red
    • Subwoofer:
      Orange → White
      Brown → Red
  • ⚠️ (Optional) If grounding the harness, secure the black wire with the small ring terminal to a clean metal-to-metal ground location.

Step 6: Reinstall Your Head Unit

  • Reconnect and Reposition:
    • Ensure that all previously disconnected wiring connections are securely reattached.
    • Carefully position the head unit back into the dash.
    • Fasten the head unit using the four factory 10mm bolts.

⚠️ Important: Do not fully reassemble the dash at this point—functionality should be tested before completing the installation.

Step 7: Connecting the Ground Wire

  • Secure the Ground Connection:
    • Use the provided ground wire to connect the ring terminal to the factory ground point located under the passenger seat.
    • If a factory ground bolt is not present, use the included bolt to secure the ring terminal to the pre-threaded hole under the seat.

Step 8: Connecting the Bass Control Knob

  • Mount and Connect the Bass Knob:
    • Attach the bass control knob in your preferred location using the included Velcro, or install it into one of our Switch Blank Mounts.
    • Route the control knob wire from the main harness and plug the 3.5mm headphone jack into the bass control knob.
    • Use zip ties to secure any excess or loose wiring.

Step 9: Mount Amplifier to Amplifier Mounting Bracket

  • Install the Amplifier:
    • Place the amplifier mounting bracket with the AudX label facing up.
    • Align the amplifier with the pre-drilled holes on the mounting bracket, orienting it so the RCA ports face the passenger door.
    • Insert one bolt up through the bottom of the amplifier mounting bracket, then through the amplifier’s mounting hole.
    • Place a flat washer, followed by a split washer, and secure it with a nut.
    • Use a 9/32" wrench and a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the hardware.
      ⚠️ Do not overtighten.

Step 10: Making Connections To Amplifier

  • Connect main harness to amplifier:
    • Connect 14 pin connector into "Input" port
    • Connect 4 pin connector into "REM" port
    • Connect 8 pin connector into "Output" port
    • Connect subwoofer wires into "Woofer"
      • Red → +
      • Black → -
      • Secure using the provided allen wrench
    • Connect red power wire into "DC12V"
      • Secure wire ferrule using the provided allen wrench
    • Connect the black ground wire into " GND"
      • Secure wire ferrule using the provided allen wrench

Step 11: Route Subwoofer Wire

  • Route the Wire to the Rear Cargo Area:
    • Remove the rear door sill by pulling straight up.
    • Route the subwoofer wire through the factory wiring channel toward the rear cargo area.
    • Press the subwoofer wire under the interior plastic panels and continue routing it to the cargo area.
  • Connect to the Subwoofer:
    • Connect the yellow wire to the positive (+) terminal.
    • Connect the black wire to the negative (–) terminal.

Step 12: Connect Power To Battery

  • Connect the Power Wire:
    • Locate the short length of power wire with the pre-connected ring terminal.
    • Connect the ring terminal securely to the positive battery terminal.

Step 13: Test System

  • Power On and Verify Functionality:
    • Turn on your vehicle and test the audio system.
    • Confirm that both the radio and amplifier are functioning properly.

🛠️Troubleshooting Tip:
If the head unit powers on but you hear no sound, double-check that the remote turn-on wire is properly connected.

Step 14: Tune The Amplifier

  • Remove the cover panel from the amplifier to gain access to the amplifier settings. 
  • Set Initial Amplifier Settings:
    • On your AudX V1K amplifier, set the following:
      • Input Level:
        • Factory Head Unit: HI
        • Aftermarket Head Unit: LO
        • Auto Turn-On: Off
      • Front:
        • X-Over: HPF
        • HPF: X1
      • Rear:
        • X-Over Flat: HPF
        • LPF: X1
        • 2CH/4CH: 4CH
      • Sub:
        • 2CH/5CH: 5CH
        • Phase: 0
  • Adjust Gain Levels:
    • Choose a song that plays continuously for a few minutes.
    • Turn the volume on your head unit to about 75% of the maximum volume.
    • Using a small flathead screwdriver, adjust the Amp 1 gain (Front Speakers) to your desired sound level.
    • Repeat the process for the Amp 2 gain (Rear Speakers).
    • Adjust the Sub gain last to set your desired bass level.
      • ⚠️ Warning: If you hear distortion, clipping, or audio cutting out, the gain is set too high—reduce accordingly.
  • Final Adjustments:
    • Use your head unit’s built-in EQ settings to fine-tune the overall sound to your personal preference.

Step 15: Reassembly

  • Reinstall the Seat and Mounting Bracket:
    • Once you’ve confirmed the system is functioning properly and your amplifier gains are set, begin reassembly.
    • Line up the mounting holes on the amplifier mounting bracket with the rear seat bolt holes.
    • Place the passenger seat back into position, aligning the rear seat mounts with the amplifier bracket.
    • Start all four 14mm seat bolts by hand, then tighten them using a 14mm socket.
    • When installed correctly, the amplifier bracket should be sandwiched between the seat mounts and the floor, with the bolts running through the bracket tabs.
  • Finish Reassembling the Vehicle:
    • Reinstall all remaining components, including the rest of the seat, center console, and dash panels.

Congratulations on installing your new AudX 5 Channel Amplifier Plug & Play Kit! 

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