Toyota 4Runner Stereo Wiring Diagram

The process of upgrading a Toyota 4Runner stereo can be made easy with our 4Runner stereo wiring guide. Whether you are installing an aftermarket radio or completing a 4Runner stereo install, this car audio wiring guide can help. Regardless of whether you are a professional car stereo installer or you are just trying to save money, this 4Runner stereo wiring schematic is what you need.

The Toyota 4Runner is a very popular truck and crossover which is still highly modified today. However there was a lot to be desired when it came to the factory stereo. That’s why you can save lots of money by completing the 4Runner stereo install yourself. Today I’ll be showing you how to wire up any radio into your Toyota using this 4Runner stereo wiring guide.

Customizing your vehicle and truck has never been easier, and it’s a good way to set your 4Runner apart from the crowd. Upgrading your stereo doesn’t always require a install kit or mounting brackets however.

Many of the early 90s 4Runner trucks stick to the double DIN layout, making radio upgrades a snap. Whether you are installing an aftermarket stereo, upgrading your 4Runner speakers or installing a crossover or car audio amplifier, this guide can help.

First Gen 4Runner stereo wiring 1984–1989

Known as the N60 the early models of the 4Runner are still sought after for being cheap on the go trucks. There were two variations to the constant power wire for this generation of Toyota truck. If you are in doubt when installing your 4Runner stereo or amp, simply bypass the constant and go straight to the ignition column.

Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Blue/Yellow or Blue/Black
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Gray
Car Radio Ground Wire: Brown
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Green
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Pink
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Purple
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Black
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Red
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White

Upgrading the front 4Runner speakers was a bit of a chore in this early model. Mounted into the dash it was tricky to access the speaker panels in the earlier 4Runner trucks. This is the first segment to our 4Runner stereo wiring guide.

Second Gen 4Runner stereo wiring 1989–1995

The next generation of Toyota 4Runner stereo came in two different flavors. Halfway through this model, it upgraded from the N120 to the N130 4Runner. Still getting your 4Runner stereo install done in this truck is easy to do given the basic DIN form factor.

Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Blue/Yellow or Blue/Black
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Gray
Car Radio Ground Wire: Brown
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Green

Upgrading your front 4Runner speaker still meant you had to access them through the dash however. Installing a single DIN 4Runner radio meant that you needed an install kit containing a single DIN pocket or spacer.
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Pink
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Purple
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Black
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Red
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White

You can easily complete your 4Runner radio upgrade with this 4Runner stereo wiring guide. The next section of our stereo wiring guide will cover the third generation of Toyota truck.

Third Gen 4Runner stereo wiring 1995–2002

The N180 4Runner made big changes to the interior of the truck. Gone was the simple layout and center console, replaced by side panels that needed to be removed to gain access to the radio screws.

Still installing any DIN sized 4Runner stereo was simple to do. Most aftermarket stereos will not require a 4Runner stereo install kit.

Keep in mind however that if you want to use a navigation system with a flip up screen, chances are you will need proper mounting brackets.

Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Blue/Yellow
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Gray
Car Radio Ground Wire: Brown
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Violet
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Black/White

That’s because of the 4Runner stereo mounting position in relation to the climate controls. Without the right mounting brackets chances are your flip up stereo may run into the dashboard.

Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Pink
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Violet
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue

Many premium 4Runner stereo systems from the factory came with a six disc CD changer. This changer is mounted in the rear compartment or the truck area.
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Black
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Red
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White

Fourth Gen 4Runner stereo wiring 2002–2009

The design changes and upgrades to the 4Runner of this generation left a lot of car audio enthusiasts high and dry. The lack of DIN mounting made upgrades and the typical 4Runner stereo install more difficult as it requires a mounting kit and install panels. Either way you can quickly get your 4Runner stereo upgraded with this 4Runner stereo wiring guide.

Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Blue/Yellow
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Gray
Car Radio Ground Wire: Brown
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Violet
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Black/White

While you can still upgrade to a double DIN design, you will need customized brackets to make sure the 4Runner installs right. You can of course choose to run a 4Runner stereo install wiring harness, which eliminates a ton of guessing and hunting for speaker wires.

Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Pink
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Violet
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue

Upgrading the front 4Runner speakers is easier because of the door mounted positions.

Also you can access the 4Runner radio easier given the new dash design. Without having to remove the center console as well, many people can quickly get their 4Runner stereo install done.

Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Black
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Red
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White

Fifth Gen 4Runner stereo wiring 2009-onward

The most recent 4Runner so far will require quite a bit of work to get your 4Runner radio upgraded. These changes may have made the interior more aesthetically pleasing but it didn’t help stereo installers.

Car Radio Battery Constant 12V+ Wire: Light Blue
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12V+ Wire: Gray
Car Radio Ground Wire: Brown

The 4Runner tweeters are slightly larger than older models, and are easily accessed for upgrades.
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Blue
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Violet
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Pink

Many people opt to upgrade the head unit and eliminate the factory 4Runner stereo. To do this however you may need a conversion kit so your 4Runner backup camera works correctly.

Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Black
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Red
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White

The front 4Runner speakers measure as 6″ x 9″ units and are great choices when you want to upgrade your 4Runner sound system.

Have any questions about this 4Runner Stereo Wiring guide? Leave us a comment below and let us know!