Tpp4's No Nonsense Guide to Kicker Key T-Harness (16-19)

Yes, he mentioned he used the Crutchfield CK12 amp kit for power/ground. It is not 'needed' but is certainly preferred.

 

Just wired in-line. You can put them at the other end.

 

Was hoping somebody could chime in and let me know if this looks correct.

Also wondering,

No additional power or ground cables are required? This harness takes care of that?

Does the key in any way push more power to the tweeters? Or just the 4 door speakers?

I am running the Subaru kicker tweeters with all new Kicker KS speakers in the doors and the 4 door speakers are the ones that are lacking in quality/volume.

PS: I think the model numbers are mixed up in the original post. Step 1 refers to 71 as the female, then Step 3 refers to 71 as male and 70 as female.

 

Hey guys I have a 2022 Off Road DCSB and I just had some questions after reading a ton of threads about how to wire up the kicker key and hideaway. I recently put in new door speakers (infinity reference) and I'll do the kicker tweeters soon as well. I've got a kicker hideaway lying around and a 180.4 kicker key Amp on the way.

It looks like from what I've read, that the HU has a new connector in the rear so that the harness outlined in this post will not fit. After a lot of reading I have thought about splicing the factory harness for the hideaway and then getting something to make the kicker key Amp plug and play. But if I can do both plug and play, that is preferred.

What would I need/need to build to make the kicker key and kicker hideaway plug and play?

PM's are welcome, I can also make a separate thread if that's better.

 

They changed the Metra adapters for 2020+. see post #5 for the correct ones. You should be able to copy from the rest of the post for the harness.
Here's a few more links
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kickercs-upgrade-with-kicker-key-amp-install-assistance.568985/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-premium-upgrade-kicker-key-180-4-amp.541375/

The Key makes a big difference

 

I'm still learning, so I don't know how to connect both the hideaway and the key at the same time. I do know some have used this line output converter on 2020/2021's. I don't think anything's changed on the 2022 radios.

$50 Add an Amp Amplifier Adapter Interface to Factory OEM Car Stereo Radio System for Select Toyota Vehicles- Add Subwoofer Bass Amp - No Factory Premium Amp- Vehicles Listed Below

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087Z1794K
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2020-factory-radio-add-amp-adapter.652643/#post-24376329

It taps into the back of the radio and then you can connect your kicker key or hideaway sub and run a ground wire to a seat bolt and then power through the firewall to the battery.

Here's an amp wiring kit for the kicker key.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007CK12/Crutchfield-CK12.html

I believe you'll have to splice into the front or rear speaker wires for the hideaway? You might contact Crutchfield for clarification or send a PM to Dustin Meeks. He's got quite a few posts throughout the audio forum sections.

 

Ah ok those newer harnesses are quite expensive. I've also read that the TT 2018+ camry add a sub works as well but where I'm confused with that is:

Is the add-a-sub supposed to work with the key amp or the hideaway?

 

I'm in the same exact boat here, confused on how to connect both key and hideaway at the same time with one harness.

I don't mind splicing into the front speaker wires for the hideaway I guess. If I can avoid it that would be preferable. But it's not a huge deal. I will take a look at those threads and see if I can find some answers.

 

It took me alot of reading and re-reading just to get figure out the key harness as I placed it under the seat. I think you have to tap into the front speaker wires in the passenger foot well for the hideaway.

Check post #72 in the first link above. That may help you

 

The Hideaway has it's own amp built in I believe. So you only need power, neg and tap into the front speaker wire before before the Key

 

I knew this the whole time and for some reason I thought the hideaway had to be connected to the Amp in some way lol. So I guess you can wire the sub up separately from the amp and use an adapter for the amp? Is it that simple? Lol

 

Please don't take my knowledge as totally correct. @destin_meeks and others are the expert in this field. I only have the Key with no sub.
Yes wire the Hideaway and Key separate. Make a plug and play harness using the parts listed earlier in this thread to connect the Key without cutting the factory harness. If you place the Key under a seat you will need some Speed Wire

$26 Metra MC918-20 20-Feet Nine-Conductor 18 AWG Twisted Multi-Use

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H1KAMQ

 

Copy that. That actually helps me a ton. I feel like I've got all these tidbits of information from a bunch of different threads, and your post here cleared a lot up for me.

I think I'll place the key behind the radio to minimize routing wires.

 

If you mount the Key under the seat then you need to build a harness with the correct adapters for your year, like this
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-to-kicker-key-t-harness-16-19.642415/page-5
I pllaced mine under the seat to keep it away from the extra heat. And it's easier to adjust without ripping your dash apart

 

Anyone on here still willing to make these harnesses for other members? @slowlane ? I have my Kicker Key, Hideaway, and Metra plugs sitting here but I won't attempt the harness. I haven't touched car audio in about 22 years aside from installing the Kicker CS doors and Subaru tweeters.

 

Happy new year all. It appears this thread is somewhat active so I'll try a bump as I'm finally beginning to set up for the wiring stage of my system.

Amazing schematics here in original post from OP and @destin_meeks replies.

I've read through the 20 pages here and other threads and I believe have found the answer to the following question or possibly confused myself more lol. But just want to be 200% sure before I start assembly. (See quotes above from what Ive found).

My setup first:
Alpine 4 channel
Hertz front and rears
LC6i
Future -hide a way sub under seat

Will this harness still work if I plan to add a LC6i line out converter and an under seat hide a way sub later?
I understand I can tap the front speakers for the signal for the hide a way and get power from either battery or remote turn on power from harness or the LC6i, correct ?
But I'm unsure of the speed wire routing if I place the line out converter before the Amp.

Edit. Didn't want to hijack the thread but thought I'd ask the experts here. I figured out a wiring schematic for a Line out converter (lc6i) 4 channel amp and a hideaway sub if anyone reading this later and has similar set up. This thread helped with the basics. Cheers

@destin_meeks

 

Long time listener, first time caller! Wanted to thank tpp4 and destin_meeks for all the content here. Just built my harness yesterday going step by step with the guide. I used an

$288 Alpine KTP-445U Universal Power Pack

Alpine KTP-445U 4-channel Power Pack Amplifier instead of a Kicker Key (not a lot of availability and the price was better). Worked like a charm! My truck sounds amazing! Kicker door speaker upgrade and the Subaru tweeters mixed with some Noico sound deadening in the doors and back panel. Thanks again for all the great content in here. I wouldnt have been able to do it without cha!

 

Will this interfere later if Im planning on installing another amp with a sub? Will i have to change the harness or the connection? (Those of course will be located on the back)

 

New member specifically for this thread as I thought I struck gold with this harness diy but didn't realize it was for a taco. I had a Tacoma about 5yrs ago and never messed with audio but had to upsize due to an additional family member and now in a 19 4runner.

Will this harness work the same in a non JBL 19' 4runner w/entune? Have a 5ch kenwood xr901-5 to power speakers and sub and still need to find which LOC to go with but hoping the wiring is the same.