Remove 2004 Avensis Stereo

[damien]

I wish to remove the stereo in my 04 Avensis Automatic with Climate Control, as I want to install a Car Phone. Does anybody know how this is done, as I do not want to cause any damage to the dash.

Also, I want to run the arial and microphone wires up the windscreen pillar, how do I remove the pillar trim, as it has a curtain airbag in it?

[tezza]

Check out www.dashmount.co.uk.

Search on your car and they have the instructions listed.

[damien]

I've looked at the Dashmount site before, and it says to "Unclip the gear shift panel and remove".

This, however, is easier said than done. The gearshift panel threatens to break when it is levered up, and I am reluctant to lever too much in case it does break.

I am able to easily remove the panel holding the cup holder and gain access to the upper 10mm screws holding the stereo in place. It is the lower screws that is the problem, just below the climate controls, hidden by the gearchange panel. Once I have these screws off, I am in business.

I have solved the problem with the windcreeen pillar, just peel the door seal, and I'll get the wires in.

Has anybody sucessfully removed the gearchange panel?

Thanks.

[Norbreck21a]

It's not as scary as you think. I had the stereo out on my 2 week old T3X to fit a Toyota 6 disc changer.

Basically here are the steps:

1. Remove the trim from around the base of the gearlever.It's only held in by 4 plastic clips, and if you get a very small screwdriver underneath one edge and work around, it just pops out. When it's been removed, a little tip. Replace the gearlever knob. If the stereo slips out of your hand, if will only hit the rubber/leather of the Knob and not the metal threads of the gearlever.

2. Remove the plastic trim above the glovebox which houses the drinks holder and the rear defogger switch. Best method is to open the glovebox, and working from that end, gently pull on the trim (don't use tools) and it will start to come away. Again it's only plastic clips (4 or 5) and slowly work along towards the steering wheel. Pretty easy really.

3. Finally you will see 4 10mm bolts, 2 above the stereo and 2 below the heating controls. Undo these and the whole heating and radio unit slides forward as one unit.

Final Tip.

Before sliding the stereo out stick some masking tape or similar either side of the dash aperture where the radio/heatig unit sits. This is because the unit can have some sharp edges and this just protects the edges of the dash from scratches.

Hope this helps

Andrew

[damien]

1. Remove the trim from around the base of the gearlever.It's only held in by 4 plastic clips, and if you get a very small screwdriver underneath one edge and work around, it just pops out.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your help. Can I just confirm with you about removing the trim from around the base of the gearlever.

Do I insert the screwdriver between

(A) the edge of the shiny metal effect plastic trim and the flat carbon fibre effect panel around it, or,

(B) do I insert the screwdriver between the flat panel and the grey transmission tunnel?

Hope the description is okay, don't want to scratch the dash!

Thanks,

Damien

[bobusa]

You don't have to use a screwdriver at all! This will damage the trim. :o

Remove the gear knob by turning it anti-clockwise.

Remove the thin chrome trim at the base of the lever by carefully pulling it up all around by hand.

Then the sloppiness of the leather surround from the gearshift gives you the ability to put your fingers underneath the carbon or wood coloured trim. Pull up carefully until the four clips of the trim are lose.

Then carefully move the trim by turning it upwards. The front of the trim hooks behind the heating controls so be careful not to damage anything. You could put some tape on the mating trim to prevent this.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[fairclos]

SOrry , but did you find a facia to cover around the new head unit that matched the factory fit unit? please help as just about to recieve my new t3x and want to put my dvd player in asap.

steve@fairclough.info

[John]

damien

I had an handsfree phone kit fiited last week, when the fitter rmoved it he said its a tight fit because its hend by plastic clips, and replaced it back ok.

In fact I was so supprised how easy it is to take one out. Doesn't give you much confidence in security.

John