avensis radio removal

[flatcow]

No. I am not a car theif. I have just purchased an Avensis 1.8GS and would like to know how to remove the existing radio and replace with my new radio. It is a 1999 model.

[grottybags]

I'll get toyotasera.co.uk on this one. He did mine for me.

It rather scarily involved taking the fascia with the controls for the heater etc. off by tugging it, then working behind it. But he changed it in a matter of minutes the last time he did it (around 10 I think) so it isn't hard.

[grottybags]

I have passed the message on and already I'm being asked questions.

Is it a single or double height radio?

[flatcow]

single height tape deck

[toyotasera.co.uk]

I can only speak from experience with grottybags 98S Avensis 1.8GS.

Its easy - the front is simply clipped into the dash - use a narrow bladed screwdriver or something to lever the facia out. Behind is the radio, and is *screwed* into the dash.

If you're replacing the factory hi-fi with an aftermarket, you'll need a wiring harness adaptor which will cost about £ 10 from a motor accessory shop.

[flatcow]

when you say the facia, do you mean the radio facia or the plastic surround facia that surrounds the heater controls and the vents as well as the radio? I have managed to prise the lower half of this off but it seem reluctant to move from the top around the vents. Is there a technique or just brute force?

[grottybags]

Toyotasera.co.uk is changing my radio over on Saturday for me (due to having the car valued) so if you can wait until then, he'll take digital photos of mine and post them somewhere.

But it's the facsia around the heater controls that comes off and an element of brute force is required. You'll find the vents will come off with the facsia and that's why it'll need a little wiggle at the top to get it off.

I think

[toyotasera.co.uk]

The fascia is the one surrounding both the radio, the heater controls and around the bank of switches at the top.

Brute Force is not the right term - measured force is better. If you can prise it off at the bottom, you can usually prise the rest off. Take it easy...

[flatcow]

thanks for the advice. It does appear to be a bit siff around the vents but I shall have another go.

[ballygally]

Take out the ashtray and put your hand inside the hole. You will find a large plastic "tag". Pull gently down on it and the whole surround will come forwards into the car. Yes it does take out the whole of the central console area, but you will then have access to the radio mounting screws and everything else. Please don't use brute force as you may have to replace the whole thing which I don't think will be cheap!! Good luck.