Replacing Radio On 1997 Picnic

[Surv1v0r]

I have a 1997 Toyota Picnic. I would like to replace the existing Radio + tape player with a head unit that allows the playing of CDs and the connection of an MP3 player.

How do I remove the existing radio?

[gttc16]

I have a 1997 Toyota Picnic. I would like to replace the existing Radio + tape player with a head unit that allows the playing of CDs and the connection of an MP3 player.

How do I remove the existing radio?

It depends on the radio. What type is it.?

If you don't have the keys to remove it, you can remove the center console section allowing access to front and back maybe giving enough space to get at what's holding it in.

Open the cubby hole at the top of the dash, remove the 2 screws. Starting at the bottom with either something plastic and strong or a flat screwdriver with a clothe for protection and prise out the console. The whole lot should pop out.

This is what I did with my 99 one,but just be sure you have something similar before breaking stuff. (just to cover my a$$)

[Surv1v0r]

It depends on the radio. What type is it.?

If you don't have the keys to remove it, you can remove the center console section allowing access to front and back maybe giving enough space to get at what's holding it in.

Open the cubby hole at the top of the dash, remove the 2 screws. Starting at the bottom with either something plastic and strong or a flat screwdriver with a clothe for protection and prise out the console. The whole lot should pop out.

This is what I did with my 99 one,but just be sure you have something similar before breaking stuff. (just to cover my a$$)

Thanks for the reply. The radio is the standard Toyota TF4301 / 38409 unit.

I have located the two screws at the back of the centre console section but am not sure what to do next - without causing irreparable and irreversible damage. Should I remove any other parts (eg control knobs) before prising out the dash?

When I remove the radio front panel, on the part left in the console, there is a screw over on the left-hand side. I can't see any obvious points to insert a removal tool.

Again, thanks for your help and apologies for my enormous delay in following-up :)

[Surv1v0r]

I did manage to sort this out - three years ago. Sadly, on a recent trip to France, the replacement radio that I had fitted refused properly to play using the Aux port. As a result, I bought a "cheapo" Sony Radio/CD player with Aux & USB input facilities and had to work out again how to remove the old radio and fit the new one.

Open the "odds & sods" compartment above the radio.

Remove the accumulated rubbish and throw most of it away.

Remove the two screws to be seen at the back of the compartment.

Using something like a kitchen knife around the edges, VERY carefully prise the housing clear.

You do not need to remove any knobs and the housing will still be attached by cables at the top.

Removing the bracket holding the radio is pretty obvious; just make sure that you don't drop any of the four retaining screws down inside the fascia - you will never see them again if you do and they may short out or interfere with something.

Good luck.

ps - I love my 15 year old, six seat 110k mile Picnic - I can't find anything anywhere near as well thought out to replace it.