Replacing car stereo - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

importcar · 10-24-2009, 02:43 AM

Do I need a soldering iron or special tools for the job? Does the dash need to come out to remove the factory radio?

haux · 10-24-2009, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by importcar

Do I need a soldering iron or special tools for the job? Does the dash need to come out to remove the factory radio?

Remove the ashtray, and pry the frame off around the stereo/ac controls/ashtray. Then there are some screws to remove the units. And there are two cables to unplug in the back of the stereo.

mazdaverx7 · 10-24-2009, 08:58 AM

what year is the Camry? is it the one in your sig?

touringcamry · 10-24-2009, 02:10 PM

Soldering is optional. You can buy a wiring harness, don't pay more than $10 for one, and attach it to the aftermarket radio. This makes the end that plugs into the car exactly like the plug on teh back of the factory radio. You can mate the wiring harness to the one for the stereo using butt connectors or solder -- your choice.

flyeri · 10-24-2009, 03:27 PM

I soldered each connection from the radio harness to the adapter harness and used heat shrink tubing on the connections. I do not like butt splices in general but if you can get a good crimp they will work fine. I got mine (radio and harness) from Crutchfield and they sent some of the best instructions I have ever used for any project.

importcar · 10-24-2009, 03:55 PM

Yes it is for my 2001 Camry. I'll most likely get the head unit from Crutchfield but I'm waiting for black friday sales to see what will be available. I want HD radio, USB port, and Bluetooth.