How To: Remove Stock Stereo from Gen 4 Camry

[pinkmadsama]

Thought I might as well post this. Its Quite Easy, but you should use caution while doing this because some parts are delicate. Before I start, note this: I am not responsible for any damages that may occur. I had no problems myself and it is quite easy, however, professional installation/removal is recommended if you feel it is needed.

Hope this Helps someone!

HOW TO REMOVE STOCK STEREO FROM GEN 4 TOYOTA CAMRY

Tools Needed
Slotted Screwdriver
Socket Wrench with 10mm and 12mm sockets (you may need an extender)

Steps

(Steps 1-3 are for Automatic Transmissions)
1. Turn off your car. Engage the E-Brake.
2. Overide the Shift Lock System by lifting this cap (use screwdriver) and pressing the button.
3. Shift Car into Low Gear "L".*


4. Disconnect the Negative (Ground) Cable from the Battery Terminal with 12mm socket.*
5. Remove the Ash Tray (Next to the Cigarette Lighter)
5. Carefully Pry the Dash Trim Bezel off using the slotted screwdriver. Note the tabs and plugs in the back.
6. Unplug the 2 Cigarette Lighter Plugs and the Ashtray Bulb Plug.




7. Remove the 4 10mm Bolts at the corners of the stereo with the 10mm socket. You may need the extender to reach the bolts.


8. Carefully remove the stereo and unplug the 3 plugs in the back.



From here on, you can repair your stereo, install an aftermarket stereo, etc.
To put everything back, reverse the steps.

To install an aftermarket head unit, you will need to remove the mounting brackets off of the stock stereo. 4 bolts hold it down on each side.


You may also need to purchase a wire harness and crimp caps to connect the head unit with your car.


This is my end result.


*Note that when you shift the car back into Parking Gear "P", the car will inch forward roughly 3 inches. This is normal.
*Note that when you reconnect the negative cable to the battery, your car alarm may go off. This is normal.

[Mister_Perkins]

Nice write up, and welcome to the forum!

If you are hooking up an aftermarket head unit, you may also want to purchase a harness adapter :

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1322421956___

May also be a good idea to show how to disconnect the mounting brackets off the stock stereo to the aftermarket as well

[sensei_]

Another tip when installing the centre panel; that the bottom corner with the cigarette lighter does not click in as easy; however if you bend the plastic just slightly towards the ashtray; the whole panel will click in nicely. something i learnt when taking a peek behind my gen4 to make sure the antenna was still tightly in place.

[pinkmadsama]

Originally Posted by sensei_

Another tip when installing the centre panel; that the bottom corner with the cigarette lighter does not click in as easy; however if you bend the plastic just slightly towards the ashtray; the whole panel will click in nicely. something i learnt when taking a peek behind my gen4 to make sure the antenna was still tightly in place.

Thanks For the tip! I realized that I need to remove the panel again, so I'll try that next time.

[fenixus]

nice DIY with pics.

I may need to finally remove my stock stereo with stuck disc changer. hoping to fix it ... or replace it with something ...

[pinkmadsama]

Originally Posted by fenixus

nice DIY with pics.

I may need to finally remove my stock stereo with stuck disc changer. hoping to fix it ... or replace it with something ...

Thanks! =) Bummer your disc changer is stuck! Didn't think Discs were still being used these days too much though...Its all about ipods now =D

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by pinkmadsama

Thanks! =) Bummer your disc changer is stuck! Didn't think Discs were still being used these days too much though...Its all about ipods now =D

yeah, well I bought this car last Summer with a stuck CD player, prev owner jammed it by inserting too many discs (at least what he said).

if going aftermarket I will definitely look for something more modern with HD radio, MP3 and audio input socket (for iphone, ipod, droid, external MP3 player etc.)... but there is still a chance I can fix that CD ... or replace it with same unit from junkyard hehe ...

[pinkmadsama]

Originally Posted by fenixus

yeah, well I bought this car last Summer with a stuck CD player, prev owner jammed it by inserting too many discs (at least what he said).

if going aftermarket I will definitely look for something more modern with HD radio, MP3 and audio input socket (for iphone, ipod, droid, external MP3 player etc.)... but there is still a chance I can fix that CD ... or replace it with same unit from junkyard hehe ...

Haha hopefully you can find one!

[dnaL0R]

hi, i'm installing a new stereo system for my friend's 1999 Camery XLE, but his harness does not look like the one on this write up...

here is the harness that is plugged into his stock head unit:


he bought the harness for his car, which looks like this, but it clearly does not fit:


we have finished the speaker installtion and all is left is the head unit, but i just can't seem to figure out why his camry has a different stock harness than all the others i see on the net... please point me in the right direction, so we can get it done... btw, we put in infinity components and they sound great, but it will sound better with the new head unit :]

thnx for reading,
roland

[dnaL0R]

will post on the main forum to gauge more responses...

[dnaL0R]

NEVER MIND ~

finally found the answer to our problem...

for anyone else who's come across a similar issue, see this post:
99 Camry Stereo Replacement Issues (Amp)

[pinkmadsama]

Glad you found the answer to your problem!!

[fenixus]

nice find!

I will be replacing stock stereo (broken CD), car has the AMP, so this information is a lifesaver

BTW, for me the Crutchfield website also suggest wrong harness (says it fits, even though I select JBL option which means there IS an AMP).

[pmesfun]

^Jakub, call Crutchfield, they are experts and will answer any questions.

[pmesfun]

I put in your car info on their site and I got this adapter, definitely looks like the right one.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207081...g-Harness.html