DIY Toyota Highlander Radio Install

[Luc]

Though this isn't the most popular car owned on this forum, but here is a guide to remove & replace the OEM radio in a Toyota Highlander. Note that this radio is just a regular 3-in-1 with single CD, not 6-disc CD changer, so the plugs on the back of the headunit will be different.

Original radio:


Pry out dash bezel from the bottom and work around, dash bezel removed:


Dash bezel:


Remove six 10mm bolts, 3 on each side:


Tilt entire dash forward:


Remove harnesses on radio & climate control:


Dash removed:


Remove eight 8mm/Philips (4 each side) screws from brackets:


Remove 4 more Phillips screws for the brackets:


Dash kit:


Follow the instructions in the dash kit, and putting the dash back in is just the opposite of removal.

Here is the final result:


This particular CD/MP3 player is from Panasonic, CQ-HX1083U, with a detachable touch screen faceplate that weighs a ton. But it is pretty colorful (if you like that), and comes with 3 sets of preouts, 1 set of CD input, 1 set of AUX input, Sirius satellite radio ready, and wireless remote.

[Stealth]

Out of curiousity, would a 1.5 Din deck fit in there? I see you ghost the Panasonic Ghost display unit. I can't tell which once since the display isn't on.

Those install kits aren't so great since they're made of plastic. Oh well, don't know what other options there are.

EDIT: Oh you said which one :P

[Luc]

Technically, you can fit a double DIN unit in there, since that's what the OEM is. The radio brackets should be able to bolt straight on. All those kits are made from ABS plastic, so, there isn't any choice in getting anything else. Besides, it'd be cheaper overall to the consumers anyway.

[Phi]

stop wasting your time with Highlanders. Nobody cares! Get to work on that 'glass sub box :p

Thanks for sharing dude

[Luc]

Fiberglassing had to wait today, since customers come first. This is what I had to do. The trim ring will be color matched once we get the proper paint.

[MATR6]

Luc is good at what he does and always helpful.
He's installed nearly everything in my car.
Amps, subwoofers, and my TRD Quick Shifter for my Matrix.

[sig998]

Pictures are dead

[touringcamry]

This thread is 4.5 years old. You can try contacting the OP to see if he still has them.