2008 Stereo Removal?

[PLamarine]

Summerwind especially, anyone have a "how-to" to remove the factory stereo in a 2008 Highlander?

[summerwind]

Sorry can't help with this one.

The Toyota Technical Information Systems (TIS) is where this info is available. It costs $10 for a day's access to their data.

http://techinfo.toyota.com/

The Highlander data is not all there yet.
You have access to TSB's, Repair Manual, User Manual, New Features, Wiring Diagrams.

They have changed their format over time.

They used to post just a series of pdf files by section. It was focused on the lowest access speed and sliced at 1 to 30 pages of sub paragraph levels.

Within the Acrobat Reader you could save these files to your computer.
TSB's and other stuff is still in this format but the repair manual is in a different format. If you do not have a print to pdf capability you can print what you see to paper but not save it as a pdf.

I use a plug in called pdfMachine to allow me to select "Print" and select the plugin to save to a pdf file.

http://www.pdfmachine.com/?cl

Still it is an official Toyota info site

Would suspect it is like most Toyota's and you pry off the fascia some how using a nylon pry tool to get access to the screws that hold in the radio.

Tools....

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

[PLamarine]

Thanks for responding..guess I will just have to give it a shot. I am installing the PIE TOY03-POD/S, which may or may not work on the 2008 Highlander. Will post results once I find out.

[xsnrg]

Did you ever do it? I am interested in this unit... I'm curious how the 'browsing' feature works.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by xsnrg

Did you ever do it? I am interested in this unit... I'm curious how the 'browsing' feature works.

Yes, I did it. I like it alot. To browse through artist, album, etc. you turn the tune dial or the file up down button, then hit the scan button as the "enter" or like the middle button on the Ipod. Get it, you will love it. Get it from Andy over at anco auto, link here:

http://www.ancoauto.com/oscommerce/p...roducts_id=159

Make sure you get the harness also..he has the best price I found, and fast shipping.

[McNose13]

PLamarine, how did you actually remove the dash and/or console pieces? In what order?

I tried a while ago but was unable to get any pieces off. I figured you have to start with the horizontal pieces (the one extends from the armrest and surrounds the gear shift), but I could only lift it up part way without feeling like something might break.

Thanks,
b

[PMaggan]

Did you guys consider the Vaistech Ipod unit? I was looking at one of those. They did confirm that it is compatible with the 2008 Highlander.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by McNose13

PLamarine, how did you actually remove the dash and/or console pieces? In what order?

I tried a while ago but was unable to get any pieces off. I figured you have to start with the horizontal pieces (the one extends from the armrest and surrounds the gear shift), but I could only lift it up part way without feeling like something might break.

Thanks,
b

Top vent piece first, bottom ac control next, then stereo last. Be careful not to break any clips.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by PMaggan

Did you guys consider the Vaistech Ipod unit? I was looking at one of those. They did confirm that it is compatible with the 2008 Highlander.

I looked at it, but it seems to have less control over the ipod from the HU and iot cost twice as much. Doesn't make sense to pay more for less. I think the PIE Ipod adapter is the way to go.

[PMaggan]

Originally Posted by PLamarine

I looked at it, but it seems to have less control over the ipod from the HU and iot cost twice as much. Doesn't make sense to pay more for less. I think the PIE Ipod adapter is the way to go.

I think you're right. I'll be ordering a PIE unit soon. Can you access ALL of the existing playlists using the vehicle controls?

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by PMaggan

I think you're right. I'll be ordering a PIE unit soon. Can you access ALL of the existing playlists using the vehicle controls?

Yes you can...it is awesome!

[PMaggan]

Originally Posted by PLamarine

Yes you can...it is awesome!

Is all of the Artist / Song title information displayed while the vehicle is in motion? Thanks.

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by PMaggan

Is all of the Artist / Song title information displayed while the vehicle is in motion? Thanks.

Yes, the display scrolls the artist, and song. Very neat!

[Bandito]

PL,

I don't mean to belabor the point, but just want to be clear; the PIE iPod Interface lets you operate the iPod pretty much as if you were on the clickwheel, but using the vehicle's/radio's controls, right? It isn't limited to a certain number of 'Officially Supported' playlists?

The PIE site doesn't have a lot of detail about its features or actual operations, even in the catalog. Also, is the -R1 cable on Anco's site the correct one? We don't need to go in through the Sirius or XM port? I ask because the -R1 cable just refers to a radio connection and all of the display text functions seem to be tied to the satellite inputs.

Finally, do you have the standard radio or the JBL upgrade? It looks like the PIE iPod Interface would be compatible with either, but if you have any insight, I'd appreciate it if you could share it.

TIA

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by Bandito

PL,

I don't mean to belabor the point, but just want to be clear; the PIE iPod Interface lets you operate the iPod pretty much as if you were on the clickwheel, but using the vehicle's/radio's controls, right? It isn't limited to a certain number of 'Officially Supported' playlists?

TIA

I don't think it is limited, but I only have a few playlists. The scan button acts like the enter button, the tuning button scans through atist, album, artist, playlist, etc.