On a '98 XLS- Is there a factory CD Changer?

[leadsled toy]

I see reference to a CD changer on XLS's from time to time. I just bought mine used w/o a manual.

Where would I look for a 3 disk CD changer if I had one?

[leadsled toy]

I should have added that my HU has buttons for disk changing. I just haven't found a changer yet!

[tr7driver]

The changer would be in the trunk, on the floor on the driver's side. If you have an empty retangular torage bin there, you don't have a changer.

[leadsled toy]

Originally Posted by tr7driver

The changer would be in the trunk, on the floor on the driver's side. If you have an empty retangular torage bin there, you don't have a changer.

Cool, I'll check when I get home tonight. Wife's got the car today. I have to pry the key out of her hand to drive it!



Thanks for the info on the Changer location. I don't remember seeing anything there. Would the factory install a head unit that has CD Changer Buttons on it w/o installing the changer?

[98CamryLE]

Originally Posted by leadsled toy

Would the factory install a head unit that has CD Changer Buttons on it w/o installing the changer?

Yes, Toyota used a series of radios in the 1990's that had a CD changer button, and it didn't work unless you paid to have the CD changer installed.

My 1998 Camry had a AM/FM/Cassette radio (I think it's called a single-din, as it only fills half of the radio opening, with an empty box underneath it for storage... a double-din radio fills the whole radio opening.)

It had a CD button that did not work. If you paid to upgrade, they would either put a single CD player in the opening below the stock radio, or a CD changer under the passenger seat or in the trunk.

Cars that got the upgrade from the factory often had a single double-din unit.

[leadsled toy]

Ah ha. That may be it then, this car had the double stereo installed (single CD w/ tape), but they didn't elect the CD changer option I guess.

Is it easy to add that to the existing head unit then aftermarket I wonder?

[cexsiman]

its easy as pie, assuming there is still the room in the dash its just plug in and screw in. seeing as i dont believe that there is room, you would have to find an alternate location for the changer, or opt for a trunk mounted option as i have for my 98 xl. works just fine. only down side is that there is an additional remote wired to it, as well as it does not utilize the head unit controls.

[leadsled toy]

Ah ha. Not a bad option. How hard is it to access the back of factory stereo to plug it in?

[cexsiman]

I've pulled my stereo like 5 times so its fairly routine for me, lol.

its cake, pull the trim around the raido and a/c controls, i start at the bottom and pry it forward (it has 4-6 clips holding it in, as well as the hazard flasher button wiring) then it should be 4 screws and you are golden. pull her out gently and all that should be holding the unit in place now is the raido plug and some antenna plugs.



*note, i check ebay for components that have already been removed to try and see how many screws something has or what plugs look like etc. its a decent way of finding out what you are getting into before you really do it.

[leadsled toy]

Great idea on the Ebay thing. Thanks for all the info!

[cexsiman]

no prob, us 98' guys look out for each other, lol. id be glad to give you any other pointers i have found out. i have been messing with my stereo to try and wire in as opposed to buy an auxilary input jack, but no success so far...

[leadsled toy]

Sweet!

You had yours for long cexsiman? How many miles are on her? Any maintenance yet?

I just put on new front calipers and pads last night. Nice how easy the brakes are to work on on this car.

I am definitely interested in how your CD changer install goes. I do need to add one to mine as well. You have the factory head unit I assume?

[cexsiman]

Ive had mine for a little more than 4 and a half years, got her with 45k on her from original owners and nows shes got 82k on the dial. The car is a dream, rides great, decent mileage for what it is, and its pretty fast :-). No real maintence comes to mind other than standard oil changes, etc. i believe i had my injectors cleaned almost 4 years ago now but thats all. I got the car as a repaint tho and that has been killing me since day 1, believe it or not i literally took packing tape to the moldings on the doors and peeled off the BAD BAD BAD BAD repaint paint, only to reveal wonderful almost untouchedstock pain still underneath. so after many many waxes and compounds later and a few sunburns, the car is mighty shiny now instead of only looking good in the rain, lol.

and my only other complaints are that BOTH drivers side windows aren't functioning (big PITA) i cant remember the last time i went through a drive thru, lol. and i get very poor raido reception when the raido and rear defroster are both on. (cd player still works fine :P) but its a great car, no squeeks, leaks, or rattles, taken it on some long trips and taken it on countless short ones, not to mention beating on the drivetrain for a good year or so, and it took it all in great stride. heck with 3 people and a full trunk, i got her up to 130 mph! i will never do it again, but its nice to know that it can )))

the cd changer is a pretty simple and straight forward install. mount in the trunk (on underside of rear deck), run the remote wire through the backseat, up and under both the drivers side rocker moldings, under the dash and up through where ever you want. wire in the in-line fm modulator (static free) to the raido +,-, and ground. and then plug it in in-line with the antenna. tune to the station that is set on the unit, and crank it up.

to get the raido out, all you have to do is remove the trim and pull the stereo as mentioned above and you are in good shape.