98-99 Stereo in 96 xls???

[qtonic]

Hello,

Is it possible to swap a cd player radio from a 98 or 99 avy into my 96 xls with 6 speaker system? I want to add an aux input that is only compatible with 98+ stereos.

Thanks~

Chris

[CupCate18]

I have a 95 and put in aftermarket cd player (pioneer) with aux input. They had to do all sorts of harness stuff, but I got it professionally installed. aux works great with ipod, all i have to do is plug it in. I will admit the player and install was pretty expensive though... On my windows with stock radio it says radio will not work if removed. Dunno if all do this, or if they are only paired with what they came stock in.

[96Avalon_Matt]

I have an 1996 XLS which I put a aftermarket radio in. My first attempt, the future shop "pro" installers gave me the wrong harness. So I uninstalled the FACTORY radio, tried to install the aftermarket, then had to REINSTALL the factory radio until I got the correct wiring harness.

When I reinstalled the factory radio, I did not have to input any code, and it didn't trigger any alarm/security device. The radio had been out of the car for two days. Maybe it was because it went back into the same car, but I think if you find a 98-99 radio, and it looks to have the same mounts and harness (almost certain it will have to be from a 98-99 XLS to connect to the 96 XLS amp), then it should work.

Worst case, I know the junkyard around here gives you a couple weeks return policy, so ask if you can return it if it doesn't fit.

IMO you should probably go aftermarket. Installation is easy if your not adding an amp/subs, etc. Just replace the harness, couple of screws, and feed the aux wire through the bottom of the center console...

[CupCate18]

(reverse image, camera on comp takes them all this way)
I had a different cubby slot put in (it had nothing there when I got it), and stereo came with remote. Aux slot is all the way to the left in pic, but on stereo is at the right. I had to buy a more expensive stereo bc of harness crap. I think they did pretty darn good for how it looked before! There was a huge hole under the radio, the radio was just old and the tape deck didn't even work.

[qtonic]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I happen to have a very nice aftermarket hu with aux jack that I could use, but I would really like to keep the factory look.

Anyone else have info about which factory hu from 98-99 might work to replace my 96 xls hu? Here is a pic of the radio and CD player I currently have:

http://i20.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/be/09/8ec7_1.JPG

http://i6.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/be/09/90f8_1.JPG

Thanks!

[cindy_cook_114]

I have a 96 Avalon and can't get the cd hooked up. Cupcate, how did you put yours in and what harness did you use?

[cexsiman]

the harness is a standard toyota harness, since the radios are interchangeable between avalons, camrys, corollas, rav 4's, and maybe others.

just make sure the wires from the head unit match up with the correct colors and the rest is just screwing it into place using mounting hardware.