Need Help... replacing factory stereo to aftermarket in 99 Avalon XLS

[Finnish_Fox]

Hi all...

I've got an 1999 Avalon XLS and factory installed stero unit is broken (volume knob is gone, cd player broken). I have the 7 speaker set, inclusive of the sub in the back. (4 on front doors including tweeters, 2 on back doors, 1 bass behind back seat)

I am looking to replace it with an Alpine CDA-9884. Does anyone know iwhat issues I may run into?

How do I remove the trim from around the ignition on the XLS?

Will I need to purchase a seperate amp for the sub or will the correct wiring harness allow me to "plug and play"?

Any help is greatly appreciated...

[billa610]

Originally Posted by Finnish_Fox

Hi all...

I've got an 1999 Avalon XLS and factory installed stero unit is broken (volume knob is gone, cd player broken). I have the 7 speaker set, inclusive of the sub in the back. (4 on front doors including tweeters, 2 on back doors, 1 bass behind back seat)

I am looking to replace it with an Alpine CDA-9884. Does anyone know iwhat issues I may run into?

How do I remove the trim from around the ignition on the XLS?

Will I need to purchase a seperate amp for the sub or will the correct wiring harness allow me to "plug and play"?

Any help is greatly appreciated...

[mmejia]

Well, first things first. In order to get the trim off, it's just a matter of prying it off. Be gentle, of course, and make sure you get it all around. It's one piece, around the ignition, air vents, stereo, and HVAC controls. The stereo is mounted with brackets and the the brackets are put into the dash with four hex/philips screws. I recommend getting a hex socket for them because mine were on pretty tight and couldn't get them out with a philips screwdriver.

If you have the 7 speaker premium audio system, then you have a factory amplifier and will need a different harness with preamp outputs and also make sure that your stereo has pre-amp outputs, or you will blow your speakers like I did. Here is a link for the Metra harness with pre-amps: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207081...0-8112&tp=2977

If you're looking to put in aftermarket speakers and amp, then you will have to basically rewire the whole car or replace the factory amp.

[touchlikefire]

I have that wiring connector that I bought for my car, but ultimately had to use a different solution because the previous owner stupidly blew up the wiring harness. It's been installed but never used, and pm me if you're interested and I'll sell it to you.

[swiftjustice]

Most of your questions can probably be answered in this thread:
95 radio install step by step

[Finnish_Fox]

I'm all good guys, thanks.

Only issue I ran into was the trim fit too closely for the faceplate to drop. I just sanded it down until it works.

Anyone know what's a good type of paint to touch up the black plastic on the trim? Model paint?