Radio removal..... 2003 Corolla

[2003 Corolla S]

Hey there guys..and gals. Im the proud owner of a 2003 Corolla S. Took delivery of the car Monday night. I LOVE it. Now comes my favorite time....... installing a stereo system. Its gona consist of an Alpine 801, DVD changer, SPX series 6 1/2 seperates up front, 3 Type R DVC 4ohm 12's, factory rear fill..for now, 3 M500 amps (one per sub), and 1 407 powering the fronts. Ive been an installer for 6 years, so I got it covered, all but one thing....... how does the radio come out? Do you just pop of the trim around the radio, along with the vents? I looked at it for some time, today. Didnt really try to remove it...... Im on vaction, and my tools are at work. Ive called Metra... and they where no help. If I was at work, I would try to pop of the trim..... because if I break it..... insurance pays it. Any help would be great.
Another thing. Im installing a Viper 550 alarm/remote start too. Is it easier to remove the driver side underdash, or just remove the steering colum, to gain access to the igntion wires?
Im writting this because, if you havent guessed, I havent come across a 2003 Corolla at work yet.
Thanks in advance.
PS......... Any CAI's out yet for a 2003? Exhuast? I know im rambling now, I just cant wait to get to work on my car

[Phi]

First off, welcome to TN. Glad to see your enthusiasm 8) .

I don't own a Corolla, but most Toyotas are pretty similar when it comes to gaining access to the radio. Typically, the radio is surrounded by a plastic trim pcs that is simply snapped in place. Again, I how no experience with your particular car, so take my advice for what it's worth.

If you take a look at the link I provided below, you'll find some photos and instructions on how to access the radio for other cars. Perhaps you can use this as a guide of sorts.
http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/ColdFusion/compatibility.cfm


If you intend to do alot of electrical work on the car, you might wanna ask you local Toyota rep nicley if they can photocopy a few pages from the shop manula to help you out.

If you have 6yrs experience, I highly doubt that you're incompetant. Good luck and keep us updated :wink:

[Voodoo.Priest]

If you don't want to break anything and you feel like spending $80 you can get the official Toyota repair manual for your car. It tells you pretty much any thing you would ever need to know.
Other wise just use a crowbar.

[2003 Corolla S]

Thanks for the advice. I already checked the Pro-Fit site.... I use it all the time at work, it only goes up to 2002.

[jmschoep]

One more word of caution (Coming from a Tech) Be carefull about all the stuff your putting in, If something goes wrong that's not your fault electically or otherwise, more than likely they'll void some or all of your waranty!

That being said- I also Have a 2003 Corolla LE, I picked mine up a couple weeks ago and it great. I also want to do some tinkering with the stereo. I was thinking of a DVD/NAV system. I want it to come out from the cumpartment just under the climate control- Since you're the pro how dificult, and expensive is that likely to be and how would you sugest fixing the problem of not being able to reach the A/C controls???

One last thing- I was looking at the Kenwood KVT-M700 Any experience with that unit- what products would you recomend.

I need to get the work done before I get married while I still have some say on how I spend my money!!!!

[2003 Corolla S]

As long as you are willing to loose the compartment, a DIN size DVD/NAV should fit in pretty good, with some custom trim work and such. If you are have a shop do it..... expect to pay some money.... around $100-$250 and up, depending on the shop, and how custom you get. As far as voiding any warranty, the only way that any type of stereo/AV/Nav system can void it, is if the dealership can PROVE that adding that component caused the problem to the car. Installing a DVD player can not void the warranty unless you screw it into the gas tank.(It has been done)
As far as Kenwood goes..... I dont really have much experienc with it. My shop does mostly Alpine, Sony, and some Pioneer.

[jmschoep]

Thanks!!!! Good luck with all your installs!