Toyota factory CD players are not known for their amazing sound quality or useful features, but they are constructed of quality components and, like the vehicles they are installed in, are solid performers in their market. Oftentimes, however, factory CD players will break or quit working for no apparent reason. The solution is to then take them to either the dealer or a car audio shop to get repaired. This can be costly and the technicians still may not be able to fix the problem. What many enthusiasts choose to do instead is replace the in-dash CD (or radio) unit with an aftermarket unit, thereby saving themselves money on labor and materials.
Step 1
Make sure the car is off and the battery terminals are disconnected to protect against a short circuit. Use a screwdriver to pry off the face plate that surrounds the edge of your factory CD player. With the face plate off, you should see two holes on either side of the CD player in the dash. The CD player is held in place by plastic tabs on either side of the unit, and these holes are used to access these tabs.
Step 2
Cut two sections of coat hanger approximately 6 inches long and straighten them. Slide both of these "DIN tools" into the holes next to the CD player. Apply careful but firm pressure to the tabs until you hear them click. The CD player should now slide free from the mounting brackets on the inside of the dash. Slowly slide the CD player out until you can access the wiring harness and unhook it. Set the CD player aside.
Step 3
Open up the adapter unit that you purchased for your specific vehicle make and model and remove the wiring harness adapter. Use the wiring instructions included with the harness to wire on the new adapter to the old harness. Hook the adapter into the new CD player and hook up the battery to check to make sure the CD player works (check all of the functions now).
Step 4
Mount the new brackets according to the instructions included in the kit. Slide the new CD player into the mounting brackets and gently push it into the dash until it locks in place. Replace the face plate on the front of the CD player and turn the car on to make sure all of the functions work on the new CD player.
Skill: Moderately Easy
Ingredients:
- Electrical tape
- CD unit
- Aftermarket CD player adapter for your vehicle
- Coat hanger
- Screwdriver set
Tip: There are adapter harnesses for almost all aftermarket CD players on the market, but if you want to save a few bucks or are a budding electrician, the wiring instructions will also explain how to wire directly to the dash instead of using an adapter.
Warning: Make sure to wrap all electrical connections with electrical tape, as car vibration could lead to crossed wires and a short circuit (which could be dangerous if the car shuts down on the open highway).
Keyword: audio cd player replace install
