darkstar

I'm trying to replace the stock head-unit on my new 2003 SR5, and have no idea where the tabs/screws are to remove the center console.

One of the tabs is sticking out already from when it was delivered!

Can anyone help?

ndavis2

I have the 2003 service manuals at home, I'll check when I get there. I am very interested because the audio in my SR5 is also substandard. What are you replacing it with and are you doing the speakers too?

Harris

Corey

iTrader: (1)

This page has lots of good info, but not for the '03s yet.
http://www.carstereohelp.com/strtoyota.htm

Perhaps someone could contact them to get it included?
http://www.carstereohelp.com/strZ.htm

darkstar

Thanks. The radio sux in the SR5. The bass is underpowered and the mid is flat. It also cannot even play CD-R. I'm replacing it, at least for the short term with a Sony XPLOD. Not the best of the bunch, but the sound output is very good even from MP3.

I also want to swap out the speakers too. I'll wait and see what Toyota have done. I don't know if the amp is seperate or what.

I had a Celica before with premium sound. A supposed 'professional installer' put the Sony into that, and really frigged up the wiring, making the Sony's 4 outputs drive 6 speakers by splicing 2 together.

I was so p**sed I pulled all his wiring out, and wired the Sony back to the original premium amp, and the sound was pretty good.

Once I can remove the center console, I can install AC115V as per the limited.

impulsebrklyn

dont splice the wires to one line you will change the ohm rating and overheat the head quickly if not screw it up instantly

darkstar

Exactly. Once I found out what he had done, I worked out the connections to the stock 'premium amp' and used that, as the premium amp contained an active crossover for 6 speakers.

I found a problem on power on/off as the amp didn't shutdown quickly enough and caused a loud speaker thump. Luckily the amp had a MUTE input and the head supported a REMOTE output, so I wired up a little inverter to hit the mute in powerdown -> problem solved.

Now I wonder what Toyota did in the 4runner! Hmm.

EDGE

Did you finalize the CD after you made it, I messed up the defaults on my computer and none of my CD-R would play and then I went back and finalized them and they worked, if they are not finalized they will not play in anything but the computer cause they can't be read

Good Times

darkstar:

not to burst your bubble but changing the radio might be a pain in the arse! i myself am contemplating whether i want to change it at the moment....

but anyway i have the manuals and took a good look at it...

1: remove console upper rear panel sub - assy ( has 5 clips and 2 claws ). this is the panel piece around the shifter.
2: remove console panel sub - assy upper ( 6 clisp and 2 claws ). this is the silver outer piece on the base of the shifter area.
3: remove console upper panel garnish (pop clip). side panel on the bottom of the shifter. (both sides - driver/passenger)
4: remove console box assy rear (6 bolts - 2 in center container, 2 by the shifter, 2 in front of the cup holder)
5: remove a/c control assy (1 screw, 4 clips ). disengage clips and remove a/c.
6: remove instrument cluster finish panel sub - assy center (3 bolts and 8 clips). this is the outer panel
7: remove radio receiver assy w/ bracket (2 bolts)
8: remove side bracket on the radio (4 bolts each side)

that's it!

i think removing the entire center console is the pain! you really can't get away w/o removing this because there is a bolt at the bottom of the cup holder facing parallel to the ground. so the console gets in the way. if you need some diagrams, i'll try to scan these on monday for ya.

Lance

darkstar

Good Times:

Wow, that's a detailed reply. Thanks. I got to step 3 just by feeling around. Toyota sure do like to make the console difficult to remove.

I definately need to replace the radio, as it is unsatisfactory, the only problem now is to find a surround to fit the cut-out. It's a little early for aftermarket support yet

It's a pity the JDM radios are not an option as they seem perfect.

I would love to see the diagrams if you have time to scan them. Thanks again.

Edge:

Yup, I finalized the CD. I only tried a SONY disc though. Maybe a different disc would work.

bclements3

Hi All,

First, the fun part. I had a premium deck (alpine cda-7878) last year which I had problems with initially. Fortunately I had bought the extended warranty as well, so I took it into good guys to be repaired. Took it in 3 times and on the 3rd time, I demanded a new deck since it was taking so long for the the repairs. So they gave me a new deck, and said when they got the original deck from alpine they would box it up & resell it.

6 months later I got a notice in the mail from Good Guys saying I had equipment in the repair shop waiting for me and if I didn't pick it up Good Guys would resell it. So I went down there and no questions ask they gave me my repaired orginal deck back. This was very cool to me, because I left the other deck in my civic when I sold it, I was missing it a lot in my new 4runner.

The next day I went down to good guys and had them install it. I was a little worried because it was their first time installing anything in an '03 4runner, but it turned out great. I have a 2003 SR5 with the 3-in cd/cassette/radio headunit, and just 6 speakers instead of 10 like the premium sound package. They figured out how to remove the console and everything, and used a 1 1/2 faceplate kit for a toyota celica. It fit perfect, with the deck on top and a 1/2 din pocket on the bottom. The installer guy said he didn't find a factory amp behind the headunit or anything . So I assume the factory amp only comes with the 10-speaker premium 'synthesis' package.

I'm perfectly happy with the stock speakers, I think they are JBL though I've been unable to find out the excat model on the JBL website. There is plenty of bass for me in the front woofers, and this deck is only 45watts per channel. I would like to add some more thump though and have been seriously eyeing the infinity basslink powered subs. They sell new for $399 but are only $150-$200 on ebay.

I'll post pictures of the install soon .

-Bill

Doublepump

Yes, please post a picture of the new stereo you put in.

I was thinking of putting an alpine six disc changer in the center console and running it through the stock deck. Not sure if there is room in the console with the 115 outlet or if I want to keep the stock deck. The toyota accessories page lists a "console changer", so I figure it should fit.