How to: 98-04 Toyota Tacoma Radio Removal

How to remove the factory radio in a first generation Toyota Tacoma truck. You may notice some variations between the years, this is a 2001 model equipped with the double din unit. #toyota #toyotatacoma #automotive

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-phillips screwdriver
-nylon trim tool
-8mm socket

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
0:25 Lower Trim Panel Removal
00:55 Ashtray Removal
01:04 HVAC Bezel Removal
01:35 Center Dash Trim Removal
02:42 Radio Removal
03:16 Reinstallation

Procedure:
Start by disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery.

The interior was partially apart when I bought this truck, so I’ll try to fill in the missing components as I go along. This trim piece should have two push-in clips, one on each side as shown by the exposed holes. Push in the center of the clip, then remove, and the panel can be lifted out. Next is disconnecting the electrical components on the rear, for this, I have two 12v power ports and the factory security led.

Remove the ashtray, depress the top metal portion, and pull straight out.

There will be a phillips screw on the bottom which needs to be removed.

For the hvac panel, pull off the rotational knobs. They simply slide out of their location, they have an alignment groove so their position can’t be mixed up.

If your fingers are too large, use a nylon trim tool to unclip the hvac panel. Start from the outer hole and move your way across the panel.

Remove the two phillips screws hidden behind the hvac panel holding on the bezel.

Using a nylon trim tool, you can start at the top or bottom, it doesn’t matter, carefully remove the radio bezel. There will be various clips around the trim, take your time, especially in the cold as you can crack the plastic.

Disconnect the plug on the rear for the passenger airbag switch. The yellow connector has a spring-loaded locking latch that needs to be pushed back when disconnecting.

Disconnect the cigarette lighter at the bottom.

Then remove the light in the ashtray which pulls out, I used pliers for added grip.

Make sure you remove the cd if it’s on the radio as you won’t be able to retrieve it after. I had to hook up the battery to get this. Then remove the four 8mm bolts, two on each side of the radio.

Pull the radio straight out.

Pull out the antenna wire, it just slides into place.

The plug electrical connector on the rear comes out in two pieces, there will be tabs which are depressed to unclip it, then remove.

I did install an aftermarket android head unit, so if you haven’t seen that video, be sure to check it out.

As for reassembly, it’s in reverse of removal. Considering I already have the head unit in place, next is install the radio bezel.

First, start with the electrical connectors at the bottom as you’ll have easier access here. Make sure you don’t mix up the 12v auxiliary and cigarette lighter as the connectors are interchangeable.

Reinstall the ashtray light.

Reconnect the passenger airbag switch.

Make sure no wires are pinched while pushing the trim back into place. The clips may not align with the holes and that can prevent the trim from seating correctly so be mindful of that. You should be able to look at the sides of the trim, the space should be the same all the way around.

Install the screws around the hvac panel.

Snap in the hvac panel.

Push in the knobs.

Install the screw at the bottom.

Reinstall the lower trim piece, first is connecting the electrical plugs for the 12v auxiliary ports and security light.

Again make sure no wires are being pinched, then push it into place. My side clips were missing, I replaced those with generic fir tree-style clips. They are simply matched up with the size of the holes they clip into.

And finally, clip in the ashtray.

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