How to Install a Stereo in a Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has been around for decades and is as popular as ever. An older Toyota Tacoma is ready to have the stereo replaced, which requires removal of the lower dash panels with a few basic tools. Swapping out the stereo on the Toyota Tacoma gives you better sound quality and newer features like an iPod dock and MP3 capability.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 10 mm socket
• Screwdrivers
• Wiring harness adaptor

1. • 1

     Disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. You should do this before beginning any work on an electronic component of your Toyota Tacoma for your own safety.

   • 2

     Remove the two screws and one 10mm bolt from the bottom dash panel under the steering wheel. Pull out the parking brake handle and remove the two screws hidden behind it. Pull the panel out enough to disconnect the hood release switch. Pull the panel away from the dash and set it aside.

   • 3

     Locate and remove one 10mm bolt at the bottom left of the glove box and one screw at the bottom right. Open the glove box and remove three screws from the upper portion of the trim. Use your fingers to pry at the upper right portion of the dash panel until it unsnaps. Some models have a wiring connection that must be unhooked to fully remove the trim.

   • 4

     Find the screw in the upper right corner where the glove box was and remove it. Move to the bottom of the center console panel and unsnap the clips, starting at the bottom until the entire center console trim is free.

   • 5

     Pull the end knobs from the climate control slides or dials and gently pry the controls out of the dash. Locate one screw below the radio and remove it. Pull the stereo out of the dash and disconnect the wires behind the radio.

   • 6

     Connect the wiring harness adaptor to the original harness and plug it into the back of the new head unit. Slide the stereo into the dash and secure it with the original screw. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

   • 7

     Turn the radio on and verify everything is working properly. Replace the climate controls, console trim and remaining dash panels.