How to Remove the Factory Radio from a Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner SUV comes equipped with a factory stereo system. But audio aficionados who want to upgrade their stereo system will often remove the factory radio and replace it with a higher-performance aftermarket car stereo. Removal of the factory radio is the essential first element of this upgrade process. By doing it yourself, you can save the time and money involved in having a car audio shop remove the radio.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• 10 mm socket set and extension
• Panel tool

1. • 1

     Take any media, like CDs or cassettes, out of your factory radio, and turn off the power to the radio.

   • 2

     Open the door to the center console, and from inside it, pry up the trim panel that surrounds the gear shifter. As it comes loose, you'll see a wiring harness connected to it. Disconnect this.

   • 3

     Pry up the remainder of the console trim and remove it.

   • 4

     Open the small storage pocket above the center console and remove the phillips screw on the top edge of the opening.

   • 5

     Take out the 10mm bolts on the lower right and left side corners of the driver's knee panel. This is the panel underneath the steering wheel.

   • 6

     Pry out the knee panel until it is loose. Unhook the wiring harnesses on the left side of the panel, and let the panel hang loose--it's not necessary to completely remove it.

   • 7

     Look on the lower left side of the trimpanel surrounding the receiver for a 10mm bolt--this area is exposed now that knee panel is lowered. Remove the 10mm bolt.

   • 8

     Pry out the climate control panel below the radio. You will see two 10mm bolts, remove them.

   • 9

     Pry all the way around the receiver's trim panel. As the panel comes loose, disconnect any wiring harnesses attached to it.

   • 10

     Locate two 10mm screws on either side of the radio. Take them out and the radio will slide out of the cavity. Disconnect the wiring plug on the back and remove.