From my research their is not much difference between the models so this guide should be applicable to all Tarago's between 90-99 (but am not 100% certain).
I have made this guide because i wasn't able to find any FULL guides on how to replace the stereo and thought i would make a nice simple one.
Equipment needed:
The following list is what is required. It contains the tools that you would need for any stereo removable from a car.
- Philip / Flat Head Screw Driver
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Electrical Tape
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
- Spanner (to remove clips from battery)
- A LOT OF PATIENCE
Steps in removing Stereo
Step 1
Start of be removing the easy parts, which consist of the fuse cover, the ash tray and the glove box compartment.
To remove the fuse cover press the tab at the front and lift the lid up.
If you have an alarm light, disconnect it by pushing tab at the connector.
Place the lid in a safe place.
Pull the ash tray out and push down on the tab and pull the tray out.
Open the glove box,
Locate the sockets that hold the compartment underneath.
Using a flat head screw driver, push the socket where it holds the glove box out, while at the same time pulling that side of the glove box out. This side will pop out and the glove box will come out.
Step 2
Now we have to remove 6 screws. The screws location are shown by the pictures.
The screw located under the cigarette lighter is on an angle but shouldn't cause any problems removing it.
Step 3
Now this is the hardest part of the entire process, Removing the cup holder/ cigarette / astray component. I had difficulties removing this part and was unsuccessful at my first attempt. After letting a couple of days go by, i decided to attempt it again. Three minutes into my second attempts i removed it without any hustles. If you cant do it take a break, this will help you relax and stop yourself from forcing it and damaging the component or to surrounding plastics.
Behind the cigarette cigarette lighter their is a plastic clip containing the two cables. Remove this by pulling the clip back.
Try to remember how you took it out so you can put it back in easier.
Open the cup holder. (Notice the spacing pointed out)
Further more pushing to the right and back will further more push the component:
By now it will look like this:
It is now nearly out, all you really have to do is keep pushing it back and towards the right until the left side is no longer held by the side wall. Then you just simply remove it.
Step 4
Underneath there are two screws that are holding the entire middle console.
I was unable to undo the screws with a screw driver as they were to tight and the screw driver kept slipping. I used a 8mm socket and wrench to loosen the screws. Once thy were lose i used the screw driver to remove them.
Step 5
Underneath the the center console are 3 plastic tabs.
You must push these tabs with one hand while with the other hand pull the middle console out. With some jiggling the middle console will pop out. Once it has, you can pull it out with both hands.
Step 6
Remove the two clips from the stock Toyota head unit by pushing the tabs and pulling them out.
.
Remove the antenna by pulling it.
Step 7
Remove the bracket that holds the head unit to the middle console compartment by removing the 4 screws (2 on each side) that hold the bracket in place.
Step 8
Remove the 4 screws that hold the head unit to the bracket.
Using a flat head screw driver, place it underneath the metal screw and pull it up, giving leverage. Pull the head unit out.
Step 9
Place your new head unit into the bracket (if you have to, you may need to push the metal tabs flat). Screw the bracket back onto the center console and your head unit should now sit nicely in its new home. (My head unit fitted into the existing bracket, i don't know how other head units will fit)
Step 10
Now you have to connect your new head unit to the existing cables. Make sure your battery is disconnected so you don't short circuit anything. Solder your connections to make a good solid connection and cover them in electrical tape. Once done connect your head unit and connect the battery back and test your new unit to make sure it works (Test all speakers are working etc). Once this is done you can put everything back in place.
This diagram is for 1998 Tarago (Australian). It might be different for other models so please be be careful when using it for other models.
Step 11
Place the center console back in.
Put one side of the air duct into place (making sure you don't damage the foam) and push the opposite side in gently or you will damage the foam.
Put back the two screws that go underneath.
Step 12
Now you have to put back in the cup holders, it is pretty mush the reverse of how you took it out, again be patient until you get it back in.
Connect your cigarette lighter cable clip back.
Screw back all 6 screws.
Put you glove box compartment by putting one side into the socket and pushing the other side back in.
Put back you ash tray and fuse cover, remembering to connect back your alarm light if you have one.
Step 13
Enjoy your new head unit.
