Special Tool To Remove Plastic Trim for New HU

Hello Jim,
There is a special tool (isn't there always). With that said, I am banking on being able to do it without. Frenchie has a Toyota document out there that displays the tool. I will try to find it and post a link to it here. Found it...

 

Just to remove the plastic trim??? Nah! No tool needed. Just use your fingers and nails. Just pull with enough force. Don't pull slowly, just yank with enough force but make sure you only pull with about 1-3" of flex. Don't pull it so hard that your whole body jerks. Just use your forearms and flex only between the elbow and and hands. They are all held by plastic clips that are sturdy so don't worry about breaking the clips.

Seriously, It's really easy. It's all technique.

First, I recommend by removing the black surround that's at the base for the shifter. lift it out of the way and rotate it to the driver side (or you can unplug it and remove it entirely.

Second, start pulling off at the base where the cup holder is and start tugging upwards towards the upper corner leading up from from the heater controls upwards towards the right side of the stereo.

Third, carefully start pulling off the plastic surrounding the radio. Don't yank all the corners at once. Again start at one side and work across to the opposite side.

Fourth, remove the "Power" button cover. Same way, just tug and it will snap out of its slot.

Finally there are 4 10mm bolts that holds the radio in place. Remove the 4 bolts and voila! Pull it forward and remove all the plugs and antenna from the back of the radio and etc.....

GOOD LUCK!

 

ALL_600D is correct. I spent all last week taking the car apart it seemed. All the dash surrounding the HU is simple plastic clips that you just have to pull on. The A-pillar is the same, as well as the kick panels and the tailgate trim. Just look around and you'll see where you can get your hands under there and give it a good tug - just pops right out.

 

The other special tool referenced extensively throughout many Toyota docs is.... A screw driver covered with electrical tape... I've used it many times on the dash, trim, and even rear bumper...