How do you install a JVC in a 1997 Toyota?

Answer 1

Hi! I just installed a JVC in my '96 Ciera SL. I'm not certain about the specifics with your Toyota, but I'll help all I can. First you'll need a kit that you can get most anywhere that sells car electronics (I got mine at Wal-Mart). There are different kits for different kind of cars so you'll need to find the right one for your make and model. The kit will include a sort of carraige thingie (technical terms here!) that makes the radio fit your car, a wiring harness and, if you need it (I did) an antenna adaptor. The JVC comes with a wiring harness that plugs into the back of the radio. The first step is to connect this harness to the wiring harness that came with your kit. Double check this, because it might be different with your car, but with mine the wires on the radio harness connected to the same color wires on the adaptor harness. There are diagrams with both the kit and the radio, so you can be certain you're doing it right. I used crimp connectors to connect the wires and then wrapped them with electrical tape, just to be safe. Once this is done you'll need to take the dash apart so you can remove the old radio. I have no idea what this will entail with your car. With mine I had to remove a bunch of bolts, including some that could only be reached by taking the a/c vents out. When you've exposed your radio, you need to disconnect the negative battery cable before you pull it. This apparently keeps the rest of the wiring from being damaged while you're unplugging and plugging things in. The radio will be held with bolts on brackets that are either to the sides or on the top and bottom. Pull it out, unplug the wiring harness and antenna wire, and remove the brackets from the old radio. Follow the instructions with your kit to attach the brackets to the carraige thingie and to secure your new radio in it. Plug the radio wiring harness into the radio (you'll probably have to remove a piece of plastic that's fastened on with a screw -- it's only for protection and isn't used) and then plug the adaptor harness into the car. Also, plug in the antenna (using the adaptor if needed). Stick the radio back in the opening, but before you fasten it down and put the dash back together re-attach the negative battery cable and try it to see if it works. If it doesn't, double check the wiring. (I had never done anything like this before and mine worked on the first try, so it's not that hard.) Bolt the radio into place, using the brackets like the old radio did, then put the dash back together and you're done! Yay! Good luck! :) Loretta