Bodywork five

Extracting the stereo

A common problem on the ST182, ST185 and variants is that a previous owner has tried to remove the stereo by force, snapping the surrounding plastic trim. In order not to add yourself to the list, follow these instructions!

1. Pop off the plastic gearstick surround. For better access, unscrew the gearknob and remove the gaiter and surround completely. Remove bits & bobs from the under-handbrake tray or they're bound to disappear into the thus-exposed depths of the car.

2. There are two cross-head screws at the bottom of the stereo surround plastic. Remove both.

3. The surround is attached by two poppers on the top edge, and one halfway down each side. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver at the top edge and prise away from the dash gently until the poppers disengage. Then do the same halfway down each side. (Do not just disengage the top ones and try to pull the whole thing off - that's when it'll snap).

4. There are 3 wires to disconnect in the ashtray area - for the cigarette lighter and ashtray light. Once these are disconnected, the surround plastic will be free.

5. The stereo, blanking plate/tray (if single DIN stereo) and cup holder are held in place by a bracket on either side. These brackets are screwed to the car body via four cross-head screws - one at each corner. Remove these screws and the whole thing will pull straight out.

6. If replacing with an aftermarket (non-Toyota) stereo, you will probably require a wiring adaptor - these can be had on eBay or the like for a few quid. Halfords ae much more expensive for this item. One end of this plugs into your new stereo, the other into the car's wiring loom.

7. Replacement is a reversal of removal. Remember to re-plug the ashtray etc. lights.

If you really must snip wires, the following info is taken from www.the12volt.com/installbay (good site, needs free registration) ...

1990-93 Toyota Celica Stereo Information:

Constant 12V+ Blue/Yellow Switched 12V+ Gray Ground Brown

Illumination Green

Antenna Trigger Black/Red

Front Speakers 4" Dash: Left Front (+) Pink Left Front (-) Purple Right Front (+) Light Green Right Front (-) Blue

Rear Speakers 5 1/4" Side Panels: Left Rear (+) Black Left Rear (-) Yellow Right Rear (+) Red Right Rear (-) White