Removing 2003 Corolla HU?

**stifen** · 07-07-2005, 01:00 AM

So I've googled for almost and hour looking for how to remove the factory stereo on a 2003 corolla. The car isn't mine, so I wanted to do it right the first time. I've seen a project with the computer setup, but didn't show how to remove the stereo. Can anybody show me pictures on where to pry with a screwdriver or unscrew? Thanks!

**vt0asta** · 07-07-2005, 01:08 AM

There was a thread on here, that someone gave the advice that you should angle the two vents down. Then gently push down/pull on the bottom to get the vent/hu console out.

I just received my spare 2004 vents today. I can snap a picture of the back so you know what you are dealing with. Apparently, once you get the console piece out there are screws you can use to unfasten the HU and then pull that out too.

**vt0asta** · 07-07-2005, 01:29 AM

1) Here they are angled down. Just push down and out on the edges and try to get the bottom to come out first it would seem.

2) Top View.

3) Bottom View.

4) Side top view. Those two ramp shaped (sweet jumps) pieces in the center....flex...barely.

5) Front center view of another hook. Seems to flex much easier, but one of those from mine shows some stress.

My vent console seems to have been pulled from a wreck, or atleast it has to be with all of the flecks of glass in the vents. Other than that, it's in perfect condition and even matches by dash color.

**stifen** · 07-07-2005, 01:39 AM

That's probably the fastest reply I've ever had on a forum! So it's all clipped in anothing's screwed from the looks of things. Thanks for the quick reply, I'll let you know how it goes.

**starfox** · 07-07-2005, 12:31 PM

Yup, that's the same as what i did with my Corolla: angle the vents down, stick your thumbs in and gently pull outwards until the hooks unfasten. Looks like the vents are the same as the Aussie 2002+ Corolla.

I needed a flexible shaft screwdriver to reach the screws that hold the head unit in to unscrew mine.

**pancit175** · 07-07-2005, 06:08 PM

What i would usually do is dissassemble the center console from the shifter all the way up, that way you can have a cleaner access to the bolts. i've seen too many people trying to pry off the vents in the way described, but i've seen it trash the dash and the vent assembly.

**starfox** · 07-07-2005, 10:03 PM

Thanks for the tip, will be careful with that in the future!

**pancit175** · 07-07-2005, 10:09 PM

To add to that, It's a serries of screws keeping the lower pockets in the center dash on there, and the factory HU is held by 4 bolts. Once you get those off the entire dash assembly of the hu and the vents come off in one piece. Where by that point you can dissassemble the hu from the vent/dash piece safely without damaging it.