CD changer removal

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RS6tofj80

RS6tofj80

10 Year
Joined
May 29, 2011
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312
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Location
Houston TX
I searched but didnt' find much on this - looking to remove it and repurpose the rear cupholders etc....

Anyone removed theirs and can share any insight into the process or pitfalls./ etc...

TIA
 
I'd like to do this too. I don't need that "dinosaur" and could use the console space. Maybe gain an "aux-in" for the head unit too. I'm thinking about a complete re-build of the console interior and adding an inverter with outlets where the rear cup-holders are. I've already got a Samlex 150 sine-wave inverter; just need the time to R&R that area. Glad you started the thread and I hope others have ideas.
 
I'm looking for this too. Anyone find anything?

Looking for an aux cable to connect to the factory changer as well. For phone/ipod. Any ideas?
 
ntsaint said:
I've removed mine, piece of cake. Mounted a CB in the vacated space.
Click to expand...

That does not assist on the procedure of removal. Do you have a DIY perhaps?
 
I noticed that the calendar just flipped to 2016 - not 1996... so yeah, that fancy CD changer has got to go. I'm assuming if I just start pulling all the bolts near the changer and keep moving outward 'til the changer is freed, I'll succeed in removing the changer. But, as mentioned up ^there^, it'd be nice to have another MP3 feed. I say "another" 'cause I have an older Vais system that works fine. But, it'd be nice (okay, admittedly unnecessary bonus) to have an easier to grab MP3 for passengers who just have share they great band they just discovered.

So, once the juke box is chucked, the harness will be flopping around with no purpose. Is there a simple (I never worked in a stereo shop) way to utilize that input?
 
I got as far in removal of the CD changer to realize that once removed, there is a big hole in the console; there is no floor or side to that area of the console box once the changer is out. So, I will either need to invent a new "box within a box" in the console, or put something else in there in place of the changer. A CB would be nice, as would the box for the cell phone booster, or maybe an inverter. For now, the changer is still there.
 
The '04 EWD seems to show the audio portion pin out wire colors on the changer harness connector labeled:
CDL+ black
CDL- green
CDR+ red
CDR- white

All appear to be shielded and perhaps run in the same shielded wire loom. I don't know what those label abbreviations mean, so I don't know what this means about a place to start for using that harness as an "aux in" with the CD button on the dash.
 
I just removed mine last night. 2003 LX470. This may not be 100% accurate as I'm doing it from memory, but it should be about right.

1. Remove cup holders from back of center console. Open the cup holder drawer, manually fold the cup holders up and look inside. You will see two screws. Remove those and the cup holders should slide out.

EDITED TO ADD - pry back trim off of center console. Then disconnect two connectors (I think attached to the rear audio controls)

2. Remove 2 10mm bolts from inside center console.

3. Remove 3 (I think) phillips screws from each side of the center console. They are hard to get to, but move the seat around to gain access to each one. I used a right angle screw driver.

4. Pull the console up and out.

I believe that should do it. You might not be able to remove the plug for the changer without pulling up the shifter console (which the front cup holders are attached to).

This is what you are left with. 4 10mm holding it down.

LX470 6-disc cd changer

LX470 6-disc cd changer

 
Last edited:
I'm trying to decide between installing a CB in the empty space, or trying to source a trim piece for a truck without the changer. Either way, a GROM unit is going into the truck, hence the changer removal.
 
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