Steps for removing head unit from a ST246 Toyota Caldina GT4 (may be the same for other ST246 models):
Tools:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat, long, strong implement for getting under the trim (I used a breadknife wrapped in electrical tape to prevent scratching).
1. Disconnect car battery.
2. Remove gear knob and put gear lever in Drive.
- Turn knob anti-clockwise.
- Hold the Shift Lock button in with one hand while pulling stick with the other.
3. Remove MD/CD player face.
- Open ashtray and pull the bottom of the face towards you until it unclips.
4. Remove the lower console/gear shift lever surround (which also houses the ashtray).
- It may help to remove the rubber seal running in between the surround and the shiny black plastic of the gear lever base first. It should lift out using your fingers.
- Slip the breadknife under the rear-end of the surround and lever up gently until unclipped.
- Using your hands and working up the console, continue unclipping the surround.
- When fully unclipped, remove the opaque white plug connecting the cigarette lighter (depress the locking tab on the front of the plug with thumb before pulling).
5. Remove the upper surround (which also houses the centre air vents and clock assembly). Please take special care at this step to avoid cracking the surround, which is more fragile than the lower one.
- First, on the left side of the surround, slip breadknife under the thinnest section (about halfway, level with the bottom of the TV screen).
- While pulling the bottom of the surround towards you with fingers, gently lever the breadknife. Hopefully you will hear a "pop" as it unclips (and not a "crack!").
- Repeat on the other side.
- Lastly, remove the grey and white plugs connecting the clock etc. (depress locking tabs before pulling).
6. Remove the TV/DVD face.
- Undo the six screws (three on either side).
- It is also held on by a clip on each side, about level with the bottom of the volume dial. Unclip a side at a time by pulling on the face with your fingers.
- Lastly, unplug the cable connecting the TV (by squeezing in the driver's side of the plug and pulling).
7. Remove the MD/CD player.
- First, unplug the white and blue wire connectors (in the same manner as the cable connecting the TV in step 7).
- Undo the two screws under the MD player and the screws on either the side.
- The unit should then slide out like a drawer.
8. Remove the upper components.
- Undo the side screws and slide out as per step 8.
