New Stereo And Fascia For Avensis X Reg

[rmarks1]

Hi All,

First post, so apologies if it's in the wrong thread.

Looking for some help/advice.

I have just bought an Avensis Vermont, X reg, and am very happy with it.

The only thing I am unhappy with is the cd changer in the car - due to having almost 100% of my music in digital format, I am looking to get a new stereo put in, with an aux cable, so I can play my ipod through the Speakers.

I went to Halfords and they took down the details and ordered a new fascia board for the car. When it arrived, it didn't fit - not even remotely - and having contacted the manufacturer (of the fascia board, not Toyota) it transpires that 'my' model has a different stereo system layout to almost any other. I cannot believe for a moment that I am alone in this problem - but also can't seem to find anything online about it.

I will attach a picture later on, but the layout of the system is as follows: The 'screen' showing mpg, range, avg speed etc is on top, with the radio buttons/ volume control and trip computer buttons. Underneath, and looking like an entirely separate unit, is the CD player. It all has the Toyota logo on it, so it's not a cowboy job...but according to the fitter in Halfords and other pictures online, it does seem that this is very unsual.

At present, I'm not going to be able to get any stereo put in, as there doesn't seem to be any fascia board that fits.

Has anyone else had this problem and does anyone have any advice??

Much appreciated.

Rob

[FROSTYBALLS]

Like this ?

[rmarks1]

That is the very one.

Have you had the same trouble?

[FROSTYBALLS]

Think it is a facia for a T22 Avensis you need - which converts the non-standard Toyota fitting to a single DIN. Have a look at these:

http://www.carcommun...spyder-ct24ty01

http://www.incar-emp...roducts_id=6140

http://www.ebay.co.u...t-/130923701062

http://www.ebay.co.u...X-/160843578091

[hartsongs]

Rob

Did you get your problem sorted. I've had exactly the same problem. In fact, I've just got back from Halfords who could not help me at all. They simply haven't got the fascias to do the job.

The pic of the unit above is virtually the same as mine apart from mine has a cassette rather than a single CD changer.....the 6 CD autochanger is in the back.....so its a slightly different model but the surround looks identical.

I'm beginning to think I'm going to be stuck with what I've got.

[hartsongs]

I would put up a picture of mine but I cant see how i upload it?

[FROSTYBALLS]

See http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/13393-faq-how-to-post-images-on-toc/

As regards a facia adaptor http://www.carcommunications.co.uk/car-accessories/connects2-single-din-stereo-facia-adapter-for-toyota-avensis-t22-celica-t23-mr2-spyder-ct24ty01

If replacing the stereo would also need an aerial adaptor.

[rmarks1]

Hi Hartsongs,

Afraid to say that after weeks of trying, I wasn't able to find a solution. It is very frustrating and I wasn't best pleased with Halfords, but in truth, it wasn't their fault.

Have you tried anywhere else?

Rob

[hartsongs]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO ! ! !!!!!!!

I was hoping you'd come back with some positive news. It's a nightmare isn't it? Absolutely no one can help, even the Toyota specialists think they have the answer but they haven't. Surely someone somewhere has had the unit changed. Mine has a cassette player at the bottom. Even if that had to stay in there it wouldn't be the end of the world, I could live with that. But it appears right here and now that, like you, I can do nothing about it. I'm not giving up yet though and if I get a result I'll let you know. Cheers Paul

[FROSTYBALLS]

Why not explore whether a Connects2 or Xcarlink would fit. A web search should provide more info.

[hartsongs]

I've emailed carcom as you suggested. Waiting for reply now. The fascia illustrated will not fit the aperture as the unit is more than double din. See the pic you posted (frostyballs). The replacement fascia needs to start just under the vent and finish under the CD player. There is not a fascia on the market that fits......I will continue with quest and your recommendations. Happy to contact anyone who may do it. Cheers Paul

[GuyFoxx]

Hey guys, found this thread after searching everywhere trying to solve the same problem - in that I've got a nice new head unit to replace the original in my 2002 avensis and can find nothing that fits fascia-wise.

Doing a google image search on the subject shows one fascia that looks perfect, but it's on a polish (?) forum and my polish isn't great.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=t22+avensis+fascia&safe=off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=HISkUpS0D8OqhQeMuYDoDQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1138&bih=562#q=t22+avensis+replace+stereo&safe=off&spell=1&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=aX9NUuGilZ1REM%3A%3BMCqYf_9QH9ZJ0M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.toyotaextreme.dk%252Fcgi-bin%252Fupload%252Fmedlem%252F513b.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Favensis.info%252Fviewtopic.php%253Ft%253D2149%2526start%253D25%3B640%3B480

There's also a few pics of were the original unit was left in but the tape/ cd taken out and the new unit placed there.

Any thoughts appreciated!

Cheers,

Guy.

[Raistlin]

Go here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/toyota-avensis-facia

[rmarks1]

Hi All,

Now 5 months on from the beginning of the saga...

I went into a car electrics place in Leeds today and asked on the off-chance whether they did car stereo installations as I was having a bit of a problem. The guy there told me he didn't but 'a colleague of mine just in the back does.' The colleague came out, and I began explaining to him the problem. Before I got to the end, he stopped me and said ''...you must have an Avensis!''

Turns out that, as there are no correct fascias anywhere in the world, this guy makes them himself. He's a mechanic/auto specialist, and says he has made dozens over the years by hand, because you can't get them anywhere else. I went back to his shop in Bradford - http://www.incaremporium.com/ - and chose a head unit. He will fit it all for me later this week or early next week - I will report back when I have it.

I'm still pretty sceptical - result of 6 months wasted time - but he certainly knew what it was immediately and knew exactly what the car was....so you never know.

I'll report back - if anyone is around the North, it might be worth emailing him at the above website and asking if he knows of anyone else. Ask for Joe.

Rob

[Raistlin]

Glad you were able to source the kit you needed Rob.

Don't forget to post some pictures once your new toy is installed...

[rmarks1]

Hi All,

10 days later and I can announce - with some disbelief - that is has been done. They made an excellent job of it, and I really am impressed. If someone can explain to me how to post photos that aren't online I'll put some up.

Rob

[JustCONNECT]

What about adding t the unit with a iPod adaptor or USB.

Dension do a interface that allows iPod, USB and BT Audio to the factory unit. Then your steering controls work and dash still looks factory.

Product number is

GBL3TO1 and Cable IPDC1GW.

Hope this helps

Jono

[hartsongs]

Rob...sounds like you've hit the jackpot with this man....if only there was an equivalent down here in the south I could fit a new audio unit.

Jono...this is something I havent seen before and is definitely an option. The £99 fit fee is a little heavy but I'm thinking that a Toyota dealer may be able to do it. There are a number of these interfaces on the site, some more sophisticated than others. A simple hidden interface with connection through the 3.5mm headphone socket is about £35.00. The one you recommended has USB too and can be controlled by existing audio units so could well be worth the extra investment.

Cheers

Paul

[FROSTYBALLS]

See http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/13393-faq-how-to-post-images-on-toc/