Toyota Camry 2002-2006: How to Install Phone, MP3, AUX Interface Adapter for Factory Stereo

This article applies to the 5th generation Toyota Camry (2002-2006).

Connecting your iPhone or MP3 player to the car's radio allows you to access all of your music and listen to it through the factory speakers. This can be done by connecting your music player to the radio's auxiliary input jack via a module known as a device "interface adapter." Installing this module allows you to listen to your favorite audio books and music while on the road, which can only be played through your phone or media device.

Refer to the unit's instructions manual as each manufacturer's directions may vary.

Step 1 – Remove components surrounding radio

Remove the climate control module, air vents, and trim panels surrounding the radio.

• Using a trim removal tool, pry the climate control module away from the dash. Pop out each corner of the cluster until the clips disengage.
• Gently pull the module forward and unplug the wire harness connectors. Then completely remove the module from the dash and set it aside.
• Grab the bottom corners of the trim panel surrounding the radio, and gently pull it away from the dash. Doing so will release the clips.
• Use the trim removal tool to pry off the upper portion of the panel.
• Pull the panel far enough from the dash to access the wire harness connector behind the clock display.
• Squeeze the flexible tab on the connector, and pull the connector away from the panel.
• Lastly, free the trim piece free from the dash and set it aside.

Step 2 – Remove the radio

• On the bottom side of the radio are four 10mm bolts. Remove the bolts using a socket and ratchet.
• Slide the radio out of the dash, far enough to where you can turn it around. You will then find the open connection for the auxiliary devices.

Step 3 – Install the phone/MP3/auxiliary interface adapter

• Plug in the connector from the interface adapter to the open auxiliary port on the back side of the radio.
• Depending on the type of interface adapter you have, there may be several ways to connect to your auxiliary device (e.g., via USB or serial cable).
• Once the device is connected and the ignition is turned on, use your phone or MP3 player to play and listen to music through your car's factory stereo system.

Step 4 – Remove the shifter trim and climate control module panels

• First remove the shifter trim panel by raising the center armrest. Doing so will allow you to access the rear end of the panel.
• Use the trim removal tool and work your way around the panel. Remove it the same way as you did the climate control panel, finding the clips that hold it in place.
• The panel between the climate control module and shifter have a removable base. Once they are removed, pop off the clips from this panel out from the dash.
• Drill a hole into the backside of the panel large enough to snake the USB and/or serial cable through. Use a standard power drill with a stepped drill bit.

Step 5 – Complete the installation

• With the USB and/or serial cable wires routed through the hole you drilled in the previous step, place the interface adapter behind the radio into the dashboard.
• Snap the panel between the climate control module and shifter back into place, and then do the same for the shifter panel.
• An ideal area to let the interface adapter sit is where little movement will occur. Use double-sided tape to mount the adapter to an open space on the dashboard.
• Use zip ties and electrical tape to bundle the wires together. Route the wires and make sure they cannot come into contact with any metal surfaces.
• Bolt the radio back into the dash, and re-install the radio's surrounding trim panel, the air vents, and the climate control module.

Featured Video: Toyota Camry Interface Installation

Related Discussion

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