Removing the heater controls Options

[runriot95]

I'm still in the process of putting a new stereo system in my '99 GT but I ran into a snag with the installation of the head unit. I can't get to the stock amp to remove the wiring harness - the heater controls are in the way. I unscrewed the screws holding in the controls but there are 2 cables(black and blue) that are connected to the control unit which prevent it from coming out. Any ideas? Thanks for any help!

[FallenHero]

Get professionals to install your radio. It looks far more... professional.

[3TST]

QUOTE

...2 cables(black and blue) that are connected to the control unit which prevent it from coming out.

I ran into the same problem when painting my interior.
I wanted to remove the heater unit in order to paint the panels either side.
(I also believe there are others here that wanted to remove the unit when fitting their quick shift).
I don't have a manual (it's on order)
...and I still don't have the answer.

So can anyone help in answering the question.
I'd like to know too.
Thanks.

BTW: By all means get professionals to install it for you, that is, if you're prepared to pay the price.
IMO, installing a new stereo system is not rocket science, the 2 most important things are:
1. Make sure that the metal housing that the stereo slots into is correctly aligned and installed.
2. Make sure that the stereo is correctly wired up, ensuring you tin the ends of the cables and use proper crimp connections.

[AudioFreak]

These are the instructions I have for pulling the heater controls.

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove trim panels.
3. Remove the glove box and lower finish panels.
4. Remove the control mounting screws.
5. Carefully pull and tilt the unit out of the dash, on some models it may be necessary to loosen the trim pad to achieve this.
6. Check the outer sheath of the cables for indentations where the clamps grip them. Mark the cable sheath with paint if no indentation is visable. Remove the clamps and detach the control cables. If necessary, disconnect the control cables at the ends opposite from the control by detaching the cable clamps and separating the cables from the operating levers.
7. Unplug the electrical connectors and lift the controls from the vehicle.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Hope these help.

[Neipas09]

Don't get any easier than that.
You should be able to remove it in like 15min no prob.

[runriot95]

A couple questions for Audio Freak: 1) By lower finish panels, do you mean the trim on the side of the console that comes up on the side of the stereo/heater controls? 2) By glove box, do you mean the pocket underneath the stereo?

I've already gotten to the point where I have everything removed from the panel cluster except the heater controls. When I removed the control mounting screws, all I could do was pull the unit far enough to slide it off the nipple-type knobs that hold it in place.

I can't get to the back of the unit to even see where the cables connect. The only option (that I see) is to trace the cables through the dash and underneath the steering column to disconnect them there. I found where the blue cable connects under the dash but I can't find the black cable- which runs into a white plastic tube.

Thanks for any help!!

[3TST]

QUOTE

When I removed the control mounting screws, all I could do was pull the unit far enough to slide it off the nipple-type knobs that hold it in place. I can't get to the back of the unit to even see where the cables connect.

Same for me!

...and you can't take the side panels off until the heater unit is removed.

[AudioFreak]

Like i said those were the instructions i have... I didn't say I acutally did it. But just for you guys I'm gonna go outside and give it a try. I'll report back with what I find out.

[AudioFreak]

QUOTE (runriot95 @ Feb 25, 2003 - 9:36 AM)

I can't get to the back of the unit to even see where the cables connect. The only option (that I see) is to trace the cables through the dash and underneath the steering column to disconnect them there. I found where the blue cable connects under the dash but I can't find the black cable- which runs into a white plastic tube. Thanks for any help!!

The black cable runs throught the firewall into the engine compartment. It controls the hot water supply to the heater core. It comes through at the top of the firewall about midline of the car. The valve it controls is inline in a rubber hose about an inch thick. The valve is a square black box with a dinky little arm that the cable connects too. Slide the cable off pull the rubber boot out of the fire wall and over the loop on the end of the cable. You should then be able to pull the controls out.

Sorry that the directions weren't exact. They came out of a haynes manual for something like 88-99 celica's.

[runriot95]

Thanks for the info Audio Freak!

I'm just surprised that with all the people on this board who put in new head units that no one's come across this problem before now. Or am I the only one with a factory amp that is trying to replace the head unit myself? Excuse me, me and vphmc.

[AudioFreak]

QUOTE (runriot95 @ Feb 25, 2003 - 4:49 PM)

I'm just surprised that with all the people on this board who put in new head units that no one's come across this problem before now. Or am I the only one with a factory amp that is trying to replace the head unit myself? Excuse me, me and vphmc.

I've got a 96 ST limited with tapedeck and cd but no stock amp.

[3TST]

Hey AudioFreak
Thanks for the info/instructions

BTW: I don't have the factory amp either but I just wanted to take the side panels off to complete my painted interior.

Roll-on the weekend!

[AudioFreak]

Glad I could help.

[Doge]

Hey Run riot...i just did my stereo myself too and it was hard as **** getting that wiring harness out. I tried taking the heater controls out too but i just gave up. Finally i just got mad and got a flathead screw driver and pushed in the tab to pull out the harness (that was the hardest part) and just reached in from behind the heater and just reefed on it side to side untill it finally came out. After i stared pulling it only took like 2 minutes. It's just hard getting it started to where you can get the tab up and start pulling. Be carefull too...i cut the back of my hand doing it from a screw...just a small one though..i have to complain to someone you know? =) Good luck..and just remember..i did it so you can too!!

[Neipas09]

No Pain, No Gain!!!

[chosen1]

Other people have run into these same problems, I know I did.

[runriot95]

QUOTE

After i stared pulling it only took like 2 minutes. It's just hard getting it started to where you can get the tab up and start pulling. Be carefull too...i cut the back of my hand doing it from a screw

I don't even think I could get my hand back there to reach the harness! Maybe I'll give it a shot but I don't feel like sacrificing my hand to a screw, like you did.
I think I'll try removing the heater cables first.

[Doge]

Haha...ok man. Good luck then! Hope your installation goes better than mine did. If you arn't using a harness and are cutting and crimping like i did go to the Audio Installation Impaired forum post in audio section..i think i asked about ever question there was to ask and everyone answered all that stuff perfectly...it'll just make it easier if you have any questions. Good luck!

[ashleyzredcelica]

just something funny about installing...went to install my head unit today and we could get the wiring harness to fit so blah blah blah i drive my car (with inserts, stereo...out) shifting with a little friggin bar, to xtreme audio. Half way there we figure out, we were tryin to put the harnesses on the ones from my clock and hazards! haha...i think it was tooooooo early for thinking! Talk about something to laugh at.

[Neipas09]

QUOTE (ashleyzredcelica @ Mar 2, 2003 - 12:43 AM)

just something funny about installing...went to install my head unit today and we could get the wiring harness to fit so blah blah blah i drive my car (with inserts, stereo...out) shifting with a little friggin bar, to xtreme audio. Half way there we figure out, we were tryin to put the harnesses on the ones from my clock and hazards! haha...i think it was tooooooo early for thinking! Talk about something to laugh at.

Ha ha ha, another reason why you should label shiit when you are playin around with your car!