looking for factory CD deck / compatibility questions

[CF#5]

I have a 1986 Camry that has had the radio stolen more times than I can count. I'll try to keep this post as short as possible.

The original factory radio that came in my car was model 5323. This is relevant only because of the small plastic plug in the back of the radio that sits in the jack for the optional cassette player. This radio will not work unless this small plug is inserted in the jack. It's my understanding that most factory radios are like this.

I recently bought an AM/FM radio on eBay, model A51403, which apparently came out of a mid-1990s Corolla. I installed it using a reverse harness made specifically for 1987-2001 Camrys, because the shape of the harness was changed after the 1983-86 model years. The A51403 radio works perfectly, except it did not come with a small plug in the back. The jack is the exact same size as the jack on the back of my 5323 model radio, so the small plastic plug from my original 5323 radio fits into the jack on either radio. When I insert the plug into the back of the A51403 radio, it does not affect functioning at all. The radio works just fine with the plug or without the plug. Does this mean there's something wrong with the jack?

I'm asking because I've been searching for a CD deck to install in conjunction with the A51403 radio, specifically, model A34210 (Toyota part number 08601-00812).

Can someone confirm that model CD deck will be compatiable with my A51403 radio? And does anyone know where I can find one? There's one on eBay right now but looking at the picture, it seems kind of worn down.

Advice/assistance very much appreciated. Thanks.

[Mike Gerber]

CF#5,

I can't answer your question directly, but I can tell you where to go for the answer. Go to your local Toyota dealer with the part number and model number of the cd you want to install, along with your radio's model number. Go talk to the parts department there. They should have a book there on all Toyota radios and CD players/changers. The one I saw a few years ago looked liked a 3-ring binder. They can look up this cd player in their book and it should list all the radios it is compatible with. I discovered this about 5 years ago when I was trying to find a cd changer compatible with my 94 Camry XLE's radio.

Mike

[CF#5]

Right, I can go there to ask general compatiability questions, but I'm already 95% sure the A51403 and A11404 are the exact same radio, just different numbers on the face. A51403 came from a Corolla, A11404 came from a Camry.

I know for sure A11404 is compatiable with A34210 because my father's 1996 Camry has them.

But I'm concerned that the jack in the back of my A51403 radio is not going to work properly with the CD deck because it doesn't need the little plug inserted to play properly as a stand-alone AM/FM radio.

I suppose I could try to test the CD deck from my father's car with my A51403 radio, but I'd really rather not mess around with his car.

[Mike Gerber]

It's pretty easy to get the radio out of the generation 3 Camry. I use one of those small hook tools (put some tape over the tip just to be safe) to pull the U-shaped cover off the radio surround. Pull at the bottom at each side. That's where the 2 clips are that hold it on. Then release the top of that surround from it's top by pulling the top down and slightly inward (back toward the dash), and then pull it out. It's a little tiny lip that holds it up there. Then reach behind that piece and unplug the electrical connectors. I believe there are 2. Now remove the 4 screws that hold the radio cage in to the dash and the whole assembly will just pull forward. There's no need to remove the electrical connector or the antenna lead for your test. Remove the screws from the sides of the cd unit and pull it's plug out of the radio portion. I know you are familiar with that. Now take it over to your car and plug it in and try it.

Incidently, the 86 Camry was the best car my wife and I ever had. We put 173,000 miles on ours before donating it to a charity. It was a 5 speed DX and at 173,000 miles it still had the original clutch. At that mileage the 2SE engine in it only used a half quart of oil in 1000 miles. I wish I could have bought that car new again in 94 and in 98.

Good luck with the cd.

Mike

[Mike Gerber]

If you are unsure of my description about removal from your dad's car, you may want to try the link below. It's probably worth the $1.99 just for the peace of mind.

http://www.carstereoremoval.com/htm/...amry92_96P.htm

Mike

[CF#5]

Mike, I don't have a lot of experience with the generation 3 Camry stereos, but I do remember when my mother had her 95 Camry, we had to buy extra clips from the dealer because I screwed something up. I was only 16 at the time, but I'm still a little weary of messing around in there. Generation 1 Camrys... so awesome.

My 1986 has over 297,000 miles and going strong. It's an automatic, and there's a rather substantial oil leak under the timing belt cover, but I'm waiting until the next timing belt replacement to have it fixed. Even with the leak, I still only add one quart after 1500 miles, At 3000, the oil gets changed again so I don't have to bother. If it wasn't for the stupid clicking interference on the FM radio I posted about in the other thread, it would be mechanically-perfect.

My father and I recently bought a 1985 Camry LE from Arizona in near-mint condition. No rust, the interior looks and feels like it did sitting in the showroom 20 years ago. Not even up to 90,000 on it yet. I got 4 alloy wheels from a salvage yard up the road, and had them refinished. The car looks spectacular.

I'll let you know how things turn out with the radio, but I've decided to focus more on fixing the interference on FM than with the CD deck.

[Mike Gerber]

I read your other thread. The interference usually comes from the ignition wires or the alternator. Try swapping out the wires from the 85. See if that helps. Do one wire at a time to avoid messing them up. If that doesn't help, you might try replacing the alternator again. It should still be under warranty. If you did it yourself you know it's about a 15 minute job. If you had it done somewhere, take it back to them and tell them the noise started after they replaced the alternator. Since it's such an easy replacement, it shouldn't be too hard to get them to replace it again.

Good luck.

Mike

[CF#5]

Mike, I talked to the guy in the parts department and he said the A51403 and A11404 radios have the exact same design and are both compatiable with the A34210 CD deck. However, they are manufactured by different companies. One is Fujitsu and the other is Matsuishita or something (same as Panasonic). Also, the newer radios don't need the plug in the back, so chances are very good that the jack on the A51403 is fully functional.

Because some of the radios I've tried are more sensitive to the interference than others, and my father's 1996 Camry doesn't pick up nearly as much interference when I pull the two cars (and external antennae) within inches of each other, I think the most logical first step for me at this point is to swap out the A11404 and the A51403. I'll let you know how it goes.

As for swapping out wires, I think I'd rather swap out alternators first. The alternator in the 85 Camry is original, the one now in the 86 is a Toyota OEM rebuilt. But I'm going to try switching the radios before I start messing around under the hoods.

[Mike Gerber]

That sounds like a good plan. Let me know how things work out.

Mike

[CF#5]

Well I swapped the radios, no change. But I was able to confirm the CD deck works with the A51403 radio at least.

Next step is to get the PAC ANS-80 alternator suppressor described here: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/IS...int=1&page=all

If that doesn't help, I'm going to swap alternators between the 86 and 85.

[Mike Gerber]

You might want to try swapping the alternators first before spending any $. It's about a 10-15 minute job per car.

Good luck.

Mike