How to Remove the Navigation System in Highlander?
4 Answers
Before removing the navigation system, you need to use a trim removal tool to pry loose the air vents, remove the surrounding decorative trim pieces, disconnect the internal wiring harness, detach the air conditioning controls, and then unscrew the mounting bolts. This will allow you to remove the vehicle's navigation unit. During the removal process, please note that the navigation system contains numerous delicate wiring connections - exercise extreme caution to avoid damaging these components by applying excessive force. Below is additional information about the Highlander: 1. The Highlander comes equipped with a factory-installed G-BOOK navigation system. This system offers highly practical functionality - simply press the DEST button on the left side of the screen to access destination selection menu, where you'll find multiple search methods. The OEM navigation interface features minimal visual clutter and avoids flashy animations, making it exceptionally user-friendly in actual operation. 2. Automotive navigation systems provide tremendous convenience by incorporating GPS satellite positioning technology. Drivers simply input their destination, and the system automatically calculates optimal routes while providing real-time traffic updates during navigation, significantly enhancing driving control and safety.
I've taken apart the Highlander's navigation system a few times, and I believe the key lies in tool preparation and patience. As a DIY car enthusiast, my experience tells me to first find a quiet environment, ensure the car is turned off, and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent short circuits. The navigation panel is usually located in the center of the dashboard, and you'll need to carefully pry open the edge trim with a plastic pry tool, taking it slow to avoid scratching the interior. Then, you'll see screws—I use a small socket wrench to remove them, typically there are four. Next, gently pull out the navigation unit, being mindful of the wiring harness connectors at the back. Don't yank them out forcefully, or you might damage the ports. Once, I forgot about static electricity—wearing gloves helps. The whole process takes about ten minutes, but for beginners, I recommend watching tutorial videos first and having spare trim clips on hand in case of accidental damage. After removal, you can upgrade the system or clean it—it feels great to save money on shop fees.
As a buddy who often helps friends with car repairs, I think removing the navigation unit is simple but requires attention to detail. The first step is definitely to turn off all the car's power, even disconnecting the positive and negative terminals of the battery to avoid accidental electric shock. The center console of the Highlander isn't hard to remove—feel along the panel gaps to locate the clips, then gently pry them open with a specialized plastic pry tool (avoid using metal tools to prevent scratching the panel). Once the navigation unit is exposed, loosen the mounting screws, usually Torx screws that require a matching wrench. The key step is disconnecting the cables: locate the connectors, press the release tabs, and slowly pull them out—applying too much force might damage the plugs. I once had a clip break and had to buy a replacement afterward. Safety first—wear insulated gloves to prevent static electricity, and if you're not experienced, bring a friend to help or take photos to remember the steps for reassembly. It takes about 30 minutes, saving both hassle and money.
The first time I took apart the Highlander's navigation system, I was a bit nervous, but I followed an online tutorial. The car belongs to my dad, and I needed to clean out the dust before starting. After turning off the engine, I waited a few minutes for the system to cool down, then found prying tools—I used an old credit card with a soft pad to pry open the edge trim of the center console, avoiding the cost of specialized tools. Inside, there were several small screws, which I removed using a small screwdriver, being careful not to drop them into gaps. After taking down the navigation unit, I noticed a bunch of wires at the back—just gently pull the connectors; no need to use excessive force. The whole process was slow to learn, but after trying once, I got the hang of it. The key is not to rush and to take photos at each step to avoid installation mistakes. It took about 20 minutes, and now I feel like I can fix many things. I recommend beginners to give it a try, starting with simple tasks first.
