Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
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Eddiev1
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2018 9:55 am

Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by Eddiev1 »

So I have been wanting to upgrade the factory radio in the Vibe, but wanted something that wouldn't attract too much attention, I wanted a radio that looked stock.

I almost purchased an aftermarket radio when I ran into this 2012 Scion radio. It has USB, Bluetooth and aux in as well as hands free calling with a factory look. Even the color is orange.
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I had to trim the radio bezel with a rotary tool and then finish with a flat file, but it fits great! The brackets came from a later Toyota matrix (2005-2008) as the Scion radio is wider than the Pontiac radio. I trimmed the bezel only on the right. Any scion radio will fit. I bought a wiring harness, but I doubt I will ever need to replace the Pontiac radio back in.
Caveat: there is no clock on the Scion radio.
USB and aux in connection. I got the radio at a wrecking yard with all the wires, USB plug and mic.
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Derf
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Re: Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by Derf »

Nice, one a kind install. With the USB port on the driver side, if you use your phone as a GPS makes easy wire run to dash.
2005 #10,524 Neptune Vibe "Bandit" Auto, Moon & Tunes 235k :D
1991 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8L "Granny's Whip" 142k (33nd Anniversary :o )
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DopeVibeGT
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Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 6:35 am
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Re: Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by DopeVibeGT »

That doesnt look too bad. 8-)
Pictures of my ride!!'03 Vibe GTMy AED GA!Work in progress
bratboy
Posts: 41
Joined: Sun Jun 18, 2017 9:30 pm

Re: Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by bratboy »

does it plug in or did you have to alter the wiring?
KingKrab65
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Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by KingKrab65 »

I am thinking of trying this and I have a few questions.

1) Does the radio have security code? Some old factory radios have that.

2) Did you cut up your old Vibe wiring harness and splice it in to Scion or did you just buy a pre-wired harness?

3) The picture looks like the radio is on top of the bezel rather than under it. Do you have an "after" picture? How much of the radio did you have to shave?

4) Did the screw mounts on the radio of the Scion match up to the Vibe? Both are Toyota products so it seems like it is possible.

Thanks for posting this!
2003 Base Vibe
Eddiev1
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2018 9:55 am

Re: Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by Eddiev1 »

Sorry for delay,
I hope these answer your questions:

1. This Scion radio does not have a code, I don't know if any Scion radios have code security.
2. I purchased an adaptor, I did not have to do that. You can splice directly to Vibe wires.
3. This is the finished product. I did not shave the radio. I shaved the bezel
4. I got radio mounts from a late 2005 - 2008 model Matrix. The Matrix mounts went on the Scion radio and into the Vibe dash.
gambit
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2019 9:46 am

Re: Installed a Scion radio into 2003 Vibe

Post by gambit »

Looks nice!
I have a 2004 Vibe base and would like to do the same.

I have found a head unit on eBay.

A) I have Moon and Tunes, would that be an issue?

B) What else is required for ease of install? (I would prefer to solder wires for adapters/plugs than cut up/splice into the Vibe harness)

C) Where would I find the harness for USB, Aux and Bluetooth.

D) Am I asking tooooo many questions?

Thanks for sharing your work!

I have always been a fan of fitting newer OEM head units into older models.
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