Confused about how to remove factory radio??

[2000LXpro]

Can anyone tell me if the black piece around the radio competely comes off or does just the radio comes out . I have installed a radio before but never in a Mazda. Do I need any special tools to take out or will a phillps and flat be just fine? I plan on getting my radio sometime this wk but I dont want to pay to get it done(college student), so if anyone could help that would be great. Also is a Pioneer DEHP4600MP a good radio?

 

[ZapWizard]

Can anyone tell me if the black piece around the radio competely comes off or does just the radio comes out . I have installed a radio before but never in a Mazda. Do I need any special tools to take out or will a phillps and flat be just fine? I plan on getting my radio sometime this wk but I dont want to pay to get it done(college student), so if anyone could help that would be great. Also is a Pioneer DEHP4600MP a good radio?

You don't have to remove the entire plastic surround.
There are two small vertical plastic pieces on the edges of the radio.

These are removed, and you insert a special tool to remove the radio.

...other then that, anyone know how much the tool costs and where I can get it?

 

[Poseur]

Walmart, $6
Or you could cut and bend a coathanger. It's REALLY easy. I also recommend removing the tape/md panel and using that opening to pull instead of making a tool that spans the gap, Basically you just need to have 2 pieces to fit the vertical holes...

Here's Sir Nuke's diagram of tools to make as listed in the harness/wirecolor/kits sticky. <img src=http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/1st%20MP3%20in%20NH/removaltools.jpg> And the place to figure how to use it. http://forum.protegemp3.com/vbb222/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8338&highlight=removal+tools
Thatsaid, just use the 2 vertical ones, push them in, then push the bars outwards to release the clips, and yank from that middle piece.

 

[2000LXpro]

Walmart, $6
Or you could cut and bend a coathanger. It's REALLY easy. I also recommend removing the tape/md panel and using that opening to pull instead of making a tool that spans the gap, Basically you just need to have 2 pieces to fit the vertical holes...

Here's Sir Nuke's diagram of tools to make as listed in the harness/wirecolor/kits sticky. <img src=http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/1st%20MP3%20in%20NH/removaltools.jpg> And the place to figure how to use it. http://forum.protegemp3.com/vbb222/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8338&highlight=removal+tools
Thatsaid, just use the 2 vertical ones, push them in, then push the bars outwards to release the clips, and yank from that middle piece.

Where is the piece at in Walmart because I may go look for it tomorrow since I'm off (hump) . Are the pieces similar to the ones I would make from the hangers?

 

[iLisa]

Is this also how I remove my stock 5 radio? and what is this special tool called that I need from Walmart?

 

[shinzen]

You should be able to pick it up in their car audio section- I think it's listed as a ford radio removal tool- but the coathangers work just fine- and lisa, yes it is the same to remove the p5 radio as well.

 

[iLisa]

thanks for the help.

 

[shinzen]

no problem- and when you put in the tools on either side, pull them slightly in opposite directions and the radio should come right out

 

[iLisa]

argh.. do I need to take off some pieces to be able to see the holes to put the "special tool" into?? I'm trying to do this right now and i'm not having much luck.. anyone help me??

 

[shinzen]

Yep you do. Along the sides of the radio there are pieces beside the volume and the seek buttons- the entire length of the radio top to bottom. They will pop off (carefully) with a small flathead screwdriver. After those are off then you will see the openings to put the removal tool into... Hope that helps
Eric

 

[iLisa]

That helps.. and it is off.. now if I can just find a local store that has the harness.... I was at Tweeter, Circuit City, and Best Buy tonight looking... *sigh* ... i'll continue the search in the morning...

you'd think i'm doing something totally off-the-wall putting a Kenwood 919 in a Protege5.. this isn't rocket science... I just need a darn adapter.. and i'd rather not order online because the old radio is out and the car taken apart..

 

[shinzen]

lol- I suppose it is a bit late to be shopping but do you have an ultimate electronics in your area? Any smaller shop will probably have the harness- good luck in the search!

 

[iLisa]

I was at a local Circuit City.. the guy said he only had the Kenwood harness.. not the Mazda part of the harness and to check online and order it there.. he checked for me while I was there.. and swore he couldn't find it. I came home and checked.. not only did I find it.. but according to the Circuit City website, they should have them AT THAT STORE... grr....

 

[Poseur]

just tell 'em it's a 2000 protege and see if they come up with it then, sometimes they comeuout with a kit or harness in a certain year, then don't update for following years it works for.

 

[shinzen]

No, your guy was just an idiot- ever since they went off of commission the quality of people they have has gone way down hill. Go back earlier in the day today and see the installers, give him the part number off of the website and you should be set to go. He was trying to look up the reverse harness for when people chop the factory harness out....

 

[shinzen]

oh, and lxpro- pioneer is not a bad unit, depending on what you are paying, but imo you would be better off with alpine, you might be able to get one on closeout or a demo model at a local shop for pretty cheap.