Help with HU removal

[Zed]

Hi all, I am another proud owner of a P5, though down here in Australia we call them SP20s. Anyway, like many other people I'm having a bit of trouble getting the stock HU out. Now, I've done a search for all past threads on this topic and I've made the removal tools as described in Sir Nuke's post.

All was going well, I'd taken off the plates that cover the holes on the front of the HU, inserted the removal tools into the appropriate holes and the HU didn't budge an inch. So I had a look up under the dash and found 2 screws that I think have screwed the actual clips into the HU. Here is a pic from under the driver's side dash. More pics can be found at http://au.photos.yahoo.com/bc/zed_hsu/lst?.dir=/Mazda+HU&.view=t

So do those 2 brass screws in the pics need to be removed? Do the P5s in America have those same screws holding the clips onto the HU? Coz they're in a real difficult spot to reach and undo, especially on the right side of the HU.

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[mazdadan]

Yes, the Proteges in America have the exact same setup. The screws in the picture do not need to be removed. You will notice that the bracket acts as a large spring clip holding the head unit in. When you insert the removal tool, it will push the spring clip in and allow you to remove the head unit. When I took mine out, I just grabbed it by the tape deck as I pulled. The faceplate of the tape deck just pops off and you can grab hold of something solid. If you don't have the tape deck this wouldn't apply.

 

[MD P5]

I fought with mine for at least an hour. The trick I finally discovered is that you need to pry the removal tools to the outside. Once I did this, it just came right out.

 

[1sty]

Just get 2 sets of Ford radio removal keys and its a 5 minute job.

 

[Zed]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I've decided to go with the Ford radio removal tools, problem is though no one stocks them down in Australia so I have had to order them from the US and am now waiting for them to arrive.

 

[aydu]

I can vouch for the value of the Ford removal tools. I have the U.S version of the car that has the double din head unit. The double din unit takes two sets of removal tools.

Once you take off the side trim pieces and insert all 4 removal tools in the holes - the tools basically come together in the center hole of the unit - the unit almost pops out of the dash with a slight pull outwares - towards the side of the head unit, not towards you.

From there it just slides out and you just need to disconnect the antenna and wire harness leads.

Removing the plastic cover on the center bottom is also helpful as it gives you a place to grab the unit for removal. You get this piece started with a small flatbed screwdriver or a strong finger nail. It is just pressure connected, nothing needs be removed from the radio to get it off.

If you don't have the Ford tools available for purchase in Australia, you might consider checking with the dealer or a local audio shop. I'm sure either would have the tools and might pop the head unit out for you for free or a small fee.