Radio Remover Tool

[flynP5]

Why would you need 4U's to remove the radio from a Protege 5. The text below was copied from the installation parts needed section of the forum. I think that 2U's would do it, one for each side.

"The radio removal tools are Ford radio remove keys. They are simply a set of U shaped metal. For a 2001 and up protege you will need 2 sets of tool, thats 4 U's"

 

[wiprotege5]

4 work so well though. I just removed the stock radio, I tried nails, small screwdrivers but the 2 sets of tools work perfect. If you can, you could just buy a the sets at wal-mart and maybe.. cough, cough return them after the install, cough cough

 

[flynP5]

You are saying 4U's work best. I can't understand why 4 would be needed because I think that there are only 2 holes on each side of the HU, so to me that looks like 2U's for the job.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

There are 4 on each side. Just make some from a wire coathanger. Worked as good as the real deal. Yes, 4 is much easier.

 

[wiprotege5]

There is two small holes on the top and bottom of each side and an oval hole in the middle, where two pins fit in

 

[flynP5]

Thanks for the explanation.

Is there any links for instructions on removing the stock unit. I don't want to damage any of the plastic side pieces.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

That is why you need 2 sets, 4 total. Push them all in place. They will point in a bit when in place towards the center of unit. Once in place push outward on them which will depress ears fully & allow you to pull the unit out of the dash. Keep the keys in place the whole time so ears stay depressed until unit all the way out or they'll scratch sides of surround. Put them back in place & depress ears when putting back in so they don't scratch bezel going in. Make sure to hold it up off of surround while unplugging & plugging in the antenna & harness plug. Also make sure to hold up on unit so the rubber knub in back of unit goes into the support hole correctly to hold up back of unit. Not much else to this that I can think of. Just proceed slowly, no crazy force needed. Just use finesse & you'll have no mess.

 

[flynP5]

Looks like I have a project to do next weekend if everything gets delivered this week.

Thanks everyone!

(cool)

 

[redpr5]

i managed to pull my stock HU without the keys. go figure lol

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

i managed to pull my stock HU without the keys. go figure lol

Me too, 4 pieces of wire coathanger bent in u shape like the keys but yes, if you pull the climate controls off & remove radio bezel first then keys would seem unecessary since the ears would be exposed & a screwdriver or maybe even your fingers could depress them.

 

[Tom03es]

They will point in a bit when in place towards the center of unit.

It took me forever to figure out that this was the correct way. I kept figthing them so they would go in straight.

 

[RABID_MP5]

When I was doing the AC microswitch disable (for where AC runs with heat) it was an excellent time to pull the radio. (You totally remove the HVAC controls. Removing the 2 control cables is only tough till you've done it once.) Get you hand behind the HU and pull (wear a glove to protect your wrist - geesh) and insert a small phillips driver or nail etc. into the top then bottom hole on one side, then the other, all the while pulling & rocking. The unit will come out fairly easily. The rubber mount stud on the back was real snug. I ended up removing both side springs from the unit - 2 screws each, plus loostened up the rubber in back a little. Now I can pull the head unit in the future with ease, yet it's snug in there. Yes, a thief wanting my stock HU would have an easier time of it, but it just might save my dash from destuction.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Yeah, that was the keyless way I was referencing. A good reason to do it that way is preferable, like disabling auto AC as you stated & doing the radio while you're there.

 

[iLisa]

you need 4 because it is a double-din... i've still got mine if anyone wants them..

 

[aMaff]

you need 4 because it is a double-din... i've still got mine if anyone wants them..

Yes please

How much?

 

[ProtoType5]

I used only two and it seemed to work just fine...One on each side...Push them in, lever them over, and pull gently...out she came without incident...That is after I broke one of the plastic sides pulling it off tho...Which is a completely different affair...

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

you can get them for $2.99 a set at Autozone FYI

I have 2 in my garage i used for my lil bros explorer stereo install a few weeks ago...no use for them now lol

Yes please

How much?

 

[flynP5]

DIY Tools

I'm going to give these a try:

http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/213/45/

 

[altspace]

I used small allen wrenches. Worked perfect.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Me too, 4 pieces of wire coathanger bent in u shape like the keys but yes, if you pull the climate controls off & remove radio bezel first then keys would seem unecessary since the ears would be exposed & a screwdriver or maybe even your fingers could depress them.

There are 4 on each side. Just make some from a wire coathanger. Worked as good as the real deal. Yes, 4 is much easier.

I'm going to give these a try:

http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/213/45/

Sooo, was it peer pressure or subliminal suggestivity that hooked ya? Or the freeness of it?