Removing stock head unit

[CraigD]

I am looking to potentially add an adapter to my stock hu (6 cd changer) using some alpine components.

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=445 and http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=884

I looked all over this sight and a quick google search and couldnt fine any good tutorial for removing the stock headunit. I took the head unit out of my last car a few times (93 mirage) but I only have to remove screws.

If anyone has any good advice on where to start I would appreciate it, especially if it includes pictures.

Thanks!

 

[carter1551]

there should be 2 little plastic strips on both sides of the head unit. if you pull those out there are 4 holes. you need 4 of the special keys which i think are just called ford keys or something. anyways thheyre cheap though. you then push the keys into the holes until you hear them click, then you push to the outward from the headunit or inward and pull it out, dont remember which direction, hope that helps

 

[Poseur]

first, checkout the audio section, and second, I'm not sure, but it would appear as if thsoe components aren't going to help you out at all. The stock 6disc changer stereo has no aux plug like the one those are meant to connect to. THose are designed for mazdas within those years that had an optional, external disc changer (which this unit would replace) There is an AUXMOD that atleast WAS available I think it's still around, but I don't keep up on the news, there's a sticky in the audio/electrnonics section for it (as well as allthe generic removal answers)

 

[Canecreekfreak]

This thread might help...

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123651143&highlight=headunit

 

[CraigD]

first, checkout the audio section, and second, I'm not sure, but it would appear as if thsoe components aren't going to help you out at all. The stock 6disc changer stereo has no aux plug like the one those are meant to connect to. THose are designed for mazdas within those years that had an optional, external disc changer (which this unit would replace) There is an AUXMOD that atleast WAS available I think it's still around, but I don't keep up on the news, there's a sticky in the audio/electrnonics section for it (as well as allthe generic removal answers)

That is why I was going take the piece out and double check. I dont want to spend the money otherwise. I may just opt going with one of those alpine ipod ready units.... only thing is, it will cost me about $400 more and is 400x more likey to be stolen.

 

[Tasty]

Removing it can be tricky. I HIGHLY recommend you place tape over the carbon fiber/silver trim area to prevent scratching it up. You can buy the little Ford/Mazda stereo removal tool, but bending some wire coat hanger pieces into U shapes works just as well. When you remove the black trim pieces alongside the radio you will expose a bunch of holes. There are two on each side that are the same size, top and bottom. This is where you want to insert your coat hanger U devices. You will feel some resistance as you slide them in, and then they will stop. When they stop you have disengaged one of the things holding the radio in. Now, in between these two smaller holes on each side is a larger hole. You will need to insert something a little beefier in these holes to disengage the latch. I used very small screwdrivers. Once inserted push the handles away from the radio (toward the outside of the car), and then pull the radio towards you. It should slide out. Lots of people on here said this is an easy removal, but it ended up taking me forever to get all of the little clips to release and finally get the head unit out. I installed a line level converter to run my sub with. Anyway, there is a thread in the audio forum that I think lists procedure also. Good luck. PM me if you have any questions because I JUST did this whole procedure about a month ago.

This thread contains a pic that may help illustrate what I mean. In between the U shaped tools in this pic is where the hole will be that you will need to insert screw drivers or something strong into to be able to apply pressure to disengage the clips. http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123651143&highlight=head+unit+removal