Removing stock HU

[scorch70]

Hey Guys, I am trying to get my stock HU out, to install my new Kenwood. Anyway, Crutchfields instructions sucked on this part, and i didnt realize that I needed to use 4 U tools to get the stock unit out. Their pics only showed using two in the bottom holes. I tried pulling the stock unit out like this for a while, not working, so I go look in the shop manual, and it tells me to use 4 of the U shaped tools. Well, by this point, I think I had ****** up the retaining clips that hold the headunit in, so it no come out now. Any ideas on how I can get it out? I have pulled so hard I have bent the tools, and put creases in my fingers.

tricks that I can use? any ideas appreciated - besides get out the crowbar, which I have already considered.

Thanks,

 

[chuyler1]

Try doing one side then the other and sort of wiggle it out. I did it with two coat hangers. Pull out the center piece (where the tape deck would be). Stick the tools or coat hangers in correctly and pull from the tape deck hole.

 

[scorch70]

Try doing one side then the other and sort of wiggle it out. I did it with two coat hangers. Pull out the center piece (where the tape deck would be). Stick the tools or coat hangers in correctly and pull from the tape deck hole.

man, after about ten minutes of it kicking my ass, I pulled that middle section out, and started pulling on it with one hand while I used the other to pull on the U tools. I got one side out a little, but the other wont budge. I seriously dont think this HU is going to come out in any normal way. Its almost time for claw hammer and foot power.

 

[Iamgoodyy]

Mine kinda did the same thing, it was stuck on the right side. I found the best way to get out the stupid thing was to remove the glove box then you have excellent access to the retaining clip, just jam a screwdriver up in there and pry it the right way. It helps if you have another person helping you.

 

[scorch70]

Mine kinda did the same thing, it was stuck on the right side. I found the best way to get out the stupid thing was to remove the glove box then you have excellent access to the retaining clip, just jam a screwdriver up in there and pry it the right way. It helps if you have another person helping you.

Cool, thanks. I'll give it a try in the morning. This is really starting to piss me off.

 

[Jspec]

I can't get my radio out either! Sad part is I've gotten this radio out twice already and tonight, I wanted to install a new radio in it. I had the left side until my friend pulled out the 2 U shape tool and then I couldn't get it again. This is pissing me off. Any ideas of how I can get it out? I brought 2 sets of those U shape tools also. Any ideas?

 

[scorch70]

I can't get my radio out either! Sad part is I've gotten this radio out twice already and tonight, I wanted to install a new radio in it. I had the left side until my friend pulled out the 2 U shape tool and then I couldn't get it again. This is pissing me off. Any ideas of how I can get it out? I brought 2 sets of those U shape tools also. Any ideas?

holy crap, that makes me feel a little better Jspec. I thought I was just stupid or something, but this is really a b**** to do. I havent looked at again this morning yet. Trying to recover a bit before getting back to that.

Since i was having trouble with the HU removal, I figured what the hell, I'll move on to running the wires for the amp. Need to remove some stuff to do that (and to install my Eibach springs when they get here), so check out the pics. Figured I mine as well do some weight reduction while Im at it. I cant wait to drive it like this and see how loud it is.

 

[Jspec]

ahhh, it been a while since i had my interior ripped apart for springs which I gotta do again this summer for struts. Anyways I feel stupider because I've got this headunit out twice already. Once for subs and the other time for xm radio and now I can't get it back out to put in a new cd player. I guess the stock radio wants to stay!

 

[scorch70]

<ot>Off Topic - Well, drove the car to get my haircut, and its actually not that much louder. I was surprised. I figure with a little dynamat where the muffler is, I wouldnt notice a difference at all. /OT</ot>

I will try removing the glove box after I mow the yard, and see if that does the trick in getting the HU out.

Thanks for all the replies guys.

 

[ghetto waggon]

I spent 2 hours trying to get out my HU a few days ago and ripped off the front faceplate. Is there a chance the HU might still work if I get it out intact?

Also a friend recommended taking off the radio surround piece?

 

[Jspec]

Alright, I figured out the easiest way to do this if the pins trick isn't working.

1.) Take out the glove box.

2.) Take of the plastic under ur steering wheel.

3.) Take off the plastic that covers the steering column.

4.) Now you should be able to see both sides of the cd player. Look at it. Take off the 2 little gold screws from each sides and that should take off the brackets from the cd player.

5). After that, pull the cd player stright out.

If your gonna put the factory back, here's the reverse route.

1.) While the cd player is out, put those brackets with the 2 gold screws back on.

2.) Connect the wires back together and push it back in place and the cd player should stay in there perfectly.


I definately do not recommend taking off the surrounding piece. It does no help if you follow my steps. It was a pain in the ass to put it back in because you have to disconnect the 2 vent control cables and the right side is a pain in the ass to put back in there because of the clip. If you guys have any questions, let me know and I'll try to help u guys out.

 

[chuyler1]

You can avoid disconnecting the cables by resting the trim piece on the dash. Or maybe that was my fiance's car that I did that on.

Anyway, I strongly recommend removing it because the paint scratches very easily.

 

[scorch70]

Alright, I figured out the easiest way to do this if the pins trick isn't working.

1.) Take out the glove box.

2.) Take of the plastic under ur steering wheel.

3.) Take off the plastic that covers the steering column.

4.) Now you should be able to see both sides of the cd player. Look at it. Take off the 2 little gold screws from each sides and that should take off the brackets from the cd player.

5). After that, pull the cd player stright out.

If your gonna put the factory back, here's the reverse route.

1.) While the cd player is out, put those brackets with the 2 gold screws back on.

2.) Connect the wires back together and push it back in place and the cd player should stay in there perfectly.


I definately do not recommend taking off the surrounding piece. It does no help if you follow my steps. It was a pain in the ass to put it back in because you have to disconnect the 2 vent control cables and the right side is a pain in the ass to put back in there because of the clip. If you guys have any questions, let me know and I'll try to help u guys out.

Thanks Jspec. I will try this this wknd. I have been busy this week running power cables and getting my box and amp ready. I hope this works, I would hate to have to take it to Mazda and pay 50 bucks or whatever to get it taken out for me.

 

[scorch70]

Alright, I figured out the easiest way to do this if the pins trick isn't working.

1.) Take out the glove box.

2.) Take of the plastic under ur steering wheel.

3.) Take off the plastic that covers the steering column.

4.) Now you should be able to see both sides of the cd player. Look at it. Take off the 2 little gold screws from each sides and that should take off the brackets from the cd player.

5). After that, pull the cd player stright out.

If your gonna put the factory back, here's the reverse route.

1.) While the cd player is out, put those brackets with the 2 gold screws back on.

2.) Connect the wires back together and push it back in place and the cd player should stay in there perfectly.


I definately do not recommend taking off the surrounding piece. It does no help if you follow my steps. It was a pain in the ass to put it back in because you have to disconnect the 2 vent control cables and the right side is a pain in the ass to put back in there because of the clip. If you guys have any questions, let me know and I'll try to help u guys out.

I finally got the head unit out, but I couldnt use this method, cause I couldnt get the cover off of the steering wheel. So instead, I just reached my hand into the dash near the radio, and pushed on the metal bracket that is holding the radio in, and pulled out on the radio at the same time. That got one side, then I removed the glove box, and did the other side. if youre having trouble picturing this, I attached a pic to show you the bracket we're talking about.

hope this helps everyone who hasnt done this yet. what a b**** this was, waaay harder than it should have been. Thats why I dont install stereos for a living.

 

[MaraUCSD]

Could somebody scan the crutchfield instructions for me? I am going to replace my stock HU in the near future, and they should be at least mildly useful.

Thanks.

 

[scorch70]

Could somebody scan the crutchfield instructions for me? I am going to replace my stock HU in the near future, and they should be at least mildly useful.

Thanks.

I'll be honest with you, these were the worst Crutchfield instructions i have seen yet. They were not helpful at all. I was really disappointed. If you get the 4 U tools, and work it right, the stock HU will probably come right out. If not, just use my method, and it will be out in five minutes. Let us know if you have problems, and we'll try to help.

 

[chuyler1]

I used two hangers and two flat blade screwdrivers.

 

[Mike R]

I used one allen key. So simple, wish I did it sooner.

 

[novAKs47]

4 of those those tools?! I used two, and it took me no time. The hardest part is getting them placed correctly. They don't always want to hook in the right spot. I just can't picture why 4 tools would be needed. There's only one clip on each side of the unit. Maybe I got lucky or something, and mine just happened to be looser fitting. I took it out once to peek at the connections, and then a second time to remove it permanently. Both times it was a 30 second job.



P.S. Not trying to flame anyone, just sharing my input/story.

 

[MaraUCSD]

My new HU should get here next week, so I will tell you all how the installation goes then. I have ripped apart most of the interior of my P5 before, so I can't imagine it will be overly difficult.