Yet another how to remove 02 stock headunit question

[nobb]

Hi.
I have done a search on this topic already have have read all the topics, however, I am still unable to remove my headunit. I made four "U" shaped pieces out of coat hanger that fit into the appropriate holes on my headunit. They measure 5cm X 3.5 cm X 5cm and they fit the holes perfectly. From my understanding, I am supposed to insert them until they stop and pull sideways while pulling out on the headunit. However, I do not feel anything that may indicate a clip or whatever being pushed on while pulling sideways, and it is hard to find a place to push/pull the headunit out. I keep trying, yet the headunit does not seem to budge. Also, would it be possible to do remove the headunit one side at a time? I do not have an extra pair of helping hands. Sorry for asking such a common question but I really did try searching and have kept trying again and again with no sucess. Could someone provide a little more detailed instructions, maybe tell me what I should feel when I insert these tools into the headunit? Advice would really be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[chuyler1]

First, remove the glove box so you can get your hand(s) behind the unit. Also remove the end caps to the unit (I assume you already did this).

Next, just use a strong but small screwdriver and shove it into one of the holes. When you put the screw driver in, angle it so the handle is over the unit and the tip is facing away from the unit. Once it is in, push the handle away from the unit and wiggle and push the unit from the back with your other hand.

One you get one side out, remove the screwdriver and shove it in the otherside and repeat.

Once you figure out how the clips work, it will be a snap. People just don't seem to realize how much pressure it takes to get the clips to move. a normal coat hanger just doesn't do the job most of the time.

 

[nobb]

Thanks for you reply. I tried what you said and it really helped. I managed to get the right side out a little and I think I understand how the clips work. However, I am still unable to get the left side out since I cant find a place to push on the headunit from the left. Trying to push on the headunit from the back on the right side was already hard enough. Do you have any more advice before I start trying to pry at it from the front?

 

[chuyler1]

If you don't have a cassette deck, you can pop out that center panel and that will give you a little leverage for pulling it out. Otherwise, just stick your hand way in on the passenger side to push from the other side.

 

[Sir Nuke]

Nobb, I don't knopw if you found this thread of mine, its old but has some puictures as well. one thing you could is buy two sets of FORD head unit tools, which cost all of about $5 at wal mart, this really makes the job easy. but here are the tools I made amd how to use them.

Here is the thread:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8338&highlight=head+unit

 

[gottacatchup]

^^I used those tools and it worked beautifully. The third U (the big one) gave me all the leverage I needed to pull it out once the clips were disengaged.

 

[nobb]

I actually tried making that tool, but when I took the side pieces of plastic off my headunit, it appears that I do not have the exact same headunit as described. My headunit does not have the middle oval hole, rather it has 5 holes of equal size on each side of the headunit.

 

[Sir Nuke]

thats strange,seeing as I have the same year cars as you. well the middle holes may be a different shape, but they are for the same purpose. stick them in there, lol. OR go to a decent shop that will just take your HU out for you.