BL_Protege

thanks for the help zeus. but my problem is that when i stick the din pullers in the left side, i feel NOTHING. . . which doesnt seem good. . . while on the right side i feel something and it's the locks.

fat.elvis

Bought the official "tools" (for 3.95 at AutoZone) which are bigger diameter than the fat coat hanger I was using.

Not worth ****! Still can't get it out. My dealer has been really nice so far so I'm taking it back and saying look..... pull it out the clips are essentially broken..... I can't do it..... it's under warranty. I've already scratched my dash.... ****! Not going to screw it up anymore.

Why the hell is a desirable aftermaket head unit so easy to steal (not from personal experience, just as a victim) while a POS factory unit that no one want so ******* hard to take out!?!!?!?!?

BL_Protege

yea, my head unit is a pain in the ***. . . i haven't tried 2 take it out since sunday, i might try on friday. . .

wesleeptheylive

This is how i did it:http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...452#post203331

EZ as 123

the aire hangers did not work for ****. actually that caused me to scratch some of the surface when I jammed it in the holes with too much force. I also tried a flathead screwdriver and still couldn't unclip it. then I removed the glovebox and managed to unclup the passenger side but had no luck with the driver's side. I ended up buying the removal tools and it took less than one minute to get the HU off. *******

I felt like a dumbass thinking of all the time I wasted and the fustration I built up which could have been prevented by just getting the correct tools from the start .

Opus

I just removed mine. I think the problem is keeping the clips released while you pull out on the unit. Here's what I did, using the Sir Nuke tool kit:

1. Insert the hooked ends of the large tool into the oval shaped middle holes on either side of the unit. Raise the handle end until it is perpendicular to the unit, as if you were going to pull the entire thing out.

2. Now insert the smaller tools into the holes on either side. Push in until you feel the clips release. Make sure the smaller tools are on the outside of the larger tool. This way the larger tool pushes against the smaller ones and keeps the clips released. You might have to bend the smaller tools a bit to make them press against the larger one more.

I'll try to post a picture, it should make it clearer. But I've done it this way twice without much trouble.

ForesterES

Ok, here's my testimonial, straight from the driveway!!

Just get the damned $3.99 tools at AutoZone!!

I spent the better part of an hour trying to get that damned thing off and finally I caved. Using the tools, it popped right out.

Have fun!!

P5er

hey, my dealer did remove it for me free of charge in 2 minutes!!!

MisterT

I know what you mean about taking that thing out. I had a lot of trouble too. I finally loosened one side, but the other was so messed up from previous attempts, that I had to practically pry it out. When I was finished, I literally threw the factory head unit on to the walk way to my place from inside of the car. I figured I am going to "retire" my Alpine head unit and get a new one if I ever get another car. I hope you have better luck than I did!

Mister T <Mazda Head Units>

MisterT

Nice pics of taking out the head unit!

Mister T

MisterT

I used a sledge hammer and it works well. The dash doesn't look to good however. BLAH