I could not find info out anywhere, and I tried and looked everywhere myself to see how's its done, but how do I get at the head unit (ie remove the black trim around the controls) to remove it? Where are the screws out does it pop out. I got everything else I need to install the unit but I can't get this stupid thing off....

 

get a small standard screw driver and pop the plastic piece off of the Double DIN radio (if that is what you have). It is very easy to do and use the hangers on the top post to insert in the holes and whoala, you should be able to pull it out with no problem.

MisterT

 

that's it? I spent that long trying everything else and thats all I had to do? Arg. Thanks a bunch.

 

No prob. That's what this place is for. Swap ideas and hints on how to do things.
MiStErT

 

If you have the newer doubin din model radio, it is indeed easy to remove the unit. As others have stated, take a small screwdriver and remove the two side trim pieces. These are to the sides of the rocker controls on the head unit. Once you get them started, they pull right off.

I found that removing the radio from the dash can be either hard or easy depending on the tools you use. The radio is made to work with two sets of Ford radio removal tools.

Some people swear that coathangers are a good substitute for these tools, other seem to swear at them when they try.

Personally, I bought two sets at my local Walmart for about $3.50 a set. These work great, fitting in the top, bottom, and meeting in the middle holes on the side of the head unit.

Once you insert the removal tools, they click in. You will hear the click and feel it. Once all four are in, just pull outwards - towards the sides of the radio - to release the clips that hold the radio in place. You can then pull the tools outward, towards the seating position and the unit will pop right out.

Putting the unit back in just requires you to hook up the antenna and wiring harness and pushing back into the hole until you hear the clips click.

I've read of the frustration others have had removing the deck from a 3rd gen Pro and feel the $7 I spent on the tools was an excellent investment. I have wheel locks on my factory wheels and keep the radio keys in with my wheel locks in the glove. Never know when the urge to upgrade will hit!!

 

i made the tool out of a coat hanger and it worked fine, i did bend the tool a bit but that's ok

 

i just noticed when trying to pop off the trim on my p5 that its one whole piece...the a/c controls came along with it...how do i disconnect the a/c from the trim unit so that it will come right off?

 

ok, nevermind, i found out that i was pulling off the wrong part...now, does anyone know what i can use to match the color of my dashboard to the little marks i made removing the piece in the first place...yeah, total newbie...

 

You are doing it the HARD WAY! I have some marks where I first tried getting the **** out too. Don't feel bad. As long as no one really notices the slice across the airbag on the passenger side. DOH! Not really.

MiStErT

 

Well I bought the head unit yesterday (Panasonic) and I have to say that It was super easy to install. I don't know why you would want to pay a shop like $100 to get it done. Took a friend and I ten minutes. Definately suggest the wiring harness, saved a lot of time and for $15 it was definately worth not getting the headaches. Looks sweet, I will post some pics soon, but I am also working on putting a light up "Protege" in the little CD holding tray under the climate control panel to fill in that space. Got the parts, just need to slap it together. Should look tight.

 

well, i was able to find where to remove it but the problem now is that the radio seemed to get stuck in the opening...and when i tried to use a screwdriver to help it along, it just popped off part of the plastic face, which is now keeping the radio from turning on...looks like tomorow im gonna need to get the ford tools then...

 

There are pictures someehere on this site showing the location of the clips that hold the radio in place. You probably are missing one or more of these clips, which makes the unit hold in place.

The Ford tools should do the trick. If all else fails, you can try a local stereo shop. They might be willing to remove the radio for free or a small fee.