radio removal problems
#21
01-04-2011 | 04:49 PM
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
please help with info on radio removal!
I have a '04 Tribute, and I want to put in another stereo. I don't know where to start. I don't know how to take the dash apart or know if I need to. Like others, I would love to see those pictures that were posted a few years ago.
Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
#22
03-23-2011 | 10:18 PM
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 36
From: Music City USA
Here's a couple of pics of my recent radio removal. I've done this twice now in two different 2002 models and both had the same problem, the rail that the white plastic support guide rides on had rusted some and the guide was stuck in place. Each time I had to spay the guide with WD-40 and pull the unit out as well as use the tools to pop it out. Very poor design. Here's the pics:
#24
09-14-2011 | 09:37 AM
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Not sure if this will work for anyone, but in my 2005 Tribute, I had an AT+T Blackberry charger in the lighter socket near the radio. It was such a snug fit that when I went to pull it out, the whole dash pulled out! If I turn it, this doesn't happen. I'm able to see the clips and everything! Unorthodox, I know, but when all else fails!
#26
10-15-2012 | 08:19 AM
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
It is actually usually easier than having to remove a couple of screws unless you have a stubborn one like viktor. There are a couple of trim pieces that run the vertical length of the audio unit on either side. Remove these two covers and will see some holes revealed. You will need a total of 4 Ford style radio removal tools to insert into these holes. As you are inserting the tools, aim the tips that are going into the holes as much as you can going away from the radio to engage the steel spring clips that hold the radio in solid. You should feel them engage the spring clips about 3/4 of an inch in. Spread all four tool handles outward and pull. Radio SHOULD pull right out. If it does not then you did not get the tools installed right. Sometimes the spring clips get bent too far outward to enable you to engage them with the tool. There are a couple of access holes in the dash on either side of the radio that will allow you to push the clips inward enough to get the tools to work.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/0BD4F93F165C4268B53C596EEB1EB1E7.jpg[/IMG]
These are what the radio removal tools look like. Most parts store should have them.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/391ACC73083949539269BC4DE9891BDD.gif[/IMG]
Trim covers that cover the holes to insert the tools into.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/5BF5971A749347A09AD6DFC9499BCB7E.gif[/IMG]
Spread tools outward and pull.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/451C3FB799B54F4F812FE26E2A1EC21F.gif[/IMG]
To remove the trim panel around the radio to access the emergency release holes remove the two 7mm screws located at #1 in the diagram. Ignore #2, is nothing there. Pivot both center dash vents to blow outward and the gap left on the inner side of the vent hole will give you a place to grab and pull the trim panel outward. Not too far so as to pull wires out of connectors though.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/21FDA2D15EBC4DA0B0E2F18364BF2DFC.jpg[/IMG]
Here is the access hole on the right side that will allow you to push the spring clip towards the radio to enable you to insert the toolswith trim panel pulled out just enough to access.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/0BD4F93F165C4268B53C596EEB1EB1E7.jpg[/IMG]
These are what the radio removal tools look like. Most parts store should have them.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/391ACC73083949539269BC4DE9891BDD.gif[/IMG]
Trim covers that cover the holes to insert the tools into.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/5BF5971A749347A09AD6DFC9499BCB7E.gif[/IMG]
Spread tools outward and pull.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/451C3FB799B54F4F812FE26E2A1EC21F.gif[/IMG]
To remove the trim panel around the radio to access the emergency release holes remove the two 7mm screws located at #1 in the diagram. Ignore #2, is nothing there. Pivot both center dash vents to blow outward and the gap left on the inner side of the vent hole will give you a place to grab and pull the trim panel outward. Not too far so as to pull wires out of connectors though.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/21FDA2D15EBC4DA0B0E2F18364BF2DFC.jpg[/IMG]
Here is the access hole on the right side that will allow you to push the spring clip towards the radio to enable you to insert the toolswith trim panel pulled out just enough to access.
#27
03-24-2014 | 11:31 AM
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
2002 Mazda Tribute Stereo Stuck
I'm posting a follow-up in this old thread because I think this issue will become more prevalent as these models age. It took me a few days of Googling to track down this issue.
I experienced a stuck radio with my recently purchased 2002 Tribute. The DIN removal keys worked to release the locks, but the radio would not move. I was pulling the keys so hard that they would slip from the locks and pop out of the holes, scratching random things in the process.
After a lot of tugging and wiggling I realized the radio unit was seized on the metal slide bracket at the bottom. Here's how I got it out:
1) Remove the dash panel enough to access the small opening behind the hazard light button (just above the stereo face). This opening is big enough to get a small hand in but if your radio is as stuck as mine was, you won't be able to get enough pull to move it.
2) Insert the hook end of a crow bar (or other curved tool) into the hole and wrap it around the rear of the stereo unit. The back of the stereo unit has wiring connectors on the right and left sides, but the center does not, which makes it a good place to apply pressure.
3) PULL!
My stereo didn't come loose in one tug, but a few hard yanks got it to start sliding along that rusty metal bracket. Each time it moved, it got easier to pull. Eventually the radio was out.
Clockman's photos above show the problem part (plastic guide that rides on a metal rail). If you can hit that area with WD40, you will probably have better results.
I experienced a stuck radio with my recently purchased 2002 Tribute. The DIN removal keys worked to release the locks, but the radio would not move. I was pulling the keys so hard that they would slip from the locks and pop out of the holes, scratching random things in the process.
After a lot of tugging and wiggling I realized the radio unit was seized on the metal slide bracket at the bottom. Here's how I got it out:
1) Remove the dash panel enough to access the small opening behind the hazard light button (just above the stereo face). This opening is big enough to get a small hand in but if your radio is as stuck as mine was, you won't be able to get enough pull to move it.
2) Insert the hook end of a crow bar (or other curved tool) into the hole and wrap it around the rear of the stereo unit. The back of the stereo unit has wiring connectors on the right and left sides, but the center does not, which makes it a good place to apply pressure.
3) PULL!
My stereo didn't come loose in one tug, but a few hard yanks got it to start sliding along that rusty metal bracket. Each time it moved, it got easier to pull. Eventually the radio was out.
Clockman's photos above show the problem part (plastic guide that rides on a metal rail). If you can hit that area with WD40, you will probably have better results.
#28
05-07-2024 | 11:37 AM
Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 3
From: San Antonio
I know this is a super old thread, I can not remove my radio with the tools, one side I hear click the other I don't. I can't see the pics here can you send them to me?
I have the 2 tools per side, following the videos but can not get either side to budge.
I have the 2 tools per side, following the videos but can not get either side to budge.
#29
05-11-2024 | 06:29 PM
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 25
From: Canada
Would've paid a shop to do it for me if I knew how much of a pain it was.
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