Any Tips on the Physical Removal of the Head Unit?
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New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Any Tips on the Physical Removal of the Head Unit?
Hi All,
I'm new to the forum but I've enjoyed reading all of the old posts. I have a Base AT and I'm working with the folks at USA SPEC to instal their Ipod+Aux connector PA11HON2 product into the 14-Pin CD Changer port on my Head Unit. I've spoken with their engineers and they think it shouldn't be a problem... they just haven't tried it out themselves and so haven't updated their product sheets for their retailers.
Anyway, when trying to do the install I followed the MusicLink instructions but I've had a hell of a time trying to pop out the head unit and gain access to the ports. I've removed all of the required bolts and clamps but its the darn clips that have me really struggling. Putting my head through the space where the glove compartment used to be I can see three of them but when I pull they don't want to come out.
The other problem I'm finding is that I don't know where to grab the unit. I can grasp behind the AC controls and pull a bit but I don't want to pull very hard as I'm afraid I'll break something down there. Plus, it seems that when I pull on the bottom the unit tilts upward so while the bottom clips are looser the top ones are pushed in further.
For those of you who have removed the Head Unit yourselves, where else did you grab onto the unit? What edge did you start with (top/bottom/driver/passenger)? How do you recommend I go about doing this? Clearly it can be done but I'm just kind of baffled - any sage advice is greatly appreciated!
Yours,
Matt
I'm new to the forum but I've enjoyed reading all of the old posts. I have a Base AT and I'm working with the folks at USA SPEC to instal their Ipod+Aux connector PA11HON2 product into the 14-Pin CD Changer port on my Head Unit. I've spoken with their engineers and they think it shouldn't be a problem... they just haven't tried it out themselves and so haven't updated their product sheets for their retailers.
Anyway, when trying to do the install I followed the MusicLink instructions but I've had a hell of a time trying to pop out the head unit and gain access to the ports. I've removed all of the required bolts and clamps but its the darn clips that have me really struggling. Putting my head through the space where the glove compartment used to be I can see three of them but when I pull they don't want to come out.
The other problem I'm finding is that I don't know where to grab the unit. I can grasp behind the AC controls and pull a bit but I don't want to pull very hard as I'm afraid I'll break something down there. Plus, it seems that when I pull on the bottom the unit tilts upward so while the bottom clips are looser the top ones are pushed in further.
For those of you who have removed the Head Unit yourselves, where else did you grab onto the unit? What edge did you start with (top/bottom/driver/passenger)? How do you recommend I go about doing this? Clearly it can be done but I'm just kind of baffled - any sage advice is greatly appreciated!
Yours,
Matt
First, unhook the AC control cables.
Second, make sure you unscrewed two screws that hold the headunit to the dash. I forgot that one and I mest up my heatunit a little (blah) and I was following the australian or asian headunit removal which is NOT the same.
Third, disconnect the two harnesses for the AC controls.
Once you have done all the above the only way to get the headunit out WITHOUT damaging the darn thing is to use both hands and get a good grib on the AC controls and pull as hard as you can till the bottom clips come loose. From then on, do the same thing slowly and in a more jerking motion to get the rest of the clips out. It may also help if you pull in the angle the headunit slides in and out. The ONLY way to get this thing out is with FORCE so dont worry, it will come out (btw use force at your own risk). I pretty much had to do a shoulder shrug to get the darn thing out.
Good luck and if you don't give up it will come out on its own!
Second, make sure you unscrewed two screws that hold the headunit to the dash. I forgot that one and I mest up my heatunit a little (blah) and I was following the australian or asian headunit removal which is NOT the same.
Third, disconnect the two harnesses for the AC controls.
Once you have done all the above the only way to get the headunit out WITHOUT damaging the darn thing is to use both hands and get a good grib on the AC controls and pull as hard as you can till the bottom clips come loose. From then on, do the same thing slowly and in a more jerking motion to get the rest of the clips out. It may also help if you pull in the angle the headunit slides in and out. The ONLY way to get this thing out is with FORCE so dont worry, it will come out (btw use force at your own risk). I pretty much had to do a shoulder shrug to get the darn thing out.
Good luck and if you don't give up it will come out on its own!
Thread Starter
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New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Thank you!! So I guess I just needed to know that brute force was necessary... with the right amount of pulling and tweaking I got it out with the only casualty being the metal piece on one of the clips slipped off (it landed on the floor thank god and I slipped it back on no prob). I'm in the process of installing the USA-SPEC piece right now and I'll let you guys know how it goes... if it works it could be huge for the Base Fit community (you Sport kids might like it too for the direct iPod control). Cross your fingers!
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