Help: Remove stereo from Astina

[Rexus]

Hi,
Just got my Noble Green Astina '96 not long ago. I am trying to change the stereo by myself, but had problem taking it out. Any ideas how to remove it?

Cheers,
Rexus

[JynX]

You have to take off the dash, center console and surronding plastic. Once you have done that there are 2 screws either side of the HU which secures it in place IIRC. Should be easy after that.

[Cosmo Dude]

Or do it the easy way :D

Each side of the head unit are a pair of rubber plugs, IE 4 all-up :P Remove these.
Now grab a coat hanger (the wire type you get from the dry-cleaners) and cut it about 80mm from the either end. Now you have made a new removal tool :wink:
Squeeze the tool and press into the holes left by the rubber plugs and push straight back about 50mm.
Now pull the old head unit out (using the new coat-hanger tool).
Now unplug the old head-unit.

This method does not require removal of any other parts.

Rod

[Rexus]

maybe I am dumb, i tried the 'easier' method, but one side of the head unit seems to be jammed in the slot (maybe there is a screw holding it) when i tried to pull it out with the so call hangers.. any other ways to get around with it?

If not, how do i remove the dash board covering the console? Any step by step illustrations around on the web?

[Dogo]

easiest option, take it to mazda. there is a U shaped tool that has to sticks going down either side of the stereo. This is the proper way of removing. A mazda guy should be able to do it for free in abt 10 sec for you !

[Cosmo Dude]

Sorry that didn't work, the home made tool (you need to make 2, one for each side)should (being very pensive) do the trick when put in straight.
Dave, could you post the relevant section, page T2-64?

Rod

[Sandyman]

homemade tool: shove a screwdriver in the slot and pry it open :D . meh.
that's quite inuitive rod! i skim read your post, but it sounded smart enough to deserve a bit a praise mate.

hmmm...this is slightly related(it just came to mind), how many of those little fiddly bloody tab-lock-little nail thingoes has everybody broken whilst taking the interior apart? you know, those little bitchy plastic things that they use to hold the cockpit together. they have a centre pice that you need to pull back in order to remove the rest of the nail thingy(again, screwdriver is the most used tool). ok, if anybody understands what i'm talking about, could you please explain a little better...do thye have names?

[Dogo]

broken ? maybe 1 or 2. lol i've lost more of the clips on the door foot trim from them falling into the chassis than i've broken those clips. just be careful !!! :lol:

[Cosmo Dude]

The little plugs are called, I think "Mushroom plugs". I'm in Melbourne and would visit 'Scotts old auto rubber' and take along a sample. I carefully use a knife blade to remove.

Rod