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I am upgrading to a double DIN Pioneer head unit (Apple Play, etc.). I am lost. I have a single DIN Kenwood head unit in place now. Previous owner did not provide "keys" to remove the head unit. Where do I start? In other words, does the pocket come out first? How do I remove that? Any suggestions on how to remove the head unit?
Also, from what I have read, I need to cut the center divider between the 2 DINs. Recommendations on how to do that? Any other tips?
I did briefly search and I watched some videos, but they never showed removal.
I know I need an adaptor for the factory harness. I also know I need a mounting bracket/cage and trim ring. Apparently, Clutchfield has those. Those will be ordered.
Any tips I can get would be great. I would hate to crack 26 YO plastic.
The bottom storage box will pop out. Open the door, get your hands in there, and pull straight out.
The stereo may or may not need the DIN keys to get it out of the cage. If you have the bin out you can push the stereo from the back, sometimes wigging and pushing can get it out. If not, put something flat in between the cage and the stereo to disengage it from the cage.
I simply used a small saw to cut the center divider off from each end and filed it smooth. The center pocket should pull out but if not there are standard DIN radio removal tools you can find on Amazon.
To cut out the middle plastic trim, I just used flush-cuts that I normally use with zip ties or small wires. Pretty much anything will cut the small middle trim, and then take the recommendation to sand it clean, although i believe if you buy the aftermarket kit for our cars with the trim, i think its covered.
As a follow up, I ended up buying Kenwood keys from Amazon for $6.50. They came today and I just went out and got the old head unit out with a little effort. The pocket did pull out with some force and no damage to the dashboard. Now that I look at the pocket as it's out, it probably would have come out easier with standard Ford standard stereo removal keys.
Now onto the installation of the new head unit after cutting the center piece of plastic (which I hate to do). Going with the Pioneer-MVH 1400 NEX. Any further tips are greatly appreciated.
I just installed an Alpine ilw-650. It was cheap and works with Android Auto and Car Play. It is definitely older, but the screen is responsive and it boots up pretty quickly. It does not blow me away in terms of features and tunability so I wouldn't recommend it if you're serious about the audio. I just wanted Android Auto for directions and hands free phone. I very rarely listen to music while in the FD. I ran the USB cable into the glove box. I just plug my phone in and throw it in the glove box. GPS for Google Maps works great.
I did have to put a switch on the power antenna to stop it from going up when the car first turns on. The unit has a power antenna control wire, but for some reason tells the antenna to go up when the car is first turned on, then it realizes you aren't using the radio and pulls the antenna down. If you don't plan on listening to broadcast radio, just don't connect the wire.
I used a pioneer double din installation kit. You will have to get creative with the screws on the rails to get it to fit if you feel like you need them. it is a very tight fit.
picture right after I completed installation (haven't cleaned it up). Just BT streaming at this point, don't have a picture with Android Auto but it works well.
