davesan1

iTrader: (4)

I am trying to replace the radio in a 93 Gen3. In case there is any confusion, this is the unit with the CD player, (single), above and the radio below.

I'm about to set about getting the old radio out. At first look, it seems as if I have to remove the fascia panel that goes around the radio, the CD and the heater and AC controls, etc. This appears to be a very flimsy plastic panel, with most of it empty space, and therefore not very strong. I took off the tunnel, (over the gearbox/shifter), and the two side panels on the tunnel. To remove the latter, I removed the two vertical screws that screw into the two side panels. These are located close to the fascia panel and fasten the panel to the tunnel side panel. From here on, removing the fascia panel seems like just pulling it off. I can see no more screws so I believe it just uses several of those "push to latch" fasteners that, with a little assistance, will pop out. However, I am paranoid about breaking the fascia panel. It looks very flimsy and I know if I break it I will need to mortgage my house to pay Mazda's price for a new one.

I have read several threads that make no mention of this fascia. I think they all refer to the standard radio configuration, (without the CD). In the case of these systems, the threads suggest that you can get in at two holes in the front panel that let you release the radio securing clips using the special tool, (or two pcs. of bent coat hanger). However, on my system, there are no such holes so I suspect that the fascia panel has to be removed first to get to them.

Anybody out there who has done this before please let me have the benefit of your experience before I take the plunge with the flimsy panel

Thanks

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

http://carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalMazRX7Stereo.htm

davesan1

iTrader: (4)

Mahjik - Thank you. Didn't realize that there are removable side pieces. This will save me a whole lot of work and maybe a broken fascia, (+ broken bank balance!)

davesan1

iTrader: (4)

OK - So I easily got the side plates off and I got the tool that pokes into the two holes on each side. Was able to release the holding "springs" and pull the radio out about half an inch. Then it stops. No matter how hard I pull (within the limits of the tool) it will not come any further. Slid in thin piece of sheet metal in at each side of the radio - goes all the way in so nothing holding the radio at the sides. So tried to get the CD player out, (located directly above the radio), just in case there was some direct, very short connection between them. That also pulled out a little and stopped at the same point. Tried to do both the radio and CD together, using an additional, (this time home made), tool just in case the CD and the radio are joined together in some way, (unlikely, I know). Same problem. Will not budge any further, (checked nothing holding sides of CD player also).
So I left with something holding from the back. Could be cable harness, (the “stop point” feels a little bit springy - not like a totally solid stop against metal, etc, but still a pretty hard stop). However, I've had the car from new with no work in that area so difficult to see how it could be the harness holding it. Only other thing I can think of is the long, coned-shape locator at the back of the radio is somehow jamming in the female socket it presumable slides into behind the radio. Anyway, I'm stumped, and now faced with removing panels, etc, to try to get access behind the radio while it is still in place.
Help! - Anyone had a similar problem? Could it be some security thing to stop easy removal and theft, (mine is a very early production Gen 3)? Any input appreciated before I take the next step forward? Any suggestions for getting access behind the radio? Looks like access from LH side panels may be easiest, but.....