I bought a new deck to replace the factory one, I also bought the factory removal tool, but for some reason it won't pull the deck out, I have an 05 explorer and that one comes out no problem. Is There anything else I Gotta remove prior to puttin the tool into the deck, I have a gen 2, 1997 mark viii. Thanks for the help.

Nope, just insert the tools and spread them out as far as you can and pull.
Sometimes it helps to jiggle the unit back and forth.

mine was a real PITA! it came out after 30 minutes of messing with it though.

Ypu just gotta feel around and hook it and pull outward. The first on I ever did took 15 minutes, the second took 30 seconds.

Be sure they are inserted all the way, after you feel a little resistance push a little more. You'll feel it. I used to just use coat hangers back in the day.:D

Mine was a PITA to come out at first. I pushed the tool in as far as it would go and then gave an extra umph, used my thumb on each tool to push it to the side as I slid it out. It was easy after the extra umph. Sorry the explaination was kinda crappy but I hope you get the idea.

You can always put up the message center buttons and look what's holding you up..
total access to the radio.

I used to just use coat hangers back in the day.

back in my "criminal" days... when i was 16 and stupid..

i used to jam 4 fingers into the tape deck slot and rip out the radio... if it didnt pop out on the first tug i'd leave it...

i wasnt very happy when cd players started popping up in every car..

p.s... i no longer live that life style and have a lot more respect for cars and car owners

I got it guys, It was PITA, I wanna know how to remove the wood grain trim as i am putting a 7" Double din Touch LCD/DVD/MP3/BlueTooth deck In it and have to fab up my own install kit so i can make it fit. I will post pics of the process and the final product sunday night.

pull the trim piece with the rear defrost button and heated seat controls (if equipped) and remove the 2 bolts, then carefully pry the piece off, be sure to disconnect the ground wire from the underside of the bezel

pull the trim piece with the rear defrost button and heated seat controls (if equipped) and remove the 2 bolts, then carefully pry the piece off, be sure to disconnect the ground wire from the underside of the bezel

Thanks I will post pics tomorrow night.

As you can see this was not a direct fit.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00233.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00234.jpg
Some Modification was in order and I know everyone has their opinion on how they would have done it but this is how I did it and it worked for me!
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00235.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00237.jpg
I also had to remove that bracket that holds this blue module and place it else where, due to this being a true double din.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00236.jpg

test fit

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00238.jpg

and bingo,


http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00239.jpg


http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00242.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg60/mannieg/IMG00243.jpg

I Got a wire harnes and I am using the factory amp and componets, i also installed 2 10's in the trunk and electronic crossover, and a 400w amp. Everything sounds great and I'm very impressed with the BlueTooth feature of this stereo I can make an receive calls from the car and dial from the touch screen. plus it plays dvd's and anything else you can think of. will post pics of trunk later.

cool, looks good, i like the "test fit" pic (upside down) lol
did you at least run rca's back for the interior speakers also, so when they go you wont have to rip into it all over again?
and that blue module is your airbag module (not the suspension the SRS)

cool, looks good, i like the "test fit" pic (upside down) lol
did you at least run rca's back for the interior speakers also, so when they go you wont have to rip into it all over again?
and that blue module is your airbag module (not the suspension the SRS)

Yep I did run rca's since I have 2 10's hooked up as well, The install harnes I got at pep boys came with a bypass connector to by pass the jbl amp and still use the factory wires when using your own speakers I will post a pic of it when i get a chance. Its nice to know what the blue box is. Over all It sounds great, and looks way better that that out dated factory cd player. I nice dialing my phone calls from the deck too. :)

cool, only prob with factory wires are they are small and if you plan on running a amp then you could have problems, cuz face it your wires are at least 10 years old, running new wires is the way to go and it aint too hard

cool, only prob with factory wires are they are small and if you plan on running a amp then you could have problems, cuz face it your wires are at least 10 years old, running new wires is the way to go and it aint too hard


Well I did run an amp for my subs and I have the 4 Chanel cross over back there already so when I replace the jbl's I will run the new wires to the door, I found this was my easiest stereo install, I've done, The hardest by far, Was when I installed a System In my 93 S500 that I use to have, On those you really have to bypass everything, and even the antenna hook up is in the trunk.