Removing '02 Stock Changer

Ok, I got my new headunit and I tried heading down to my local Car Toys to find a DIN tool. He tells me that I need to take part of my dash apart because the radio is bolted in. I searched around and heard that you need to take the plastic piece around the radio off to get at the screws. Pictures were either not there or broken links.

Does anyone have any pictures of what needs to be removed or an explaination as to how to remove it?

Thanks a lot,
Brad

Nevermind...I fumbled with it and managed to get it apart. Maybe I'll post the pictures for future reference.

Originally posted by brad77
Nevermind...I fumbled with it and managed to get it apart. Maybe I'll post the pictures for future reference.

Please do. Pictures are worth a 1000 words, and save a couple of bloody knuckles. :)

If its like the '00's and '01's, you remove your ashtray and take out two screws and pull up on the piece of plastic. It is hinged at the top and comes out pretty easy. Four screw hold the double-din head unit in the dash.

Het Brad are you looking to get rid of the stock changer?

Todd I have an '01 CD/cass/AM/FM stereo I was gonna put up on Ebay. Are you looking for that?

Originally posted by rrdstarr
Todd I have an '01 CD/cass/AM/FM stereo I was gonna put up on Ebay. Are you looking for that?

I swapped that same radio out and installed a Kenwood deck which I am real happy with but everytime I get in my wifes Pathfinder and use her in dash changer with the steering wheel controls I want one. If I can find one for a reasonable price I will buy it, it's mainly a want not a need....thanks though.

Oh, mines is the XE single CD/cass/radio unit. I bought an SE 6-Changer unit and it is great for traveling!

Ok...now that the wiring harness has finally arrived, I've completed the installation. As I mentioned earlier, here are some pictures to help future '02 owners install their new headunits. To remove the existing unit, follow the steps below backwards. Special notes pertaining to removal are included as well...

At this point, the paneling surrounding the gear shift, the old changer, and the center console have been removed. I've attached the wiring harness from my new headunit. See the picture below.

Click here if the image doesn't load (http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/p7d5197a35243b1a16fb9b19e1c2dfd2a/fdfb4d4d.jpg)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/p7d5197a35243b1a16fb9b19e1c2dfd2a/fdfb4d4d.jpg
1 Connection for the cigarette lighter/power point (must be disconnected to remove the center console panel. Try using a screwdriver (be careful)).
2 Headunit wiring harness attached to existing plugs.
3 One of four holes used to bolt in new headunit.
4 Plug for steering wheel controls. Some headunits will accept this plug (like the stock one). Others may need an adapter. It's not used here.
5 For the antenna
6 Emergency blinker switch (must be disconnected to remove the center console panel). Don't leave this disconnected when driving. When disconnected, the blinkers won't work.

After removing the stock changer/headunit, remove the two metal mounting pieces (not pictured) from it and attach them to the new headunit and pocket (if it's a single DIN unit like the one used here). Put together the wiring harness as per its instructions and attach it now. Attach the wire assembly to the new headunit and slide it into the dash. Attach it with the 4 screws (#3 above). Note: The grey box below all the wiring is the Rockford amp. Your setup may or may not have this.

Click here if the image doesn't load (http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/p03da640c6cc0183ff6aa608cdde147d7/fdfb4d4c.jpg)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/p03da640c6cc0183ff6aa608cdde147d7/fdfb4d4c.jpg

Re-attach the center console panel. It should just snap into place. Don't forget to re-attach the cigarette lighter/power point and the emergency blinker switch. The wire to the emergency blinker can be a little pesky when trying to get the panel to seat correctly. Use the four marked screws above to finish up. To remove the panel, simply pull it off the dash with your hands. A little coaxing should do it. Make sure to pull off the paneling around the stick shift first (described below) and remove the four screws holding it in place.

Click here if the image doesn't load (http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/p3487ed1dd5010ac267770e3308babf6e/fdfb4d4b.jpg)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/p3487ed1dd5010ac267770e3308babf6e/fdfb4d4b.jpg

Re-attach the panel surrounding the stick shift. No screws necessary here, just six clips marked above. It snaps into place. To remove, pull around the area where this panel makes contact with the center console panel. It'll feel like it won't want to give, but one clip will eventually pop. It's easy when you know where the clips are.

Click here if the image doesn't load (http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/paba4baab161e673f62306161b34b00ee/fdfb4d36.jpg)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/paba4baab161e673f62306161b34b00ee/fdfb4d36.jpg

That's it...now go try and sell your old headunit.

Hope this helps...
brad

Originally posted by brad77


That's it...now go try and sell your old headunit.

Hope this helps...
brad [/B]

Brad maybe you did not see my post above...are you selling your stock CD changer? I think I private messaged you as wll but not sure.

thanks,
FSRBIKER

Originally posted by FSRBIKER
Brad maybe you did not see my post above...are you selling your stock CD changer? I think I private messaged you as wll but not sure.

Yeah, you PMed me. Sorry I took so long, but I had to make sure my new unit installed ok. Check your PM box.

brad

Does anyone have any hints on how to remove the panel surrounding the factory stereo? I am purchasing an after-market replacement from Crutchfield and they do not have the specific instructions for removing the panel to get access to the stereo. I have a Metra mounting kit, but it leaves out a couple of vital steps. I've poked around trying to figure out how the panels come apart but haven't had any luck.

I have a 2002 Nissan Frontier XE w/auto transmission. It has the same stereo mounting as the Xterra.

Thanks in advance.

I have an '01 and all you have to do is take the ashtray out, then remove the two screws that hold the faceplate on and pivot up the faceplate! Go slow at first as it feels like it will break but won't! After you have had it on and off a few times it will be easier to do.

Thanks for the reply, but they've changed the design of the console on the 2002 models. It's a long sweeping thing that goes from the top of the dashboard down and to the end of the console between the seats.

Everything looks like it's clipped together somehow with only two exposed screws, four if you count the two on the sides in the footwells.

I went to a Nissan dealer today to look at their parts breakdown and it looks like I have to take the panels off under the steering column and glovebox and work my way in toward the center console.

I'm going to stop at a car stereo store and see if they'll clue me in on anything.

Thanks again.

Before you go taking your whole dash apart, check out my pictures (http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292091385&idx=1) first. There are 5 pics showing how I put everything back together. If you follow them in reverse, you'll get the idea. Refer to the notes under the pictures for more info.

You only need to remove two panels. First, remove the panel around your shifter. There aren't any screws, just clips. That'll give you access to the other two screws holding the panel around your stereo (you seem to have found the first two located right above the unit). Again, refer to the pictures.

I also ordered my headunit from Crutchfield, and though they don't send you an instruction sheet, they do know how to walk you through the process. If you get stuck give their tech support a call.

good luck,
brad

I'ver replaced a few stereos in hondas, volvos, and oldsmobiles...and I have to say that they were all cake compared to this one. I excitedly bought XM radio with FM Modulator to enjoy while driving through the mountains here in North Carolina and have YET (two weeks now) been able to get the dash apart to install it. I am trying once again!

hey i know nothing of you're newer model xterra's radio but i thought i would drop a line. past 10 years we have a family reunion up in linville falls south of boone, n.c. anyways stop by boone jeep and say hey to my brother-in-law bobby. ha ha ,,,,we'll be wheelin up there in the 3rd week of april you can come along if you want to.

I just want to say thank you so much for your pictures and descriptions for your radio install. I had Circuit City install my CD player since it was free installation. Then 6 months later the CD player breaks and they want to charge me $39 to remove it cause I didn't get the extended warranty.
Nothing against Circuit City because I understand how policies go, but your pictures just saved me a little money and time.
Thanks.