Control center problems on 2001 SE

[km2002]

Had to pull out the radio/CD combo to replace the bulbs in the instrument panel (and they used to say Ford had a better idea). Instead of springing the control head loose, one of the retaining clips broke completely. My local Ford dealers don't stock the part, and the source to which one of them directed me suggested I get a clip from a junkyard. Anyone know where to get those clips?

Also, the volume control on the unit is acting up. Frequently, when I try to turn down the radio, it'll turn up. The reverse is also true, as well as cranking on the knob with no effect on the unit's volume. Sometimes I can get the knob to change the volume if I try to pull it toward me while I try to change volume. Anyone know how to straighten this out?

Thank you,

KM

[shorod]

I think the volume control on the new head units is some type of encoder rather than the old-fashion potentiometer. I've had short term luck using an electrical parts cleaner sparyed into the encoder housing after removing the knob. I haven't had to do this on a Ford deck, so I don't know for sure that the knob will remove by just pulling it. Attempt at your own risk.

-Rod

[KimMG]

Can the dealer order the clip? Have you tried calling a local wrecking yard? Can you post a picture of the clip next to a ruler? Did you use the proper tool to remove the head unit?

[km2002]

Thanks, Rod; I had wondered if a contact cleaner would have any success on it. Guess I'll have to find the manual and see how hard it is to pull off the knob without doing further damage; the headlight knob is still loose from removing the dash to replace the instrument panel lights (which brings me to . . . )

KimMG:
Apparently, the dealers can't even order the clip. Said there was no way he could come down w/it.

No, I hadn't tried going to a junkyard for what should be a $0.50 clip (although I'm sure that it'd be $7.63 if a parts counter actually could glom onto one); I'm having enough problems locating a door mirror that way (which is tangentially related to another post of mine to which I'll have to return).

I suppose I could remove the radio (if I don't destroy the surviving clip in the process) and photograph it beside a ruler for illustrative purposes; never thought of that, and considering how tenuously the radio is secured right now, removing that clip isn't high on my list of things to do, but I might get around to it once the weather warms up a little (winter has finally arrived in Maryland).

No, I didn't have the proper tool; I used the manual-recommended substitute (a bent length of really stiff coathanger wire). It popped the one clip just fine, but the other just got stuck further behind the dash.

Thanks for the response.

[KimMG]

Proper tool costs less than $5- at Walmart, and it really makes a difference. If you have a pick your own part, you could probably get a couple of clips for $2-

[km2002]

You can get the clip popper at Wal-mart? I'm surprised they carry such a specialty tool. I'll have to look for it. A pick-your-own-part? Not sure such things exist around here. Please tell me more.

[KimMG]

Most stores that sell aftermarket radios for cars sell the tool to remove Ford radios. Look in the yellow pages under automotive wrecking yards or wrecking yards. There are half a dozen wrecking yards in my area charge a nominal admission fee to get in. You bring your own tools, go find the car, remove the parts you need, bring the parts to the exit gate, pay for the parts. Bring your old clip with you to match up to the replacement.