How to Remove the Factory Stereo on a 2002 Ford Explorer

The Explorer is arguably the first luxury SUV, as Ford released it in 1991 -- two years prior to the Grand Cherokee. The 2002 model year began the third generation for the popular Explorer, as Ford completely overhauled the SUV. After two generations of basically borrowing styling cues from the Ranger, the 2002 Explorer had a styling all its own. The 2002 Explorer came standard with an AM-FM stereo system, and its relatively simple to remove, once to get the dash bezel pulled off.

Instructions

1

Insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver in between the radio bezel -- the plastic trim surrounding the radio and HVAC controls -- and the dashboard. Pry outward around the perimeter of the radio bezel to disengage its retaining clips.

2

Pull the bezel toward the rear of the SUV and allow it to hang by its wires.

3

Remove the two screws securing the radio in the dashboard chassis using a ratchet and a 9/32-inch socket. Slide the radio from the dashboard chassis until you have access to the wiring on the rear of the radio.

4

Press and hold the unlocking button on each of the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio, then pull each harness from the rear of the radio -- the number of harnesses depends on the audio options on your Explorer. Pull the antenna wire from the rear of the radio with a slight twisting motion. Remove the radio from the Explorer.

5

Plug the wiring harness(es) into the rear of the radio. Plug the antenna wire into the antenna input on the rear of the radio. Guide the wiring into the radio chassis, as you slide the radio into its chassis in the dashboard.

6

Hand-tighten the two radio-retaining screws, then tighten them with a ratchet and 9/32-inch socket.

7

Position the radio bezel over the radio, lining up the metal clips on the rear of the bezel with the slots in the dashboard. Press the bezel onto the dashboard until all of its retaining clips snap into place.