How to Replace the Radio on a 99 Mazda 626

Mazda's history dates back to the founding of Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. in 1920, which seven years later became Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. The first Mazda produced was a three-wheeled truck -- the Mazda-go. In 1958, Mazda added another wheel to its production vehicles with the production of a new, four-wheeled truck, the Romper. Over two decades later, Mazda embraced America's new found love for its automobiles with the release of the 1979 Mazda 626. In 2003, Mazda changed the name of the 626 to the Mazda6, thus ending the 626 nameplate's 24-year run. The 1999 Mazda 626 came standard with an AM-FM, CD-player stereo system. Replacing this stereo is simpler than most radios, given you have the special tool required to remove it from the dash.

Instructions

1

Look on either side of the Mazda's radio, and find the vertical plastic covers -- roughly a 1/4-inch wide. Insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver between the top of the covers, and the radio bezel -- the trim surrounding the radio -- and pry the covers off the radio, exposing two holes on either side.

2

Insert the Ford radio removal tools -- two U-shaped metal components -- into the two holes on either side of the radio until you insert about one inch of each tool into the holes.

3

Press and hold the curved ends of the Ford radio removal tools outward to press the radio's retaining clips inward. While holding the Ford radio removal tools outward, pull the tools outward to slide the radio out far enough that it will slide out without the removal tools. You may need to repeat Steps 2 and 3 several times to get the stereo out.

4

Slide the radio outward, by hand, until you can access the wiring on the rear of the radio.

5

Press and hold the locking button on one of the three wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio, and pull the harness from the radio with a slight wiggling motion. Repeat this step to remove the remaining two wiring harnesses.

6

Grab the antenna wire -- the thick black wire without a harness -- and pull it straight from the rear of the radio. Remove the radio from the 626.

7

Plug the three wiring harnesses into the rear of the replacement radio -- they are all different sizes, so they only install one way. Press the antenna wire into the antenna receptacle on the rear of the radio.

8

Slide the new radio into the dashboard until you hear the retaining clips snap into place.