How to Take the Radio Out of a 2006 F-150

The F-150 was a relatively late addition to the F-series line up -- arriving in 1975 -- but it has become the best selling of the F-series. The 2004 model year brought about the sixth generational change for the popular F-150. Eliminated were the controversial bubble designed F-150s in favor of a more conventional, yet modern, pickup design. The 2006 F-150 came standard with an AM-FM radio, and had a wide array of other audio options available including cassette player, CD player, MP3 player and a premium audio system. Replacing this radio is a simple process that most F-150 owners can perform.

Instructions

1

Wrap the tip of a flat-head screwdriver with a layer of duct tape to prevent damage to your F-150's trim panels.

2

Insert the blade of the flat-head screwdriver in the seam between the radio bezel -- the trim panel surrounding the radio and heating controls -- and pry around the perimeter of the bezel to disengage its retaining clips. Pull the radio bezel from the dashboard.

3

Remove the four radio retaining screws with a ratchet and 9/32-inch socket. Slide the radio out of the dashboard, just far enough for you to reach the wiring on the rear of the radio.

4

Press and hold the unlock button on each of the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio. Pull the wiring harnesses from the rear of the radio -- the number of harnesses depends on your F-150's audio options. Pull the antenna cable from the rear of the radio. Remove the radio from the dashboard.

5

Connect the wiring harness and the individual plugs into their respective receptacles on the rear of the radio -- they are different sizes to prevent incorrect reinstallation. Plug the antenna cable into its receptacle on the rear of the radio.

6

Slide the radio into its chassis in the dashboard and tighten the four radio retaining screws with a ratchet and 9/32-inch socket.

7

Set the radio bezel in place around the radio, lining up the clips on the rear of the bezel with the slots in the dashboard. Press the bezel onto the dashboard to engage its retaining clips.