Radio Bezel Removal

Scott Brian · 01-17-2010, 06:24 PM

I am in the process of cleaning up the interior of my 2001 Sport Trac.

Project 1 complete - Recovered console lid and that looks great.

Now painting several parts due to chipping paint and wear. Know how to remove the center console with the cup holders.

I am removing the radio bezel. Know how to do this but you have to remove the radio, cigarette lighter and a few other electronic controls.

Can someone give me some pointers for removal of the various components?

bdmaash · 01-17-2010, 10:35 PM

I think you were looking for instruction on radio bezel removal
radio removal tools for the radio
then 2 screws in the lower part of the trim (screwed in upwards), you probably know that.
then it pulls off (some spring clips)

look for the thread on changing the instrument cluster lights (backlighting), very detailed.

Scott Brian · 01-18-2010, 10:58 PM

Thanks for the thoughts but I am a novice so need help with basics. I can remove the bezel with the two screws but it has all of the components attached. I am trying to get to just the bezel so I can paint it.

How do you remove the cigarette lighter? Radio? And, rear window control?

Thanks for helping me through this learning curve. (Good news even my wife liked the console repair I did so she now has high expectations)

bdmaash · 01-20-2010, 12:24 AM

well if you got the bezel off with all the components still in there..

1. remove the electrical connectors from the switches, usually need to push a tab in the connector and pull it off, on some you pry the tab up and pull the connector off

2. pull out further and disconnect radio connector on the back, now you should have the bezel in hand away from the dash?????

3. the radio has black spring tabs on the sides, you need to push them in, and push the radio out of the bezel(or just buy some radio removal tools)
this thread shows the removal tools http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...rument+cluster

hopefully that helps a bit

Scott Brian · 01-20-2010, 09:59 PM

Thanks for the help and direction. I will work on it further this weekend if we don't float away in California.

Any thing special about removing the cigarette lighter? It looks like the connection is soldered. Does it just have to be twisted to remove it from the bezel?

01-17-2010, 06:24 PM	#1
Scott Brian Wannabe Elite Explorer California 02 Sport Trac 4X2 Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Radio Bezel Removal I am in the process of cleaning up the interior of my 2001 Sport Trac. Project 1 complete - Recovered console lid and that looks great. Now painting several parts due to chipping paint and wear. Know how to remove the center console with the cup holders. I am removing the radio bezel. Know how to do this but you have to remove the radio, cigarette lighter and a few other electronic controls. Can someone give me some pointers for removal of the various components?

01-17-2010, 10:35 PM	#2
bdmaash Wannabe Elite Explorer YYC '01 sport trac Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 471 Vehicle Specs	I think you were looking for instruction on radio bezel removal radio removal tools for the radio then 2 screws in the lower part of the trim (screwed in upwards), you probably know that. then it pulls off (some spring clips) look for the thread on changing the instrument cluster lights (backlighting), very detailed. __________________ _____________________________ '01 sport trac Yay another post, I'm well on my way to being a post whore!

01-18-2010, 10:58 PM	#3
Scott Brian Wannabe Elite Explorer California 02 Sport Trac 4X2 Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Radio Bezel Removal Thanks for the thoughts but I am a novice so need help with basics. I can remove the bezel with the two screws but it has all of the components attached. I am trying to get to just the bezel so I can paint it. How do you remove the cigarette lighter? Radio? And, rear window control? Thanks for helping me through this learning curve. (Good news even my wife liked the console repair I did so she now has high expectations)

01-20-2010, 12:24 AM	#4
bdmaash Wannabe Elite Explorer YYC '01 sport trac Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 471 Vehicle Specs	well if you got the bezel off with all the components still in there.. 1. remove the electrical connectors from the switches, usually need to push a tab in the connector and pull it off, on some you pry the tab up and pull the connector off 2. pull out further and disconnect radio connector on the back, now you should have the bezel in hand away from the dash????? 3. the radio has black spring tabs on the sides, you need to push them in, and push the radio out of the bezel(or just buy some radio removal tools) this thread shows the removal tools http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...rument+cluster hopefully that helps a bit __________________ _____________________________ '01 sport trac Yay another post, I'm well on my way to being a post whore! Last edited by bdmaash; 01-20-2010 at 12:45 AM.

01-20-2010, 09:59 PM	#5
Scott Brian Wannabe Elite Explorer California 02 Sport Trac 4X2 Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks for the help and direction. I will work on it further this weekend if we don't float away in California. Any thing special about removing the cigarette lighter? It looks like the connection is soldered. Does it just have to be twisted to remove it from the bezel?