How to Remove the Factory Radio 2012-2013 Mazda 5
The 2012-2013 Mazda 5 comes equipped with a variety of factory-installed stereo units. Owners who wish to replace their unit – or connect auxiliary components – will first need to remove the stock deck from the Mazda’s dashboard stereo dock. You can choose to take your Mazda5 to a professional car audio technician, or you can remove the unit yourself, saving time and money in the process.
Radio removal procedures
Begin by disconnecting the vehicle’s battery to prevent shock or damaging the Mazda’s electrical system during your procedure. Lift the hood and locate the negative battery cable. The cable connecting the battery to the frame of the Mazda needs to be disconnected. Loosen the bolt on the clamp holding the cable to the battery’s negative battery terminal post. Pull the clamp from the post and set it aside until your work is complete.
Next, return to the inside of the vehicle to begin removing the panels that conceal the stereo unit. Survey the Mazda’s dashboard paneling. You will need to begin at the gear shift cover to remove the necessary panels. Unscrew the gear shift knob to remove it and set it aside. Grab the paneling that surrounds the gear box and pull it away from the center dashboard assembly by hand. Set the entire panel casing aside.
Find the screw at the back of the gear box and remove it with a Phillips screwdriver. Reach onto either side of the center console near the foot wells and pull the paneling away from the center console until the panels are pried away. Removing the panel will reveal a single screw that can be removed with the same screwdriver.
You are now able to remove the paneling that sits directly in front of the stereo unit. Grab either side of the main dashboard panel near the climate control knobs. Pull the panel away from the dashboard until it snaps free from the dash. You will now be able to clearly see the stereo deck and the mounting dock in which it is seated. The two screws on either side of the dock will also be visible. Remove the screws with the screwdriver and set them aside for future use in re-installing the stereo deck. Grab the stereo on either side and pull it straight from the Mazda’s stereo dock.
Pull the head unit from the dashboard until you are able to reach the wires connected to the back of the unit. Reach behind the stereo deck and disconnect the signal cables. Pull the antenna cable from the rear panel of the radio and allow the disconnected wires to hang freely. Pull the stereo completely from the dashboard to complete the stereo removal.
Application: Radio removal procedures apply to the 2012-2013 Mazda5 (Mazda 5) 2.5 L 4-cylinder models.
