Just wondering if anyone has any tips on removing this trim from around the shifter. I'm trying to get to my stereo to check the antenna connection, my FM reception absolutely sucks, and it's driving me nuts until I can get a replacement radio with a CD player that works,(mine does not). Anyway, I read phil's radio removal page in the stickies, and he says to use a flathead screwdriver to run around the edge to help loosen it. I have put it into 1st gear, tried that and it still feels like it does not want to come up without bending it alot, therefore risking breakage. Anyone else had any luck with a different method? Just scared of breaking it I guess.....

 

Start at the bottom right or left corner near the coin holder with a thin flat head screwdriver. All you have to do is get it started enough so that you can get a hand on it and pull out on the rest of the way. Pull up then pull down. The top of the trim has two flat prongs that need to slide away from underneath the dash part.

 

I wouldn't use a flat head driver to remove it b/c it will leave scratches in your dash.

First, make sure to remove the felt cup inside the coin door. Then you'll see a philips head screw, remove it.

Second, put the gear shifter into 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

Third, open the coin door fully, and pull on it towards the shift ****. This will allow you to see gaps between the dash and trim.

Now if you're fingers are small you will be able to stick your fingers underneath the trim (from 1 side), and work your fingers starting from the left of the "P", ande work them down to the "2" while also pulling up on the trim. The trim should pop out nicely. Once you reach the "2", pull up slightly more and the entire trim should pop out. Once its out, slide the entire trim towrds the rear of the car and it should come out from underneath the A/C trim. It's easier if the shifter is in 1st gear. Then just pull out the plugs for the hazards, cig lighter, and the light for the coin box.

 

Aftermarker radios suck with the maxima reception because the antenna is in the back window defrosters.

I must have removed mine 50 times...I just use a small flat head screwdriver, and pry it out lightly supporting it with my fingers as not to scratch the plastic.

 

same here i have a tv someone said t connect the blue wires together and guess what i got a radio now it workss try it guys let me kno if it works for you too i just use a small knife to pry it up works everytime

 

I replaced my Alpine HU and used a method similar to this. I didn't use any tools to remove the piece, with the exception of the screw in the ashtray. I carefully pulled up on the inside top of the ashtray opening (not the cup itself) and it was enough to allow me to get my fingers under one of the sides and pop it out.

 

Yeah brother I hear your concern cause the part is a bit delicate. Here is some advice I could offer that I'M hoping might be of some help. First off if you would be interested in getting illustrations on how to do it you could contact crutchfield at crutchfield.com for a 5 dollar charge they will send you exact and precise illustrations on how to remove the entire unit safely, that goes for the stereo along with the climate control unit. Asides from that when using a flat screwdriver try and cover the driver with a soft piece of material so it wont cause ant scratches incase you loose balance and slip.

 

I think he figured it out already.....this was almost 5 years ago.

 

Dont forget the screw in the ashtray

btw there is a metra antenna thingy to keep the diversion and keep good reception. its not the more common one most of us use, on that package of the more common one in small print there is a print that says something like, to keep diversity you need this part number blah blah tacos with no lettuce and extra cheese .

 

I can't tell by the picture (it isn't loading) but this must be for an automatic. My manual trim pops out without problem. I've must have done it 100 times.

 

Same here. Then again, I've never owned an auto maxima.