How to Remove the Radio From a 2001 Ford Escape

Owners of the 2001 Ford Escape choose to remove their factory stereo units for a variety of reasons. Repairing or replacing the stereo deck as well as installing aftermarket car audio external devices to your system requires that you first remove the stock head unit from the vehicle's dashboard stereo dock. Choose to have the removal performed by a professional car audio technician, or extract the radio yourself and save money.

Things You'll Need

• 10-mm wrench
• Ford DIN removal tools

Instructions

1. Pull the hood release lever located on the driver's side of the Escape, under the dashboard. Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood. Loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery terminal with the wrench. Lift the cable from the battery and set it aside. Return to the inside of the Escape.

2. Slide the two Ford DIN tools into the vertically aligned openings at either end of the stock stereo's face. Push the tools into the holes until they lock into place. Pull outward on the tools to engage the stereo locking mechanism on the inside of the stereo dock. Pull the tools away from the dashboard, sliding the stereo unit from the dock with even force on the left and right tools.

3. Squeeze the release clip on the two white plastic wire binders plugged into the rear panel of the stock stereo. Pull each of the two connectors from the back of the stereo. Unplug the antenna cable lead from the FM antenna outlet on the back of the stereo unit to complete the removal.

References

• "Ford Escape & Mazda Tribute Auto Repair Manual, 2001-2007"; Haynes; 2007