It is relatively simple to remove the "head unit" or "deck" of the control centre for a car audio system, regardless of the brand of audio system that is installed. Clarion car audio systems are no different. Care must be taken to ensure that no damage is done to any of the plastic components that will be handled during this process because they are fragile and can snap if handled roughly.

Disconnect the power. Take off the negative terminal from the car battery. This task will prevent a short circuit in the audio system. This step must always be taken first when you work with the electrical system in a car.

  • It is relatively simple to remove the "head unit" or "deck" of the control centre for a car audio system, regardless of the brand of audio system that is installed.
  • This step must always be taken first when you work with the electrical system in a car.

Examine the area surrounding the car stereo. Determine whether the plastic panels that cover the dashboard and the control panel are all in one piece or whether they are separate pieces. These panels will need to be removed.

Once the configuration of the panels has been determined, take the flathead screwdriver and gently place it in between the panel and the car body near the car stereo. There should be a small groove where the head fits.

  • Examine the area surrounding the car stereo.
  • Once the configuration of the panels has been determined, take the flathead screwdriver and gently place it in between the panel and the car body near the car stereo.

Carefully pry the panel loose. This yask can be a nervous moment for an amateur so take caution and work slowly. As the panel comes up, it will be obvious what places are attached because there will be more resistance in those areas.

Repeat step 3 in all of the spots where you felt resistance. The connectors are located in these areas. Once all of the resistance points have been loosened and disconnected, the panel(s) should be resting on top of the dashboard and console. Remove the panels and store them safely.

Expose the stereo. This should occur once the panels have been removed. Look for two nuts that hold the stereo in place. Use a wrench to unscrew the nuts. Store them safely.

  • Repeat step 3 in all of the spots where you felt resistance.
  • Look for two nuts that hold the stereo in place.

The stereo should be loose and floating in the dashboard area. Gently pull it forward so that the back of the unit is visible.

Disconnect the wires from the back of the stereo unit. There should be one or two main cable terminals that have several wires leading to a single connector. This connector has a small locking flap at the top that needs to be pried up in order to release it. There will also be an antenna wire; it is usually silver in colour and made of a single wire. The wire can be pulled out easily.

  • The stereo should be loose and floating in the dashboard area.
  • There should be one or two main cable terminals that have several wires leading to a single connector.

Remove the Clarion stereo and store it safely. Once all of the cables are removed from the back of the unit, the task is done. Then, a new stereo can be installed