Oops! Help!

[M4YBO]

Sooo, there I am having a bit of a fiddle and this happens........





What I am actually trying to attempt is to replace my faulty CD changer and up to this point it's been relatively straightforward but now I'm stuck. If any of you have been foolish enough to try this yourselves how the hell do you remove the stereo/controls fascia? I've removed the 4 screws holding it in place and pulled all the plugs to the top of the unit but I can't figure out how to release the bottom as I can't gain access to the pugs connecting to the lower controls.

I was forced into this rash act after receiving the AM quote for doing the works.

Any ideas? (sensible ones only please )

[Ice27]

Be brave...!!
Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCwOayN32-0&fea...

And... Get some shiny new knobs from Tony Hall!!

[BingoBob]

Careful not to damage your leather, there.

[SLacKer]

I need to sort mine out as well.

Did you buy a replacement from AM? or did you get one from Volvo?

I have located a guy in Ipswich who repairs them

http://www.centralservicescaraudio.co.uk/car-audio...

[Neilc123]

Hmmm have you thought about listening to the music of the engine rather than your tunes?

[M4YBO]

I did follow our American cousins video in the first place but due to an edit it doesn't show them disconnecting the bottom half. Probably of no use anyways as they have an Oston Martin which must be another type of car!

[M4YBO]

SLacKer said:

I need to sort mine out as well.

Did you buy a replacement from AM? or did you get one from Volvo?

I have located a guy in Ipswich who repairs them

http://www.centralservicescaraudio.co.uk/car-audio...

I was hoping to source one from Volvo but as I was unsure of the part no. so I thought I'd quickly pop it out to check!

Do you have any idea of the repair cost?

[M4YBO]

Neilc123 said:

Hmmm have you thought about listening to the music of the engine rather than your tunes?

But it doesn't work as well for when I'm cruising slowly around Moreton town centre, with the windows down, blasting Wrong Direction and N-Subs, trying to pull young scally girls

[FatFrank]

Nice leather BTW! Very nice colour!

[Mr Aston Martin]

While I have nothing of value to add to your question you do however have my undying admiration in attempting this feat.


Good luck in your endeavours.

[snuffy]

It reminds me of taking something to bits as a child to see how it works and then having to get your Dad to put it back together again for you because you can't work it out !

[M4YBO]

FatFrank said:

Nice leather BTW! Very nice colour!

Thank you. It's something a lot of people comment on. I think the contrast of the pale interior and dark (black) exterior works really well and it really shows off the inside of the car.

[Jockman]

Any joy M4YBO ??

BTW, a packet of crisps and a can of coke usually gets the scally girls going

[M4YBO]

Mr Aston Martin said:

While I have nothing of value to add to your question you do however have my undying admiration in attempting this feat.


Good luck in your endeavours.

Thanks. Sometimes you've just gotta give it a go.

Attempt No.2 today!!!!

[M4YBO]

Jockman said:

Any joy M4YBO ??

BTW, a packet of crisps and a can of coke usually gets the scally girls going

Have you seen the price of a can of Coke these days?? Sod that I'll try and negotiate with wine gums!

No. Still can't get it out

Does it show how to remove it in the workshop manual that I know some of you own? I'm thinking I maybe need to remove one of the footwell side panels to access the back of it but don't know how they're attached either.

[AMDBSNick]

M4YBO said:

Have you seen the price of a can of Coke these days?? Sod that I'll try and negotiate with wine gums!

No. Still can't get it out

Does it show how to remove it in the workshop manual that I know some of you own? I'm thinking I maybe need to remove one of the footwell side panels to access the back of it but don't know how they're attached either.

M4YBO It does in my DBS one so it may be worth starting a new thread just so peeps see what you need

[AMDBSNick]

Or ask this very helpful chap to send you one of your own

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[bobcanada]

Try this:
1. Starting at the top of the panel, disconnect the connections to the radio unit, the CD changer, etc.
2. Pull on the bottom edge of the panel and it will tilt outwards (you have already removed all four screws securing it), disconnect the electrical connection to all the switches and knobs (access is from the bottom of the panel).

The reason the panel doesn't seem to want to come out is because there is virtually no surplus wire length going to each control knob or switch. Warm temperatures will help make the wires more flexible. I did this during a Canadian winter and warmed up the interior with a space heater for 30 minutes. Be presistant and tug gently on the bottom of the panel and the wires will eventually straighten out enough that you can unclip each connector.

CAUTION:

Lable each connector as you disconnect them!!! They all look alike.
Tape off the leather to prevent damage

good luck!

[M4YBO]

Hey Bob,

Thanks for the advice. The bottom of the panel was very tight and it did start to move a little after I began losing patience and got a bit heavy handed but then I chickened out in case I broke something. Now knowing that it is the correct method I will return to it and give it some welly!!

I may also employ a space heater as we are currently in the middle of a British summer.

Cheers.

[bobcanada]

Try directing your wife's hair dryer (low setting) down towards the mass of wires at the bottom of the panel. Keep in mind that the wires have all folded when the panel was put into position at the factory. The wires will resist being straightened as you pull the panel towards you.

Don't expect the panel to move out anymore than a couple of inches (just enough to get your fingers behind the panel to unclip the connections.

I know a UK summer is short (so is a Canadian summer), but if you get frustrated leave the panel alone and return another day. One more day without the car sure beats permanant damage caused by loosing patience (I'm speaking from experience having done an Ipod intergration last winter).

Good luck again.