Radio Removal

[Mariposa Mike]

I have a 2004 LJ with the stock single CD radio. A CD is tuck and won't load or eject so I believe I will have to remove the radio to work on the unit. Looking at the panel I don't see screws to remove and I would like to know where to begin. Maybe taking the glove box side off to access screws???? I don't want to pry stuff I shouldn't. And due to the power outlets below I imagine I should disconnect the battery? I tried searching this topic because I know people have replaced their radio with better units. I wouldn't mind a multiple disc CD player like my 2004 Dodge truck and it has the serius puck on the roof but I really don't need that. Help appreciated.

I also plan to run a wire from a replacement rear view mirror I bought after reading a thread on this site. So that I will have a compass and temp readout. I know where I want to go thru the firewall (down near the steering column) and plan to run the wire over the drivers side top of the windshield. But again, removing panels has me stumped. It looks like I can remove some of them by prying them off, then maybe unscrewing the visor to get behind it. Does that sound right?

 

[L J]

Help appreciated.

off the top of my head: remove the defroster trim panel, remove the radio/HVAC control bezel, remove security bracket on back of radio, remove screws on front of radio, disconnect wiring

You should download the FSM at https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/#post-62640 for complete instructions

I also plan to run a wire from a replacement rear view mirror I bought after reading a thread on this site. So that I will have a compass and temp readout. I know where I want to go thru the firewall (down near the steering column) and plan to run the wire over the drivers side top of the windshield.

My '06 was prewired for the compass mirror from the factory. The only thing missing is the wire from the defrost trim panel up to the mirror.

 

[nk24]

off the top of my head: remove the defroster trim panel, remove the radio/HVAC control bezel, remove security bracket on back of radio, remove screws on front of radio, disconnect wiring

This is the correct procedure. The defroster trim panel just pops out. Then the radio/HVAC bezel has two screws by the defroster that need to be removed, then it will pop out.

It looks like I can remove some of them by prying them off, then maybe unscrewing the visor to get behind it. Does that sound right?

You'll need to unscrew the visor first before prying the windshield bezel.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

Great info. Thanks to both of you. Took a quick view of the manuals. Will look further into them later but also great info.

 

[Zorba]

This may or may not help:

https://www.doubleveil.net/jeep/twenty.htm
Skip down about 1/3rd of the page to see a couple of pix of the stock stereo removal. I too had a CD stuck in the thing, I pretty much destroyed it to get the CD out intact - which was fine as I was replacing it anyway. The "security bolt" in the back was a PITA to get at, one picture shows the back of the stock stereo where I simply ended up pulling it out by brute force - YMMV and all that.

 

[Mariposa Mike]

Dang! This is looking like some blood letting will be occuring and I really don't want to destroy the unit if possible. Would like to fix whatever is wrong. I was thinking that the many years of sitting just made it dry out. It was playing fine but would not completely eject then seems to be stuck halfway. I can't seem to get it to reload. Radio works but I rarely use that anymore. Maybe I should look for a replacement before doing this part of the job.

 

[SSTJ]

Maybe I should look for a replacement before doing this part of the job.

Agreed. You can find stock head units for your 04 pretty easily on eBay. Something around $40 or so. I just recently sold one for about that price.

 

[cliffish]

Careful on prying up defroster trim panel, especially if it is cold out. The plastic becomes brittle and I cracked mine. You may not have that issue in CA. I have had the radio in and out a couple times, not really a big deal.

 

[Camdenst]

I believe it's a 10mm socket holding the radio in. Go in through the glove box, a smaller 1/4in wrench does the trick.

 

[Zorba]

Maybe I should look for a replacement before doing this part of the job.

You can do FAR better than stock for very little money. I went "mechless" - all music is on geek sticks.

 

[Zorba]

I believe it's a 10mm socket holding the radio in. Go in through the glove box, a smaller 1/4in wrench does the trick.

It is 10mm. Its also a pain in the ass to get at - at least for my big hands. I kept yanking on the thing from frustration, and the "security bolt" and its little snap in plate finally just separated themselves from the radio. Do so at your own risk!

 

[Mariposa Mike]

I went on the Crutchfield website and was surprised at how many radios w/a CD player they stock that are a direct fit for the 2004. So I need to do some research to determine if I want to fool around with my original or upgrade to new. What seemed simple at first has become more complicated but the end result should be better with a new unit. Going to put off the disassembly until I decide. At least I now know what needs to be done for removal. As far as that 10mm nut goes, I've already briefed my wife I have a small favor to ask.

 

[txbemis69]

on my 06 i unbolted the security bracket from the dash and it came out still attached to the factory head unit. old unit out and new one installed in maybe 15 minutes. already had new unit prewired to wiring adapter and installed in the dash adapter so it was a simple swap.