W203 - C220 CDI - Radio/CD Head removal

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I have an ongoing problem of loosing the radio volume when I do a left turn. I was advised to check out the connections at the rear of the Radio/CD Head unit. I have catalogued the removal to help anyone else in this situation. As only 7 pics are allowed please read subsequent threads.


Firstly remove the ashtray and gear knob surround. See Here: http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=62114


To remove the Top Vent Assembly, you push the vent upwards,
past its natural stop, this reveals a gap along the lower edge to access the screws.
Note LH vent in this position.

This is the Torx T20 screw to remove on the LHS,
same on RHS

Ensure the vent is fully closed before undoing anything.
Insert tool and undo the 2 screws. They should remain in the housing ok.

Next, move the vents downwards, again past the natural stop
to reveal a top gap. Then insert narrow bladed screw driver to
unhook the 2 small retaining devices.

Picture showing retaining devices.

Withdraw Top vent, ensuring screws remain in housing.
Then gently pull back on the central facia. This appears to be
hinged at the lower end I couldn't see too well, but it came back far
enough not to worry about stripping out totally.

See Next Post

 

[palmbay]

Carrying on from previous Radio/CD Head Removal

The front facia has a small pull out electrical connector.

Not a brilliant picture of the lower facia pivot point!

Undo the 2 Radio/CD Head retaining screws T20 Torx.

Gently pull the Radio/CD Head unit towards you
and remove the storage compartment underneath by simply
pushing it in a forward direction to release the 2 hooks pictured.

Picture showing the rear connector layout.
Be careful not to kink the antenna connections as these
may be optic fibre. They do just pull straight out with a
little application of careful force.

To remove the main wiring connectors, push the plastic
clip inwards and wiggle them out. Can be a bit stiff.
They can only go back in the same holes, so don't worry marking up.

Picture showing connectors removed, note the antenna connections.

Reassembly is a reversal of strip out, I found it easier to partly insert the head unit into its sliders each side, then to offer up the storage box underneath it. Be careful not to damage the antenna connectors on the way in.