Not sure who needs this or if this has already been done, but I figured I'd make a step-by-step guide on disassembling the head unit.
Unfortunately my head unit has essentially been non-operable for the past couple weeks after a bad freeze. I'm not sure what is wrong (and still don't know), but I figured I'd take it apart anyway to see if I could find anything. Pardon the dust and dark imagery. Also, while all of the panels, clips, and cables are fairly robust, I'm going to be taking a more cautious approach, whether it's needed or not... That's just what I'm comfortable with.
I should also note that I'm not a professional by any means, but hopefully this documents this process enough for those curious.
Tools you'll need:
-Plastic/Metal Spudger
-T25 Torx Screwdriver
-Philips Screwdriver (for APIM disassembly)
-Plyers
Notes (That may or may not assist):
-I came across two different kinds of T25 Torx screws and two different kinds of Philips screws (the latter being encountered on the APIM teardown portion). I was careful to keep these separated in the cupholders/on my workbench.
-I did the majority of this disassembly on the passenger side of the vehicle for easier access to all the little bits and pieces.
-The plastic pieces that I removed were largely set in the back seat so they were completely out of the way.
-While it may not have been necessary, I disconnected the battery to remove potential electrical issues.
1. Remove Passenger Side Panel
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There a couple clips holding this plastic piece on. It's easiest to start from the bottom left and work your way around.
2. Remove Outer Shifter Cover
![Image]()
Starting from the passenger side, this clip needs to be un-clipped. Once un-clipped, work your way down around the outside towards the driver's side with a spudger, pulling clips out along the way. There are a couple similar clips on the driver's side as well.
![Image]()
Once the cover is detached, set it aside.
3. Detach The Lower Half of the Utility Cover/Climate Control Module
![Image]()
Unscrew the T25 Torx directly behind the shifter and use a spudger to unclip the right and left side of this cover.
![Image]()
4. Remove The Passenger Airbag Indicator Assembly
![Image]()
There are four clips here, one on the far left and far right, and two in the middle. Insert the spudger in-between the radio and the passenger airbag assembly on the left side. Once the far left clip is un-clipped, move slowly to the right, minding the cable connected in the middle. The far right clip was a little tricky for me as the airbag indicator assembly was rubbing against the plastic-faux-leather. This was also the first time that this had been done on my vehicle, as far as I know, so I had to work with the middle two clips carefully to get them out mostly unscathed.
![Image]()
With the clips un-clipped, unplug the cable in the middle. The retaining clip for the cable is on top directly in the middle. A light squeeze from the top and bottom should do. Once the passenger airbag indicator assembly is detached, set it aside.
5. Detach The Upper Half of the Utility Cover/Climate Control Module
![Image]()
You can now see four T25 Torx screws that the airbag indicator was hiding. Unscrew these and set them aside. The entire Utility Cover/Climate Control Module assembly should now be free. This only needs to be slightly moved out of the way, so no need to unplug any cables here unless you'd like to do so.
![Image]()
6. Remove The Head Unit Cover
![Image]()
Once the Utility Cover/Climate Control Module assembly is free, reach your hand under the head unit (with both hands) and pull outwards. I had to yank it, but was able to get the retaining clips undone. Be careful of two cables that are directly behind this cover, one on the bottom (head unit controls) and one directly behind the warning light button.
(Further Steps TBD)
Unfortunately my head unit has essentially been non-operable for the past couple weeks after a bad freeze. I'm not sure what is wrong (and still don't know), but I figured I'd take it apart anyway to see if I could find anything. Pardon the dust and dark imagery. Also, while all of the panels, clips, and cables are fairly robust, I'm going to be taking a more cautious approach, whether it's needed or not... That's just what I'm comfortable with.
I should also note that I'm not a professional by any means, but hopefully this documents this process enough for those curious.
Tools you'll need:
-Plastic/Metal Spudger
-T25 Torx Screwdriver
-Philips Screwdriver (for APIM disassembly)
-Plyers
Notes (That may or may not assist):
-I came across two different kinds of T25 Torx screws and two different kinds of Philips screws (the latter being encountered on the APIM teardown portion). I was careful to keep these separated in the cupholders/on my workbench.
-I did the majority of this disassembly on the passenger side of the vehicle for easier access to all the little bits and pieces.
-The plastic pieces that I removed were largely set in the back seat so they were completely out of the way.
-While it may not have been necessary, I disconnected the battery to remove potential electrical issues.
1. Remove Passenger Side Panel
There a couple clips holding this plastic piece on. It's easiest to start from the bottom left and work your way around.
2. Remove Outer Shifter Cover
Starting from the passenger side, this clip needs to be un-clipped. Once un-clipped, work your way down around the outside towards the driver's side with a spudger, pulling clips out along the way. There are a couple similar clips on the driver's side as well.
Once the cover is detached, set it aside.
3. Detach The Lower Half of the Utility Cover/Climate Control Module
Unscrew the T25 Torx directly behind the shifter and use a spudger to unclip the right and left side of this cover.
4. Remove The Passenger Airbag Indicator Assembly
There are four clips here, one on the far left and far right, and two in the middle. Insert the spudger in-between the radio and the passenger airbag assembly on the left side. Once the far left clip is un-clipped, move slowly to the right, minding the cable connected in the middle. The far right clip was a little tricky for me as the airbag indicator assembly was rubbing against the plastic-faux-leather. This was also the first time that this had been done on my vehicle, as far as I know, so I had to work with the middle two clips carefully to get them out mostly unscathed.
With the clips un-clipped, unplug the cable in the middle. The retaining clip for the cable is on top directly in the middle. A light squeeze from the top and bottom should do. Once the passenger airbag indicator assembly is detached, set it aside.
5. Detach The Upper Half of the Utility Cover/Climate Control Module
You can now see four T25 Torx screws that the airbag indicator was hiding. Unscrew these and set them aside. The entire Utility Cover/Climate Control Module assembly should now be free. This only needs to be slightly moved out of the way, so no need to unplug any cables here unless you'd like to do so.
6. Remove The Head Unit Cover
Once the Utility Cover/Climate Control Module assembly is free, reach your hand under the head unit (with both hands) and pull outwards. I had to yank it, but was able to get the retaining clips undone. Be careful of two cables that are directly behind this cover, one on the bottom (head unit controls) and one directly behind the warning light button.
(Further Steps TBD)
