“Do it yourself” is our new advice series, in which we guide customers step by step through various topics connected with electronics — not only automotive. This time we are tackling the removal of the factory radio in Honda Jazz cars.
If the factory radio has failed, it should be brought to our company premises. That is why we have prepared a special guide for our customers, so that removing the factory receiver yourself — that is, the radio fitted by the manufacturer — should not cause any major problem.
Step 1: Lower trim
We start by removing the lower radio trim. This part is held in place by one screw and two clips on the sides, so it is worth preparing a short cross-head screwdriver, i.e. a PH. Once the screw has been removed, it is best to pull the trim firmly but with feel.
NOTE: Make sure you do not lose the retaining clips. If they do fall off, find them and refit them.
Step 2: Lower screws
In the next stage, undo the two screws securing the receiver and the panel. Looking from underneath, you can see that they sit quite deep, so it is worth using a robust cross-head screwdriver or an 8 mm socket spanner with an extension.
NOTE: If possible, use a magnetic screwdriver or spanner. In practice, that will simply make removing the screws easier.
Step 3: Console
Now you can move on to removing the radio console. It is best to do this in one firm movement. Take care with the retaining clips so you do not lose them.
NOTE: If the clips do fall somewhere out of reach, it is worth considering a tool with a magnet and flexible shaft, i.e. a simple pickup tool for retrieving small metal items.
Step 4: Plugs and cables
With free access to the radio, you can easily disconnect the aerial lead, the blue “block”, i.e. the power/speakers connector, and the green plug intended for AUX — of course, if it has been fitted.
NOTE: The blocks are usually locked from the factory – press the top clips gently and remove them.
Step 5: Display
Now it is time to separate the display from the radio housing. To do this, undo the two M3 screws with washers, as these secure the radio to the display, as well as the screws used to fasten the radio to the plastic panel. There are 5 of them – one hidden at the bottom and two on each side. In practice, a longer screwdriver of around 15–20 cm with a PH tip works best.
There are still four screws holding the radio in the brackets. As in step 2, it is worth preparing a robust cross-head screwdriver or an extended socket spanner (No. 8).
Just one more step and we’ll be there.
Step 6: Remove the radio from the centre console
All the previous steps have led to this very moment – now all that remains is to CAREFULLY remove the radio from the centre console.
NOTE: Throughout the entire job, pay particular attention to the ventilation system linkages running along the underside of the console – if you pull the console too hard, it is easy to break its clips off. That is definitely something to avoid.
Did you know…?
Now that the radio has been removed, you can also carry out a few minor repairs yourself – of course, we’ll show you them step by step.
With the panel folded down, you can easily replace the console illumination bulbs and the bulbs for the windscreen heater and air conditioning buttons.
The console bulbs need to be removed from their holders, i.e. their sockets, and simply replaced. As for the button bulbs, first they need to be unwound from the holders. As new ones, it’s best to use the 14V/50mA bulbs shown in the photo. As with the ones being replaced, their leads – in other words the thin wires – then need to be wound around the holders.
IMPORTANT: It may happen that the set did not include any spare sleeves. In that case, the old ones will need to be transferred. Using something like a toothpick, it’s worth carefully removing them and fitting them onto the new bulbs. In practice, though, a more convenient solution is often to buy bulbs factory-painted blue and yellow. The choice is yours.
We hope our guide to the at times rather complicated removal of the factory radio from a Honda Jazz will help you avoid unnecessary problems and the extra stress involved in the repair. It is also worth noting that we will publish the next tutorial very soon.
