After finding a lack of good information on how to remove the dash bezel while doing some stereo modifications on my 2002 Ford Explorer, I decided to document and write my own tutorial to help anyone else in a similar situation.
Please note: I am not responsible for any damage that may be a result of following this tutorial. If you don’t feel comfortable with this please contact a professional. Otherwise, proceed at your own risk!
Tools Needed:
- A flat head screwdriver
- A hook tool, or in my case a hooked wire (see picture below)
Click on pics for full size
The 2002 Ford Explorer dash bezel is held in by small clips. The first step is to start slowly popping these clips free. Before you begin, take a look at the clips so you can better understand how they pop out.
Click on pics for full size
There are six locations where there are clips. See the pictures below to get an idea of where the pressure points will be.
Click on pics for full size.
The first step is to use the flat head screwdriver to help you get the hook tool behind the bezel. Start on the right hand side and carefully pull out until the first clip pops free. You may have to apply force to get the first one out. Just be careful not to pull too hard as you can break the bezel.
Click on pic for full size.
Once you get the first clip off, slowly work your way around counter-clockwise with your hands.
Click on pic for full size.
And you’re done! The bezel will just snap back on once you’re done doing whatever you’re doing. I hope this tutorial helped!
And yet…no time to meet me for a cup of coffee? Just bustin ballz – hope you are well!
Thanks, I have tried a couple of times to remove my radio and disconnect it in order to reset the settings because one of the buttons does not work, (the one that controls the balance). I have had only one speaker working for the past year. I removed and reconnected the radio and it reset so I again have all speakers working. It was easy once I saw your instructions. A much cheaper fix than the dealership wanted. Much appreciated, I took the kids to the drive-in and we could actually hear the movie.
Many thanks for the guide. My daughter bought a 2002 explorer and asked me to change her non-CD radio to one that played CD’s. I’m sure I would have broken the bezel without your pictures. Nice work.
Thanks, I knew there was clips holding the bezel on, but the hook made it easier to get it out. Thanks for the quick and easy guide.
Like you I looked all over for imformation on how to take out the radio on my 2002 Explorer. Thanks for putting out this imformation, was a snap with your pictures. Thanks for doing this..
Thank you-like the other people who replied, I could not find a nice set of instructions dealing with bezel removal! Your instructions helped a ton!
Just wanted to say thanks a bunch brother. I would of broken the bezel and probably smashed a bunch of other things while being pissed off. Thanks again!!!
M- Hough Im actually taking the radio out of my explorer so i am only briefly viewing this site. But where are you located? All Hough’s are related. Since we started with one family in the States from england.
Thank you for taking the time to explain this. It really helped. If Ford would provide such customer service, they might not be in the trouble they’re in now! Thanks!
Thanks, I know I would have broken that bezel without your help.
It’s people like you who make searching the internet worth while! Not only did you spend time on your own car, but you took the time to shoot some great pictures, give step by step directions and make it easier for anyone else to work on their car. You rock!
This is really helpful! Thank you for posting the instructions along with pictures.
John 14:6
from Saudi Arabia
thank very much it really helped me
glad to see someone took a problem into their own hands, thanks man.
This was so helpful. It was very less expensive than taking it somewhere thanks for thinking of others with the same problem you were having.
Props
Exactly what kind of wire were you using? Tried the coat hanger, but it just scratched my bezel twice!
I used a big flathead screwdriver to allow my fingers in between. Took a little elbow grease, but everything worked fine. Thanks!
AWESOME!! I was just able to uninstall my Sony XPLOD and re-install the factory deck without having to pay a dime! You rule man. Thanks for the great post.
Thanks for posting this!
This was perfect. It made the install practically instant!
This article was right on the money. After spending a cautious (I didn’t want to breakout any plastic) half an hour, I googled “removing a 2002 ford explorer stereo”, found this article, read this article (5 minutes) and went out an pulled the bezel (another 5 minutes). Read this article carefully and follow it to the letter – all will be okay. Thanks to the person that took the time to write this article.
Good Show! very helpful. mucho gracias
Thank so much dude. Nobody seemed to know what I was talking about, your examples and right on!
Damn dude thanks a lot. I was mad about all the bulbs going out on the A/C knobs and i had no idea how to take it apart
thanks – very helpful. Couldn’t find info anywhere until I typed in the word – Bezel and then your easy to understand instructions popped up. Thanks again.
Dude, YOU ROCK!!! If you lived near me, I’d buy you dinner and a BEER.
THank you so much.
Peace!
Thanks a lot great instructions
i myam so thankful for u putting this on here this information is so helpful in taking this off.My problem though is claping nioce that happens when i turn the heater on.sounds as though the door is struggeling to switch from cold to hot.Is there something behind there that fits this bill that i can fix.?
I have been looking for some help all over the web. Great instructions! you da man.
Thanks mate. Great easy to follow instructions. Much appreciated.
This was a pain in the ass trying to figure out the dash bezel, thank you soo much! Very helpful, Thank God for Internet.
Sir you are a rockstar! showing the clips and the connection points; you simply couldn’t have done a more helpful thing. a pic is worth a thousand words and no one really shows either and that’s just about the most important info to keep from snapping or cracking the bezel. thank you very much
Thanks alot
Holy thanks! My hubby is popping out bezel as we speak-FIL is driving thank you!
Very very helpful.
Just follow the instruction and you are there.
Thanks. Great info. I wish Chilton’s or Haynes would put that kind of effort into their manuals.
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.
You da man!!
Thanks, 225,000 miles on this thing and I get a cd stuck in the 6 pack, now that I got the radio out, how do I get into the CD player to get the cd out??