This is a stereo/head unit removal DIY for the 03-04 Civic (and may apply to other years as well). This tutorial was created using an 04 LX coupe. The following instructions should be useful to you if you want to change your stereo or install an iPod adapter (such as the popular PA11-Hon).
Step 1
Stick your hand under the trim ring and pull.
Step 2
Lift the ring.
Step 3
Stick your finger in the location shown and pull up hard. It can be very stiff but it does come out. There is a hole there to stick your finger in and make it easier.
Step 4
Be persistent.The console piece does come off but it can be difficult sometimes. If it seems stuck in one part, look very closely to where the clip is (the console piece will be cut out a little just above it), stick a very small screwdriver and try to push the clip out.
Step 5
Use a phillips head screwdriver to remove the 2 screws located near the cup holders on either side of the console.
Step 6
Stick your hand under the "horseshoe shaped piece" as shown and pull it out. It is simply held in by clips, 2 on each side. Pull the sides out first and then pull the entire piece out by pulling up and back. Unplug the cigarette lighter and set this piece aside.
Step 7
Start taking the head unit out.
Step 8
Remove these 2 screws to allow you to take the panel containing your HVAC controls, hazard light and head unit to come out. You can use either a very short phillips head screwdriver or an 8mm socket and ratchet. One screw is in the center and one is towards the right, but they are up underneath the dash and you may have to get under there at a weird angle to see them, but they are very easy to get out using a ratchet.
Step 9
Stick your hand behind the metal bar that you just took the screws out of and push it kind of up and forward. The top of this bar is part of the panel containing the head unit and the bottom half is part of the car. Push on the bar so that the head unit pops out. It may be stiff if it hasn't been removed before but it does come out. It may be helpful to pry at the seams with a spackle knife. Using a screwdriver may not be advisable, because it's too easy to break the plastic. Use force with care.
Step 10
That's all there is to it, and reassembly is the exact opposite of disassembly.
