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Did the cupholder replacement today. It went as previously posted around here, but let me add some notes from my experience.
--Job took about 2 hours, but I'm not a fast worker. It should be suitable for most DIYers: don't be afraid! The hardest part is removing and replacing the screws from the back.
--Tools required: radio removal tools or equivalent, jeweler's screwdriver or other thin flat lever, torx T20 bit on some kind of holder or extension that will let you turn screws from the back at a slight angle (see below).
--You have to remove (in order) the radio, the ACC unit, the SID, and the radio cage in order to get at the screws.
--A small flashlight is helpful for locating tabs as you remove parts: not crucial, but it adds a little confidence.
--Four appropriately-sized nails will suffice to remove the radio. This is the easiest part. Insert the nails, push them in just a little, and put you fingers in the cassette slot to slide out the unit.
--ACC comes out pretty easily, though it needs a little force. I used a jeweler's screwdriver to help it out. To disconnect the cable, squeeze the knurled catch on the left, swing the plug out (the left side comes out first), and keep swinging until the J-shaped catch on the right can be unhooked.
--Lift up on the back (tilt it) as you slide out the SID. The SID cable comes out the same way as the ACC cable.
--The radio cage has metal tabs on each side. The jeweler's screwdriver helps get it out. Insert it between the panel and the cage, and you can loosen one side, then the other.
--To get at the cupholder screws, I mounted a T20 torx bit on a socket adapter, then put a flexible adapter (see image below--you need a short one of these) and a tiny ratchet on it. Once I had that rigged up, it was relatively easy to take out the screws. The hardest part is getting the bit into the screw head. I don't think it makes a difference whether you do the top or bottom first.
--Once you have the old cupholder out and the new one in, open up the cupholder to help hold it in place while you maneuver the screws into place. The tips of the screws are pretty big, so it can be quite difficult to get them started. If you have trouble with one of them, try the other first.
--You might need three hands at this point: one to hold the cupholder in the right place, one to work the screw into place, and one to turn the ratchet.
--The screws are going into plastic, so turn gently. The flexible adapter helps with this, since the spring will take up extra force. Still, be careful. Open and close the cupholder a few times when you think you have the screws in, to check that it isn't wobbly.
--The hard part is over: take a break, shake out your wrists and fingers, and grab a beverage.
--Make sure the SID cable is in place before you slide the radio cage back in, or else you'll have to take it out again.
--Secure the cable connections as you replace the SID and ACC units, and slide the radio back into place.
posted by 68.80.10...
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