Expert: Peter G. Lee - 10/15/2006

Question
we have a 1997 nissan maxima and I was trying to figure out how to remove the old radio/cassett player and install a radio/cd player.  I am having a problem removing the old one could you please help?

Answer
Not a car I am familiar with but as a rule Japanese cars have the radio built in behind the facia in a bracket.
So look for a couple of small screws, maybe in the ashtray, under heater knobs or at the very top, this will allow the fascia to be removed by pulling out, under this will usually be a bracket held on by 4 screws, remove these and then unscrew the radio side screws to release the radio.
To install an aftermarket set you can do one of two things 1, dump the ISO DIN cage and screw the radio in as original as most radios come with side fittings as well or buy an adaptor for the dash so you can use the ISO DIN cage that comes with the head unit.
Wiring will NOT be the same so either buy an adaptor harness, Nissan to ISO DIN or convert the Nissan to ISO DIN plugs the hard way by after identifying all the wires chopping off the Nissan plugs and soldering on the ISO DIN plugs and it will then accept ALL modern ISO radios.
Have fun, Peter