Ford introduced a newly redesigned Escort in the 1997 model year, but the model was hanging by a thread after 16-year run in the auto giant's lineup. In 2000, Ford began to phase out the Escort and launched its more modern replacement -- the Focus. The 2004 Focus was the final model year for the first generation. The 2004 Focus came standard with an AM/FM, CD-player stereo system and had an optional CD-changer available. A specialty tool available at most auto parts stores makes replacing the Focus's factory stereo a straightforward process.
Instructions
- 1
Look on the far left and far right of the Focus's radio to find the four holes -- two on each side. These are the radio-removal tool-locating holes.
2Insert the two Ford radio-removal tools -- U-shaped metal rods -- about 1 inch into the holes. Press the curved parts of the tools away from each other -- disengaging the radio's retaining tabs.
3Hold outward pressure on the tools, and pull the tools rearward to slide the radio from its chassis in the dashboard until the radio-retaining tabs are clear of the dashboard. The tools can lose their grip and slide out of the locator holes sometimes, so you may need to repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times.
4Pull the radio out of the radio chassis, by hand, until you can access the wiring on the rear of the Focus's radio. Press the locking buttons on the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio, and pull them from the radio with a slight wiggling motion -- the number of harnesses depends on the car's audio options. Grab the antenna wire on the right-rear of the radio and pull it from the radio. Remove the radio from the Focus.
5Plug the wiring harnesses into the rear of the radio -- the harnesses are different shapes and sizes, so they only fit on way. Plug the antenna wire into the antenna input on the rear of the radio.
6Line the radio unit up with the radio chassis, and slide the radio into the chassis until the locking tabs click into place.
