It seems that the people that installed my headunit were a bit stingy with the wiring around the back.

God know how they have done it, but im unable to pull the headunit out, stuff must be getting caught.

Is there a decent way to reach around the back of the HU

I has the glovebox out, but couldbt get around very well.

I tried to remove the trim on the drivers side, lower section, I undid everything I ould find but couldnt remove it.

Is it possible to remove the central trim, or do you have to remove everything else before it?

Bloody annoying, tempted to give the HU a wrench and deal with replugging any wires if it becomes necessary.

Ideally id remove enough trim so that i can get a hand around the back and guide whatever is sticking.

Bloody frustrated!

Jono

Removing the glovebox is simply a case of 5 Torx screws IIRC...

This will definitely allow you the access you need. Do a quick search on glovebox removal and you should find plenty!

Yeah, Ive already removed the glovebox.

Without removing more substantial bits of the centre console I cant really reach up inside and have a good root.

Is it a lot easier from the steering wheel side, or am I just going to have to use some brute force?

Jono

There is no access from the steering wheel side.

You might be able to pop the tray section out from under the stereo if you are careful , but I've never needed to to get at the back of the stereo. Some of the wires are probably hooked on something :(

In the Fabia, you need to remove the headunit to remove the lower tray.

I found that removing the glove box helped, but also removing the centre air vents aided access, then I cut out the back of the head unit tray to allow more room for cabling.

I don't know if this is possible in the Octavia, but suspect the arrangement is very similar.

Actually, I have had the HU put in the tray space, I didnt like the sapce anyway so dont miss it, and i thought it was a bit more clandestine vs prying eyes.

I think ill have to just give it a tug, and deal with the consequences if they arise.

Jono

you should have more than enough room by removing the glove box ive installed an equalizer below my HU in the space where the tray was and not had any problems with cabling and room.

The problem is that the HU wont pull out properly and my hands/arms are a bit to big to reach around and give it some help.

My HU is fitted in the space where the tray was, and the oem HU is still in place.,(stealth as mentioned before)

I might have to use a stick or something to poke about and try to ease the wires. Could there be a aerial amplifier or something attached to the back thats getting caught?

Jono

I have a similar set up to what you describe: OEM head unit in top slot, and Kenwood Mask head unit hidden in bottom slot.

IIRC, the wiring to the bottom slot is very tight, and has to loop round a plastic pillar, which would make it difficult to remove. I think this pillar is absent on the LHS for the top DIN slot, so the OEM head unit should move relativly freely. Having said that, there isn't much space behind there, and you may find putting both in has trapped some cables - have you tried releasing both at the same time?

If it is your lower one you are trying to remove, I could quite believe you are having problems. Mine has also gotten caught on the ariel cable at the RHS before.

I'm pulling it all out again at the weekend, so could have a think or maybe take some pics if this would help?

Rooster

Pulled my Symphony HU out last night.

Used the Kenwood removal tools - the really thin ones.

It also is a bit tight & had to hold it at an angle to undo the clips - there in not much spare cable !

Just struggle or get someone with smaller hands to do it - the missus

Pete

So whats the technique for removing the symphony head unit?

I might take the glove box out (again) and see if i can poke some cables free with a stick or something.

Jono

Jono,

Insert your 2 Skoda / Kenwood clips into the holes under the AUD & TP buttons. This will release the clamps so the unit can be pulled towards the rear of the car. When it is almost out you may find that turning the front of the unit to the passenger side may help you gain access to the rear so you can disconnect. All of the connections are 'handed' so you can't get it wrong anyway.

I do not believe you need to remove the glovebox as I only removed this due to removing an old hands free kit, however as stated removing it may enable you to get more cable if required & it is only 5 x T20 screws & 1 clip for the light on the right side - don't forget this.

Pete

Jono,

one more thing is that when you reinstall the unit it may 'ask' for your security code. This is a 4 digit number.

If you do not have this, then Skoda require the 14 digit number that is on the unit that you have just put back in !

Mine starts with SK************

Hope this helps.

Pete

Without buying the requisite removal tools, is there a way to bodge removal of the symphony HU using household objects/tools?

I seem to recall some cars ask for security codes, some "talk" to the ecu and do it themselves.

Jono

A hacksaw blade without the teeth is about the right size , as are some small nail files.

If you have a tiny swiss army knife the nail file on one of them is perfect