The Civic has always been one of Honda's automotive sweethearts, earning the loyalty of drivers around the world with its reliability and easy-to-drive nature. In 2001, Honda pushed the Civic into greener territories, focusing on the environmentally friendly hybrid market. The first generation of Civic Hybrid models lasted until 2005 and remained largely unchanged throughout. Just because the Hybrid is greener than its pure gasoline-powered brethren, it doesn't mean that the factory stereo unit can't be upgraded with a high-powered aftermarket stereo system. Removing the stereo unit from the Civic is easier than it would appear; however, reinstalling the stock stereo will require an unlock code that's in the Civic's documentation.
Pry out the gear position indicator panel surrounding the shift lever, using KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 or a similar automotive trim stick. Pry out the larger trim panel that was surrounding the gear position indicator panel. Pry up the trim panel surrounding the parking brake.
Open the center console armrest and pull out the rubber liner mat. Remove the screws from both sides at rear of the center console, the interior of the armrest storage compartment and the rear corners of the shifter lever recess, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pry out the clips along both sides of the front of the console, using an automotive trim clip tool or a flat-head screwdriver. Lift the rear of the console up, then pull it toward the rear of the Civic to disengage the clips securing the front of the console to the dashboard.
Pry out the dashboard center lower cover -- the plastic trim panel directly below the stereo unit -- then unplug the 12-volt power socket connector from the back of the center lower cover.
Reach through the recess under the stereo unit and remove the two bolts securing the stereo, using a ratchet and a socket wrench. Pry around the radio with your trim stick to release the mounting clips from the dashboard. Pull the radio forward and unplug the antenna wire and the electrical connectors.
Remove the four bolts securing the radio to the radio trim bezel; there are two bolts on each side of the radio. Push the radio forward and out of the trim bezel.
Slide the radio into the front of the radio trim bezel. Screw all four mounting bolts into place, using a ratchet and a socket.
Hold the radio up to the dashboard recess. Plug the wiring connectors and the antenna wire into the back of the radio. Push the radio into the dashboard until the clips lock into place. Screw the two mounting bolts into place at the bottom of the radio. Push the dashboard center lower cover into place.
Guide the center console into place over the parking brake and shift lever. Push the clips at the front of the console into the dashboard, then lower the console into place. Screw the console screws snugly into place. Push the two retaining clips into both sides of the front of the console.
Push the center trim panel, followed by the gear position indicator panel, into place around the shift lever. Push the parking brake trim panel into place.
Retrieve the radio unlock code from your Civic's Service History booklet. The Radio code is a five-digit code listed on the first page under the "Audio Code" heading.
Turn on the ignition switch, but do not start the engine. The radio will illuminate and display a "Code" message. Enter the radio code, using the radio preset buttons. The radio will beep if the code has been entered successfully. Turn off the ignition switch.
