Honda's Ridgeline is the Japanese automaker's first and only entry into the full-size pickup truck category of vehicles. Like their competitors, Honda equips the Ridgeline with an assortment of stereo options. To remove the Ridgeline's stereo for repair, replacement, or to add other aftermarket components (such as a satellite receiver or MP3 adapter), you can trust the task to an audio professional, or you can remove the stereo yourself and save the cost of labor.
Before removing the stereo or any other component connected to the Ridgeline's electrical system, you need to first disconnect the negative battery cable. The negative cable is black and connects the battery to the frame or chassis of the Honda. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the cable's clamp. Remove the clamp from the battery's negative lead post. Rest the clamp away from the battery until you reconnect it at the end of the job.
The dash panel of the Ridegeline needs to be removed to access the stereo. While other Honda vehicles require you to remove multiple panels before accessing the stereo, the Ridgeline has one dash panel that pulls away from the dashboard. The panel surrounds the stereo and climate control and extends all the way to the left side of the steering column.
Start at the top right of the stereo. Grab the corner of the dash panel and pry it away from the dashboard. With a medium amount of force the retaining clips will disengage. Continue to pry around the perimeter of the panel, disconnecting all of the clips around the panel. Once the clips have all been disconnected, reach behind the climate control knobs and pull the wire groups for each knob free. Grab the wire groups by their plastic binders, not the wires themselves.
Leave the dash panel around the steering wheel; just rotate it out of the way so that you can easily access the stereo unit.
The Ridgeline's stereo is secured within the stereo mounting bracket by seven screws—five next to the face of the stereo and one on either side of the bracket.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the three screws on the right side and two on the left side. On the right and left side of the bracket are screws (one on each side) that hold the "factory pocket" to the mounting bracket. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove each screw. Pull the stereo from the mounting bracket. Pull far enough to reach the wiring connections at the rear of the radio.
Pull each of the wire groups from the stereo. Grab the wire groups by the plastic binders, not the wires themselves. Once the four groups (antenna, amplifier, power supply, and speakers) are disconnected, you can pull the stereo completely from the Ridgeline's dash.
