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rfguy · 03-14-2017, 08:17 PM

Hello All-I have a 2017 ForestRiver Forester on a E450. I don't like the supplied radio and need to remove it. As I see it I need to remove the dash front as it extends from the radio and around the instrument cluster. I have it popped off but I am having difficulty with the transmission shift lever blocking the way. I tried moving it in various positions and no luck. It seems to me I may need to drop the steering column. Has anyone else removed the dash panel in one of the newer rigs? I have seen pictures of the 2016 and they look similar. Any suggestions Thank you!

l1v3fr33ord1 · 03-15-2017, 05:43 AM

rfguy-

Here's a link to instructions that imply the shift lever need not be moved.

Instructions for the E-series start on sheet 15 of the PDF.

The folks at Crutchfield could probably answer your question, too. They can also advise if there are any other potential issues with removal and installation. For instance, one link I read implied that there are harnesses to convert Ford wiring to match the new receiver you install.

JONWisconsin · 03-15-2017, 12:01 PM

I second contacting Crutchfield. I never heard of removing the entire dash front to replace the radio. The people in Crutchfield are very helpful and can tell you exactly what you need to do.

rfguy · 03-15-2017, 12:44 PM

Thank you for the reply. I did check out the link and the E series pictures did resemble my dash footprint however I think maybe either FR asked Ford to upgrade the dash finish and install a non factory radio or FR did it themselves. The radio as it came is a cheap version of a 2-din Pioneer radio that is used at rear/side view cameras via a video switcher located above the steering column. The link may be helpful if they installed this pioneer radio with the ford hardware. I'll check thank you again.
I would think there must be an easy way to get this trim completely out of the way in order to service the instrument cluster if nothing else.

JONWisconsin · 03-15-2017, 08:05 PM

As I look at the dash it seems the section where the radio is should come out. Hope you find out an easier way.

VerboortTech · 03-16-2017, 10:41 PM

I think I know what the OP is talking about. Mine looks similar this picture: https://cars.usnews.com/static/image..._dashboard.jpg

It is one continuous piece of plastic the holds the AC controls, power ports, vents, and recess for the instrument panel.

rfguy · 03-17-2017, 10:41 PM

Thank you VerboortTech. The picture is the same as mine. It is one piece. This 2017 FR no longer hyas the factory radio but has a cheap Pioneer and it is mounted differently. Many have offered advice that it is not necessary to remove the dash but-Yes it is. I need to run cables and neaten up the FR installed wiring. I have yet find a link to getting it removed. I am hesitant to lower the steering column. I am going to look into removing the shift lever. I will get it figured out and will post the results when I d so others will not have to go through this.