Mazda3 Head Unit Removal

[Osidecaliguy]

Anyone know how to remove the head unit on the '05 Mazda 3. I want to install an amp to the stereo but dont know how to remove the head unit to get to the wiring. I saw a post a few days ago with step by step instructions and pictures but cant locate it now. Any help would be great!

[Gambino]

It is pretty simple. open your glove bow and pull off the dash strip. Its easiest if you start from the bottom on the passanger side. Just use a little force, it will come off. Once that is off there are just two screws, take them out and the whole head unit slides right out, then there are two things you unplug from the back and can take it out.

[BrianG]

The following link is probably what you are talking about: http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/495957/10

The link goes on to explain how to hook up after-market wires for a line-out converter (for amp hook-up), but you don't need that part...

[Getting2knowMaz]

What does an AMP do?

[BrianG]

What does an AMP do?
amp=amplifier. It makes music louder. A typical stock headunit puts out somewhere from 8-15 watts rms (don't ask what "rms" means please), which will distort pretty easily when listening to music loud, especially if you like your music with a healthy amount of bass tones. An amp will amplify the sound so you can turn it louder without distortion (distortion kills speakers). Check out Crutchfield (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qE8yO2JVoQq/cgi-bin/SuperProdGroup.asp?g=100&avf=Y) for more info.

[Getting2knowMaz]

cool... I had an AMP and something else installed from the factory that made the music sound alot better on my 96 BMW 328i. I just wish I knew what it was so I can install the same thing to my Mazda.

[majic]

cool... I had an AMP and something else installed from the factory that made the music sound alot better on my 96 BMW 328i. I just wish I knew what it was so I can install the same thing to my Mazda.

aftermarket speakers?

[majic]

... 8-15 watts rms (don't ask what "rms" means please)...

RMS = root mean square

it refers to the 'true'/'continuous' power as opposed to peak. you'll see an amp rated at 1000W (most likely that's going to be peak power since it's greater - marketing hype) the rms value is half that, in this case the true power would be 500W

it comes from the equation:

1) P=VI
2) V=IR
thus P=I^2 * R

where P=power; V=Voltage; R=Resistance (load) and I^2 means "I squared"

A) P=Irms^2 * R --> true/continuous power
B) P=Ipeak^2 * R --> peak power
C) Irms=Ipeak/sqrt(2)

sqrt(2) --> "means square root of 2"

put C in A -> P=Ipeak^2 / sqrt(2)^2 * R
simplifying --> P=Ipeak^2 * R / 2

clear as mud?

wikipedia explains it in more detail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_power)

[BrianG]

RMS = root mean square

it refers to the 'true'/'continuous' power as opposed to peak. you'll see an amp rated at 1000W (most likely that's going to be peak power since it's greater - marketing hype) the rms value is half that, in this case the true power would be 500W

it comes from the equation:

1) P=VI
2) V=IR
thus P=I^2 * R

where P=power; V=Voltage; R=Resistance (load) and I^2 means "I squared"

A) P=Irms^2 * R --> true/continuous power
B) P=Ipeak^2 * R --> peak power
C) Irms=Ipeak/sqrt(2)

sqrt(2) --> "means square root of 2"

put C in A -> P=Ipeak^2 / sqrt(2)^2 * R
simplifying --> P=Ipeak^2 * R / 2

clear as mud?

wikipedia explains it in more detail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_power)

Yes, I know what RMS means, but I didn't want to go through the whole explanation for someone who is just starting out and didn't even know what an amp was (no offense intended to that person). But thanks for the info. ;)